Rare Early Press David Bowie Hunky Dory LP SF8244 Gloss Labels "Bobil/Rasputin"

	£		65
	$		86

I am selling this very rare early original UK pressing of Bowie's classic 1971 Album, Hunky Dory!
RCA Victor SF8244 (LSP 4623) 
This record is listed with a very low start price and NO RESERVE!
Similar examples have been selling for over £200 so this is an opportunity to own this piece of rock history for a bargain price!

Here is all of the information I've been able to research to prove that this record genuinely dates from the very earliest pressings of the LP (from December 1971, I think):
1.   Matrices stamped and etched on the runouts:
Side A has: APRS 5947 3T stamped on the runout with the word "Bobil" etched in handwriting Side B has: APRS 5948 1T stamped on the runout with the word "Rasputin" etched in handwriting
These matrices and etchings are only present in the earliest pressings of the album.
      2.   Original Orange Gloss Labels:
The labels are printed in the original glossy orange, rather than the later matt orange or re-issued green & black. After 45 years the labels are perhaps not quite as glossy as they originally were but they're definitely the real deal.  I also own one of the slightly later pressings with the matt labels and have provided a photo which compares the labels of the 2 records held into the light, clearly showing the difference between the glossy (top) label and matt (bottom) version. The labels have Chrysalis/Titanic publishing credits and no "Dynaflex" logo which is found on other early versions produced on the inferior "Dynaflex" vinyl - this copy is on the heavier/higher-quality vinyl.
       3. No "Mainman" Credits:
Slightly later copies of the original pressings credit the "Mainman" management company which was introduced in early 1972 (I think). The copy I'm selling has no mention anywhere of "Mainman" anywhere on the sleeve, labels or lyric sheet. The only credits given on this copy are RCA Victor, Gem Production (with Gem logo) & Chrysalis/Titanic (on the labels).
The sleeve is not laminated on either the front or the back. Several sources online state that the very 1st pressings came with a laminated sleeve (which is certainly true in many cases) but I've also read reliable sources stating that some of the 1st pressings were also produced without laminated sleeves. Please do your own research before bidding.
As for the condition...
The record, sleeve, labels & lyric sheet are all classed as "Very Good" to "Excellent" Condition, according to the standard "Record Collector Magazine" grading system.
The record itself shows some clear signs of use on both sides and there a few light surface scratches, only detectable visually. These are concentrated on and around the runouts (look closely at the close-up photos of the labels) and there is very little lessening in sound quality. Some slight crackles may be audible between tracks and during quiet sections but there's nothing serious. The sleeve shows some signs of light storage wear but this is only very slight creasing in a few places, no tears, rips or split seams. 
I'm not saying the condition is perfect by any means but it's very good indeed and the buyer will not be disappointed - I have tried to make everything as clear as possible in the description and the photos but please contact me if you have any question.
Good Luck!!
Buyer to pay via Paypal within 24 hours of the auction ending - otherwise I reserve the right to re-list the item
I will package the record very safely and with great care - it will be sent via Royal Mail 2nd Class "Signed-for" postage
From a smoke-free home 
No returns, guarantees or refunds - item "sold as seen"