18th Feb, 2025 10:00
The Billy Albert Collection Of Smiths Vinyl and Memorabilia
THE SMITHS - RANK LP (ORIGINAL UK WHITE LABEL TEST PRESSING WITH MISPRESSED SLEEVE - ROUGH 126)
THE SMITHS - RANK LP (ORIGINAL UK WHITE LABEL TEST PRESSING WITH MISPRESSED SLEEVE - ROUGH 126). Unbelievably rare original 1988 (CBS) UK test pressing with bizarre sleeve mispressing of the Album 'Rank' which lacks the cover star Alexandra Bastedo. Rather than thrown away, this was re-used to house this test pressing. The record is in fantastic archive condition showing very few marks indeed. The gatefold sleeve is in sharp Ex condition with a few light and minor creases. Side 1 Matrix Etching - ROUGH 126 A1 (PEEPHOLISM)/ Side 2 Matrix Etching - ROUGH 126 B1I. "I've seen more 'Hand In Glove' Negative Sleeves get sold over the decades than this mispressing!"
Sold for £1,700
Hammer Price
THE SMITHS - RANK LP (ORIGINAL UK WHITE LABEL TEST PRESSING WITH MISPRESSED SLEEVE - ROUGH 126). Unbelievably rare original 1988 (CBS) UK test pressing with bizarre sleeve mispressing of the Album 'Rank' which lacks the cover star Alexandra Bastedo. Rather than thrown away, this was re-used to house this test pressing. The record is in fantastic archive condition showing very few marks indeed. The gatefold sleeve is in sharp Ex condition with a few light and minor creases. Side 1 Matrix Etching - ROUGH 126 A1 (PEEPHOLISM)/ Side 2 Matrix Etching - ROUGH 126 B1I. "I've seen more 'Hand In Glove' Negative Sleeves get sold over the decades than this mispressing!"
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
