18th Feb, 2025 10:00
The Billy Albert Collection Of Smiths Vinyl and Memorabilia
THE SMITHS - THIS CHARMING MAN 7" (ORIGINAL UK 'GREEN LABEL' TEST PRESSING - RT 136)
THE SMITHS - THIS CHARMING MAN 7" (ORIGINAL UK 'GREEN LABEL' TEST PRESSING - RT 136). Very rare 1983 UK single-sided 'green' label test pressing of TCM. Rough Trade Plugger Scott Piering re-used this to send out for promotional purposes to radio stations or music journalists. For this one, he photocopied a proof of the single's label and using a Pritt Stick, glued it to the A-side, the glue has since dried out (thankfully) and so the photocopied label is detached. Better still, this promo was sent out with the withdrawn 'Glad Hips Manchester Address' proof sleeve which has been cut, folded and assembled to mimic the single sleeve - such was Scott's inventiveness! This is 1-sided only with a test-tone on the other side.The record is in VG+ condition showing a few light and minor surface hairline marks, these not at all heavier feelable scratches. The sleeve is in Ex condition with only minor wear. A-side Matrix Etching - RT 136 A-3U-1-1-1 (timtom-cbs). B-side Matrix Etching - FB 7 x 1
Sold for £1,700
Hammer Price
THE SMITHS - THIS CHARMING MAN 7" (ORIGINAL UK 'GREEN LABEL' TEST PRESSING - RT 136). Very rare 1983 UK single-sided 'green' label test pressing of TCM. Rough Trade Plugger Scott Piering re-used this to send out for promotional purposes to radio stations or music journalists. For this one, he photocopied a proof of the single's label and using a Pritt Stick, glued it to the A-side, the glue has since dried out (thankfully) and so the photocopied label is detached. Better still, this promo was sent out with the withdrawn 'Glad Hips Manchester Address' proof sleeve which has been cut, folded and assembled to mimic the single sleeve - such was Scott's inventiveness! This is 1-sided only with a test-tone on the other side.The record is in VG+ condition showing a few light and minor surface hairline marks, these not at all heavier feelable scratches. The sleeve is in Ex condition with only minor wear. A-side Matrix Etching - RT 136 A-3U-1-1-1 (timtom-cbs). B-side Matrix Etching - FB 7 x 1
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!"
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Viewing by appointment 17th February
