18th Feb, 2025 10:00
The Billy Albert Collection Of Smiths Vinyl and Memorabilia
THE SMITHS - HAND IN GLOVE 7" (ORIGINAL UK WHITE LABEL TEST PRESSING - RT 131)
THE SMITHS - HAND IN GLOVE 7" (ORIGINAL UK WHITE LABEL TEST PRESSING - RT 131). Profoundly rare test 1983 UK test pressing of The Smiths' first ever release. Each member of the band was given their own copy of this test pressing, with a few others pressed for Rough Trade's own purposes, there are likely to have only been ten or so of these test pressings manufactured prior to full production - the earliest and first piece of Smiths vinyl history. The A side is in Ex condition showing a couple of light and minor paper hairline marks, these not at all heavier feelable scratches. The B side is in Ex+ condition showing few marks. A-side Matrix Etching - RT 131 A-2U-1-2 (KISS MY SHADES / A PORKY PRIME CUT). B-side Matrix Etching - RT 131 B1 (KISS MY SHADES TOO / PORKY)
Sold for £2,800
Hammer Price
THE SMITHS - HAND IN GLOVE 7" (ORIGINAL UK WHITE LABEL TEST PRESSING - RT 131). Profoundly rare test 1983 UK test pressing of The Smiths' first ever release. Each member of the band was given their own copy of this test pressing, with a few others pressed for Rough Trade's own purposes, there are likely to have only been ten or so of these test pressings manufactured prior to full production - the earliest and first piece of Smiths vinyl history. The A side is in Ex condition showing a couple of light and minor paper hairline marks, these not at all heavier feelable scratches. The B side is in Ex+ condition showing few marks. A-side Matrix Etching - RT 131 A-2U-1-2 (KISS MY SHADES / A PORKY PRIME CUT). B-side Matrix Etching - RT 131 B1 (KISS MY SHADES TOO / PORKY)
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
