ROLLING STONES, THROUGH THE PAST DARKLY, 1969 UK DECCA

	£		38
	$		50

Here for auction is a superb example of the brilliant compilation album by THE ROLLING STONES titled “THROUGH THE PAST DARKLY (BIG HITS VOL. 2)”, Catalogue Number SKL 5019. This is an ORIGINAL 1969 *UK STEREO 1st PRESSING* on the UNBOXED DECCA RECORD LABEL, with a beautiful 1st issue fully-laminated octagonal Garrod & Lofthouse gatefold sleeve, and complete with the correct octagonal Decca blue/white inner sleeve. Please do not underestimate how difficult it is to find a copy of this album in genuine excellent condition throughout. 

The fully-laminated octagonal gatefold sleeve, printed and made in the UK by Garrod & Lofthouse International Ltd., is in EX condition (strictly graded) with only the lightest of wear. The internal flipbacks and record pocket are near perfect, and the spine is square and solid with all text clearly legible. You can see from the photos that this is a very well preserved example which should please most collectors.

The top quality Decca record retains a deep mirror-like shine and sits flat and true on the turntable.

The Matrix Numbers and stampers are:

Side 1 – XZAL-9067.P-1W

Side 2 – XZAL-9068.P-2W

The record is visually in EX condition, with only a few light sleeve-removal type rub marks and hairlines visible under bright light. These are purely superficial and do not cause any audio problems. The blue Decca labels (with ‘Unboxed’ Decca logos) are unmarked with only a few light spindle traces near the centres. There is barely any wear around the spindle hole. I am confident that the record has not been played many times.

PLAYGRADE ASSESSMENT:

This is a particularly vibrant and detailed stereo pressing which sounds truly sensational played at loud volume. The record plays perfectly. All frequencies are crystal clear and there is no discernable deterioration in sound quality and barely any unwanted noise at all (just occasional very light surface sound which is never intrusive). You simply will not find a significantly better playing copy of this wonderful album!

Complete with the correct octagonal blue/white inner sleeve which is in EX condition with no splits or tears.

GRADINGS

The records that I offer for sale have been critically play-graded, at loud volume, on a Rega Planar 3 turntable fitted with an Elys 2 cartridge. I will only sell records that play to a high standard. My gradings are strict and in accordance with the following descriptions:

·         MINT- Record is superb, almost like new, with just a few sleeve removal type surface marks and no deterioration in sound quality. Sleeve is near perfect in all respects.

·         EX Record is a top quality example, with just a few very light surface marks which do not sound, and barely any discernable deterioration in sound quality. Sleeve has slight wear and/or creasing.

·         VG+ Record has some visual surface marks, but still plays to a high standard without any major deterioration in sound quality – just a few clicks or light surface sound in places. Sleeve has normal wear and tear without any major defects. Still a very presentable sleeve.

PACKAGING & POSTAGE

Records are sent out in new “Wrapro” record mailers. These are rectangular and strong, providing excellent protection to the edges and corners. Records are removed from both inner and outer sleeves in order to prevent seam-splits in transit.

INTERNATIONAL POSTAGE

Due to PayPal’s Buyer Protection Policy, LPs posted outside of the UK (paid for by PayPal) will only be sent International Signed-For with insurance   

Europe up to £36 value - £8.95

Europe over £36 value - £11.15

Worldwide up to £36 value - £11.45

Worldwide over £36 value - £13.65

Multiple LPs will be charged at an extra £1.50 per LP (up to 4 in total)

The UK postage cost includes insurance up to a value of £36. If the final sale price is more than this, your invoice will include a Special Delivery Next Day insurance option.