THE SMITHS - BARBARISM BEGINS AT HOME 12" (ORIGINAL UK WHITE LABEL TEST PRESSING - RTT 171). Rather scarce original 1985 single-sided UK test pressing of 'Barbarism Begins At Home'. To promote the 'Meat Is Murder' album, Rough Trade pressed 'Barbarism Begins At Home' as a promotional 12 inch single. This pressing is single- sided only with 'Barbarism Begins At Home' on the A-side with a test-tone only on the other side. The record is in VG+ condition with a some light and minor surface marks/scuffs, these not heavier feelable scratches. A-side Matrix Etching - RTT-171-A / LYN-15482-1C.Z (THESE ARE THE GOOD TIMES). B-side Matrix Etching - LCP-2114-1A / LYN3507-4CR Only a handful of these test pressings were pressed, because there was no need to press any more due the finished manufactured 12" single becoming the vehicle for promotion of 'Meat Is Murder'.
Sold for £420
Hammer Price
THE SMITHS - BARBARISM BEGINS AT HOME 12" (ORIGINAL UK WHITE LABEL TEST PRESSING - RTT 171). Rather scarce original 1985 single-sided UK test pressing of 'Barbarism Begins At Home'. To promote the 'Meat Is Murder' album, Rough Trade pressed 'Barbarism Begins At Home' as a promotional 12 inch single. This pressing is single- sided only with 'Barbarism Begins At Home' on the A-side with a test-tone only on the other side. The record is in VG+ condition with a some light and minor surface marks/scuffs, these not heavier feelable scratches. A-side Matrix Etching - RTT-171-A / LYN-15482-1C.Z (THESE ARE THE GOOD TIMES). B-side Matrix Etching - LCP-2114-1A / LYN3507-4CR Only a handful of these test pressings were pressed, because there was no need to press any more due the finished manufactured 12" single becoming the vehicle for promotion of 'Meat Is Murder'.
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