The Smiths: Hatful of Hollow: 1984 First UK Pressing NM/NM

	£		30
	$		40

The Smiths: Hatful of Hollow: 1984 First UK Pressing NM/VG+
The Copy I have for sale a very nice copy of The Smiths first compilation album, Hatful of Hollow. The condition is excellent.  You will certainly be able to find a cheaper copy of this but you'll struggle to find one that is a better quality.  Thsi is reflected in the price.  The matrix run outs read:
Side 1: ROUGH 76 A2 THE IMPOTENCE OF ERNEST Side 2: ROUGH . 76 . B2 Ian (EIRE)
The matrices indicate a fourth variant version of the first pressing. This is confirmed by the Garrod and Lofthouse printers credit on the rear of the sleeve. I am certain that this is the genuine article.
The Vinyl
Both sides retain their original sheen. Examined under bright light, there are no apparent paper scuffs. There are no deep scratches, skips, jumps or sticks. Play tested on my Sansui XP-99 with a Goldring Elan cartridge there is virtually no surface noise meaning that the music is crystal clear throughout. I grade it as a Near Mint
The Labels
The labels are pristine with no spindle wear and only a few barely discernible marks.
The Outer Sleeve
The outer sleeve is is in super crisp condition. There are no corner dinks or edge creases. The spine is fully legible. There is no ring wear. There are a few slight marks on the front cover where it looks like something has been laid on it and has lifted the laminate. The original hype sticker is present and is in very good condition. I hope the pictures show the condition well enough but please contact me for more detailed pictures if you wish. Given the slight imperfections noted above I grade the sleeve as VG+.
The Inner Sleeve
The inner sleeve has no ring wear and is fully legible with no writing. It is as shiny as it was when brand new. I grade it as Near Mint.
Pricing
I look at a variety of sources to try to work out what the market value of each record I sell is and set the starting bid accordingly. I use the Goldmine grading system and try to be fair with each grading and description so you get exactly what you see on the tin. I know it’s a subjective business though so tend to grade conservatively so as not to disappoint. You need to remember though that the value of a near mint copy is going to be significantly more than one which, is only VG. I usually offer an auction with a starting price and the opportunity to make an offer. Please be aware that the Starting Price is the minimum I will accept so if you make an offer that’s less it will be rejected.
My Philosophy
I’m a collector too and operate on the principle that I treat others as I would wish to be treated myself; hence the comprehensive description and an offer to provide further photos, videos or answers to any questions you may have. Just drop me a message. Also, please have a look at my recent feedback and you’ll see that I am a genuine safe seller.
Postage and Packing
UK Sale Price Under £20: Royal Mail Second Class. This service provides insurance for up to £20. It does not offer tracking. It costs £3.20. It costs me 70p for a top quality Music Max mailer, a 250gsm polythene sleeve and stiffeners. I pass on half of that to you so the total cost for P&P is £3.55.
UK Sale Price £20 to £50: Royal Mail Second Class Signed For in the UK. This service provides insurance for up to £50. It provides conformation of posting and of delivery. It costs £4.20. It costs me 70p for a top quality Music Max mailer, a 250gsm polythene sleeve and stiffeners. I pass on half of that to you so the total cost for P&P is £4.55.
UK Sale Price Over £50: Royal Mail Guaranteed Next Day by 1pm. This service provides insurance of up to £500. It is fully tracked. It costs £7.65. It costs me 70p for a top quality Music Max mailer, a 250gsm polythene sleeve and stiffeners. I pass on half of that to you so the total cost for P&P is £8.00.
Overseas Shipping: Please contact before bidding so I can advise shipping costs. Please do not pay until you receive an invoice. The invoice will include the cost of fully insured shipping via an international courier and any extra selling costs incurred by me. All import duties and local taxes are the responsibility of the buyer.
I will message you a picture of the package when it is ready for dispatch. If the service allows, I will then provide you with the tracking number both via a message and on the listing. Most of my auctions end on a Sunday evening. I aim to ship on a Monday morning. If this timetable slips then I will contact you to advise and offer a refund of the purchase price if you no longer wish to go ahead with the purchase.
I can combine postage on up to three albums but please remember double albums count as two. If you want combined postage then please contact me before paying and I will issue you with an invoice.
The album will be separated from the outer sleeve and both will be housed in a soft polythene cover. It will be sent in a new very high quality Music Max cardboard mailer with stiffeners.
If like me, you are lucky enough to live in Leicester I will hand deliver for free. Hand delivery in the East Midlands can also be arranged for the cost of fuel. If you wish either of these then please contact me before payment.