18th Feb, 2025 10:00
The Billy Albert Collection Of Smiths Vinyl and Memorabilia
THE SMITHS - WILLIAM IT WAS REALLY NOTHING 12"(WITHDRAWN 1984 ITALIAN 12" WITH DIFFERENT VERSION OF 'HOW SOON IS NOW?' - VINX 71)
THE SMITHS - WILLIAM IT WAS REALLY NOTHING 12"(WITHDRAWN 1984 ITALIAN 12" WITH DIFFERENT VERSION OF 'HOW SOON IS NOW?' - VINX 71). Rather scarce original 1984 withdrawn Italian 12" 'How Soon Is Now?'. One of the few non-UK items we have for sale here, the wrong version of 'How Soon Is Now?' was issued on the master tape that was sent to Virgin Italy. They were sent an unfinished different version of the track which was subsequently pressed and quickly withdrawn when the mistake was discovered. The A side is in VG+ condition showing some poly bag residue though this cannot be felt. The B side is in lovely clean Ex condition (no poly bag residue). A-side Matrix Etching - VINX 71 .1. B-side Matrix Etching - VINX 71 .2I. The sleeve is in very sharp Ex condition showing only very slight wear; with a pen mark to the reverse 'Milano 7-9-85'. If you haven't heard this different version before, it is a real eye-opener!
Sold for £320
Hammer Price
THE SMITHS - WILLIAM IT WAS REALLY NOTHING 12"(WITHDRAWN 1984 ITALIAN 12" WITH DIFFERENT VERSION OF 'HOW SOON IS NOW?' - VINX 71). Rather scarce original 1984 withdrawn Italian 12" 'How Soon Is Now?'. One of the few non-UK items we have for sale here, the wrong version of 'How Soon Is Now?' was issued on the master tape that was sent to Virgin Italy. They were sent an unfinished different version of the track which was subsequently pressed and quickly withdrawn when the mistake was discovered. The A side is in VG+ condition showing some poly bag residue though this cannot be felt. The B side is in lovely clean Ex condition (no poly bag residue). A-side Matrix Etching - VINX 71 .1. B-side Matrix Etching - VINX 71 .2I. The sleeve is in very sharp Ex condition showing only very slight wear; with a pen mark to the reverse 'Milano 7-9-85'. If you haven't heard this different version before, it is a real eye-opener!
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!"
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Viewing by appointment 17th February
