I will declare a lower amount on the customs form for all countries so as to avoid/decrease high import charges.  However, in the case of the EU all purchases are subject to VAT which eBay collect at point of sale. No shipping to Russia currently.

Colosseum : Valentyne Suite 1Y1 / 2Y1 2nd Press Vertigo

This classic album plays to a superb standard with no intrusion on the audio.  Zero interference!  The clarity, depth and power of the audio is sensational and it easily qualifies as a FINAL UPGRADE archive pressing.  It may not be one of the most collectable Vertigo pressings but it is the first in their varied catalogue and there cannot be many that play as well as this!  This album has a genuine progressive 'feel' to it and I just love the music on this album!  'The Valentyne Suite' on S2 is stunning here, the sonic quality could not be any stronger.

The gatefold is in excellent condition with only light wear and the original Swirl inner just has a little marking but no side splits.

This is a second pressing because it has no A Philips Record Product on the labels or the gatefold.  

VO 1  847 900 VTY // 886 775  1Y*1  420  1 9 1 1 // 886 775  2*Y*1  420  1 9 1 1

The audio on S1 is Mint(-)

The audio S2 is Mint(-)

The gatefold is Ex-

The Vertigo Swirl Inner is VG+

The labels are Near Mint-

Visual description

The vinyl is in lovely condition and still has a very strong glossy sheen with no scratches.  Under a bright light I can only a relatively small amount of faint sleeve removal hairline and just one small one on S1 that is a little more obvious.  There is no 'bag rash' or groove wear and the run out grooves are very clean.  The iconic Vertigo labels are unmarked and have only minimal spindle wear.

Play grading

The intro on 'The Kettle' plays such deep, rich audio and there is no background.  The opening vocal section is perfect and it continues in the same precise way.  It's a 'busy' number and yet there is no loss in sonic quality.  It plays with great power and depth and there is no distortion.  Litherland's guitar work is superb Hiseman's frenetic drumming adds so much to the overall sound.  This is a stunning Mint version.

'Elegy' keeps up this fine start and plays with sublime clarity and depth from start to finish with no interference, not even a dust tick.  Once again the playback is so clean and 'fresh' and Mint is deserved.

The long intro on 'Butty's Blues' plays with stunning precision with the strong bass very much in evidence.  The opening vocal has no intrusion either.  The mid instrumental is faultless and the following vocal section is just as impressive.  The final instrumental could not play any better.  Running at almost 7 minutes this is a high end version, 'as new' you could say. Mint

'The Machine Demands A Sacrifice' concludes a stunning side of music with stunning quality!  From the very first note it plays with such clear audio and the first section is perfect.  As the volume decreases to near silence there is no static at all and the playback is crystal clear.  As it builds the audio is just as strong and the final instrumental section is of the same exact standard.  Considering this is the final track the audio is phenomenal and again I have no hesitation in grading it as Mint - every note is so clean and precise.

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'January's Search' the first part of the 'The Valentyne Suite' plays with superb audio throughout.  The intro has no interference and the opening 'piece' then plays with genuine quality.  The playback is so strong and dynamic and the quieter mid section keeps up this fine standard with no intrusion, a couple of barely audible dust ticks that is all.  The final section plays with exceptional clarity and power and the organ solo has never sounded better!  It's a frenetic ending and yet the sonic quality is equal to how it would have played in '70.  A stunning Mint version.

The segue into 'February's Valentyne' is flawless and thereafter plays with such clear and strong audio and the depth of sound is so impressive.  This is very much in evidence during the staccato ending, the audio here is phenomenal!  Mint

The introduction to 'The Grass Is Always Greener' is 100% perfect and the next section has no background either.  This near 7 minute piece continues to play with outstanding quality and there is literally nothing to detract from the audio.  The quieter mid section plays beautifully and Litherland's solo work is then stunning!  This truly is audio of the highest calibre and wow could they play!  This entire high octane section is so dynamic and there is no inner groove distortion at all, you can easily turn it up to full blast!  The brief quieter section near the end has not one dust tick and the finale is just perfect in every way.  This is a fantastic version and Mint is again fully deserved.

In summary this album plays with remarkable quality across both sides with no interference of any kind.  I have sold a few of these down the years and this is right up there with the best!  A 'complete' version you could say with a clarity, depth and power and resonance that is just on another level.  It may not be a genuine first pressing but being a Vertigo pressing it was still 'cut' to the same high end standard and the sonic quality is so much stronger than any pressing / reissue.  This is another FINAL UPGRADE archive pressing up for auction here.  A fine example of its kind.

The Gatefold & Swirl Inner

The Keef cover is in excellent condition with only light wear.  The top edges and the bottom edge of the front cover have very minimal rubbing and the bottom edge of the back cover has just a little more.  The spine remains 100% legible with just a little rubbing in one area and some wear on the corners, the right hand corners have very little wear.  The opening edge has some handling wear on the left edge as you look at it but by no means an excessive amount.  The front and back cover are exceptionally clean with no marking and the inside of the gatefold is in lovely condition also with hardly any spotting around the edges.  A very strong example overall.

The original Vertigo Swirl inner was missing its poly-lined inner so I have put another one inside.  It has no side splits or tears but does have some age related marking mainly along the top edges and a little creasing.

Play tested on my Rega P2 with AT VM95EN Cart / Denon PMA-520AE Amp / B&W 684 Speakers

This record has been cleaned on a Pro-Ject VC-S machine

VO 1  847 900 VTY // 886 775  1Y*1  420  1 1 9 1 // 886 775  2*Y*1  420  1 1 9 1

I grade according to "Record Collector" guidelines

Any questions please feel free to ask

Please pay within 4 days of auction end

Recent Feedback

THIS IS WHAT A SELLER SHOULD BE LIKE ON HIGH END VINYL! Exactly as described if not better ! I could not be a happier customer .. well packed for international flight .. and shipped and received very fast .. No worries here this guy is the tops

GREAT AS DESCRIBED BEST SELLR OF ALL THE UK PEOPLE AND I HAVE BOUGHT FROM ALL OF THEM

Beautiful record as described, fast safe delivery, top seller. Cheers Steve.

Another fantastic LP from this seller - condition exactly as shown and the audio as described! Fast delivery, vinyl properly and carefully packed. Very highly recommended A++++

Another stunning LP from this very reliable and helpful seller.

Very quick delivery. Album exactly as described. Excellent packaging. Once again all perfect. Thanks!!!

Great item and seller (no.1), many thanks from ITALY !!!!!!!!!!!
Fantastic! Record as Described! Excellent Packaging and Fast Overseas Shipping!

One of the best on Ebay!

Another amazing record from this exceptional seller. Absolutely delighted!

Great seller and great vinyl record, professionally packaged. I’m very satisfied with my purchase and will certainly buy again!

Postage & Packaging

I will only send items items worldwide via tracked shipping.  This provides 'peace of mind' in case of loss or damage.  The shipping costs are shown below and combined shipping is always offered.  Any over-payment will always be refunded.

The Royal Mail only insure up to a value of £250 so if an item sells for more it may be wise to use a courier service (e.g. Parcelforce or DPD).  An extra insurance premium will be required but I will not know the exact amount until the final sale price is known.  Because of this I will sometimes have to estimate the cost and this will be shown in the listing.  Please wait for the invoice before making payment and if you have any questions please feel free to ask.  Many thanks.

All vinyls are packaged in strong over-sized custom made mailers with plenty of extra cardboard protection.  They are placed inside separate poly-lined inners outside the cover so as to avoid seam splits in transit and then placed inside a PVC sleeve to provide even more protection.  I pride myself on my high quality packaging as my feed confirms and if any customer has any specific requirements I am more than happy to help.

The mailers I use cost £1.00 each and I will use anything between 3-5 cardboard stiffeners which cost approx £0.18 each.  There is also the cost of the poly-lined inner and PVC sleeve to consider, it all adds up!  Not forgetting that eBay take 10% of the shipping fee also!!

UK Postage Rates (First Class Recorded - Max 2kg)

LPs/12" singles : £5.95 up to 1kg then £1.00 per extra item 

EUROPE (Tracked - Max 2kg)

LPs/12" singles : £15.95 then £2.00 per extra

USA (Tracked - Max 2kg)

LPs/12" singles : £24.95 then £2.50 per extra 

REST OF WORLD (Tracked - Max 2kg)  

LPs/12" singles : £21.95 then £2.50 per extra

If you are not entirely happy with your purchase please contact me before leaving feedback and I will always resolve any issue, 100% guaranteed.  If you would prefer to send the item back I will also pay the return shipping cost if I am at fault, I am only human after all!!