18th Feb, 2025 10:00
The Billy Albert Collection Of Smiths Vinyl and Memorabilia
THE SMITHS - SHAKESPEARE'S SISTER 7" (ORIGINAL UK WHITE LABEL TEST PRESSING - RT 181)
THE SMITHS - SHAKESPEARE'S SISTER 7" (ORIGINAL UK WHITE LABEL TEST PRESSING - RT 181). Unfathomably rare 1985 (EMI) UK 7" test pressing of 'Shakespeare's Sister'. By this time Rough Trade were promoting their single releases via 12" white label test pressings, so most 7" test pressings from this period onwards are rare as hen's teeth! The record is in Ex condition with a couple of light and minor surface/storage marks, these not at all heavier feelable scratches. A-side Matrix Etching - RT 181 A1 (HOME IS WHERE THE ART IS). B-side Matrix Etching - RT 181 B1
Sold for £1,100
Hammer Price
THE SMITHS - SHAKESPEARE'S SISTER 7" (ORIGINAL UK WHITE LABEL TEST PRESSING - RT 181). Unfathomably rare 1985 (EMI) UK 7" test pressing of 'Shakespeare's Sister'. By this time Rough Trade were promoting their single releases via 12" white label test pressings, so most 7" test pressings from this period onwards are rare as hen's teeth! The record is in Ex condition with a couple of light and minor surface/storage marks, these not at all heavier feelable scratches. A-side Matrix Etching - RT 181 A1 (HOME IS WHERE THE ART IS). B-side Matrix Etching - RT 181 B1
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
