18th Feb, 2025 10:00
The Billy Albert Collection Of Smiths Vinyl and Memorabilia
THE SMITHS - GIRLFRIEND IN A COMA 7" (ORIGINAL UK MISPRINT - RT 197)
THE SMITHS - GIRLFRIEND IN A COMA 7" (ORIGINAL UK MISPRINT - RT 197). 1987 UK 7" single with mispressed sleeve. A classic example of no-one checking the sleeve proofs well enough. This sleeve, pressed in green (rare in itself) erroneously included the 12" tracklisting. Rough Trade presumably let a few of these slip out into the system to treat and excite collectors as they often did with misprints. The record is in VG+ condition with a few light non-feelable surface marks. The sleeve is in Ex condition with a few light scuffs.
Sold for £550
Hammer Price
THE SMITHS - GIRLFRIEND IN A COMA 7" (ORIGINAL UK MISPRINT - RT 197). 1987 UK 7" single with mispressed sleeve. A classic example of no-one checking the sleeve proofs well enough. This sleeve, pressed in green (rare in itself) erroneously included the 12" tracklisting. Rough Trade presumably let a few of these slip out into the system to treat and excite collectors as they often did with misprints. The record is in VG+ condition with a few light non-feelable surface marks. The sleeve is in Ex condition with a few light scuffs.
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
