18th Feb, 2025 10:00
The Billy Albert Collection Of Smiths Vinyl and Memorabilia
THE SMITHS - THE QUEEN IS DEAD LP (ORIGINAL UK WHITE LABEL TEST PRESSING LP WITH PROOF SLEEVE AND INNERS - ROUGH 96)
THE SMITHS - THE QUEEN IS DEAD LP (ORIGINAL UK WHITE LABEL TEST PRESSING LP WITH PROOF SLEEVE AND INNERS - ROUGH 96). Top Smiths rarity with this very rare original 1986 UK test pressing of the band's masterpiece 'The Queen Is Dead' album. This copy was sent out complete with trimmed proof sleeves of the gatefold sleeve and inner to mock-up how the finished product would look. Side 1 is in Ex condition with a couple of light non-feelable surface marks. Side 2 is in Ex+ condition showing only a couple of extremely faint, slight and wispy paper marks. Side 1 Matrix Etching - ROUGH 96 A-1U-1-1-1 (FEAR OF MANCHESTER). Side 2 Matrix Etching - ROUGH 96 B-1U-1-1-1 (THEM WAS ROTTEN DAYS)
Sold for £900
Hammer Price
THE SMITHS - THE QUEEN IS DEAD LP (ORIGINAL UK WHITE LABEL TEST PRESSING LP WITH PROOF SLEEVE AND INNERS - ROUGH 96). Top Smiths rarity with this very rare original 1986 UK test pressing of the band's masterpiece 'The Queen Is Dead' album. This copy was sent out complete with trimmed proof sleeves of the gatefold sleeve and inner to mock-up how the finished product would look. Side 1 is in Ex condition with a couple of light non-feelable surface marks. Side 2 is in Ex+ condition showing only a couple of extremely faint, slight and wispy paper marks. Side 1 Matrix Etching - ROUGH 96 A-1U-1-1-1 (FEAR OF MANCHESTER). Side 2 Matrix Etching - ROUGH 96 B-1U-1-1-1 (THEM WAS ROTTEN DAYS)
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
