18th Feb, 2025 10:00
The Billy Albert Collection Of Smiths Vinyl and Memorabilia
THE SMITHS - HAND IN GLOVE - ORIGINAL 'NEGATIVE' SLEEVE DESIGN (RT 131)
THE SMITHS - HAND IN GLOVE - ORIGINAL 'NEGATIVE' SLEEVE DESIGN (RT 131). Well-presented copy of the record that most collectors regard as the No.1 Smiths rarity... Joe Slee, the Rough Trade Production Manager was interviewed by Q magazine in their October 1994 issue, "I binned all the reverse sleeves because they were faulty. I know they're worth money but, oh well, there goes my pension fund." As we all know, a handful were mischievously released into collector's hands. The sleeve is in VG+ condition showing a few light creases and paper scuffs though no rips, tears or splits. 'Withdrawn cover £40' is visible when held to light on the front top right section. The original record is in Ex+ condition showing only a couple of very faint and wispy paper marks. A-side Matrix Etching - RT 131 A-2U-1-2 (Kiss My Shades). B-side Matrix Etching - RT 131 B1 (KISS MY SHADES TOO / PORKY). Forget your Sex Pistols 'God Save The Queen' 7" on the A&M label, there are several hundreds of those in existence (albeit most probably gathering dust in collector's bank vaults), there are only approximately 25 of these in existence….a sound investment!
Sold for £3,800
Hammer Price
THE SMITHS - HAND IN GLOVE - ORIGINAL 'NEGATIVE' SLEEVE DESIGN (RT 131). Well-presented copy of the record that most collectors regard as the No.1 Smiths rarity... Joe Slee, the Rough Trade Production Manager was interviewed by Q magazine in their October 1994 issue, "I binned all the reverse sleeves because they were faulty. I know they're worth money but, oh well, there goes my pension fund." As we all know, a handful were mischievously released into collector's hands. The sleeve is in VG+ condition showing a few light creases and paper scuffs though no rips, tears or splits. 'Withdrawn cover £40' is visible when held to light on the front top right section. The original record is in Ex+ condition showing only a couple of very faint and wispy paper marks. A-side Matrix Etching - RT 131 A-2U-1-2 (Kiss My Shades). B-side Matrix Etching - RT 131 B1 (KISS MY SHADES TOO / PORKY). Forget your Sex Pistols 'God Save The Queen' 7" on the A&M label, there are several hundreds of those in existence (albeit most probably gathering dust in collector's bank vaults), there are only approximately 25 of these in existence….a sound investment!
Auction: The Billy Albert Collection Of Smiths Vinyl and Memorabilia, 18th Feb, 2025
A few words from Billy Albert himself..
"The time has come to finally let go of my Smiths treasures, a wealth of treats for the casual Smiths collector and the hardcore completist. Yes it's an old cliché, I've enjoyed collecting and owning all of this, but it's now time for other collectors to enjoy these items.
I've long battled with the pros and cons of whether to sell this collection off piecemeal over time (like a small pension), or whether to let it all go in one sale with all the limitations that can possibly go with that alternative. My vanity ultimately won over to let it all go for the spectacle that you see before you.
Please fill your boots, you are unlikely to see another collection go up for sale like this for a long time until another hardcore collector either sadly passes on or has the bank manager knocking at their door. Thankfully neither of these circumstances have caused this sale. I am just too selfish to let my next of kin enjoy the proceeds of all of this after I am gone, when I can spend it on myself instead!"
Viewing
Viewing by appointment 17th February
