The experience of buying records on Ebay is ruined if, when they arrive, you discover that they are either not in the condition stated or have been damaged in the post! For this reason I describe all my items in detail, and only post using strong sturdy packaging in a 'box' mailer with the record outside the sleeve to avoid seam-splitting. They are also from a non-smoking and pet-free home.
I accept returns and offer a full refund if you are not happy with your purchase. The Smiths - 'Rank' Australian Promo LP - 1988

Catalogue no. 462408-1 - CBS Records Collecting original 1980s pressings of The Smiths' vinyl from around the world is made all the more interesting by the subtle differences in the record labels and sleeves which are often present. Of the original Rough Trade-licensed pressings from around the world, the Australian first-issue vinyl is among the most sought-after owing to the visual appeal of the striking red and green design 'male silhouette' labels, which usually feature, together with the limited numbers in which they were produced. This auction is for the original 1988 promotional version of the CBS pressing of the 'Rank' LP, which incorporates the aforementioned 'silhouette' red/green record labels and the 'shattered' Rough Trade logo. The front of the terrific gatefold outer sleeve still has the rare red/white track-listing sticker intact, which is often removed and only features on the Australian pressing (see photo). The rear of the outer sleeve has the CBS catalogue number in the top right corner, in place of the more familiar 'ROUGH 126' identification, and there are different licensing credits at the bottom. The spine of the outer sleeve has the album title and catalogue details but, unlike the UK version, the album is titled "RANK (LIVE RECORDINGS)" rather than simply "RANK". The catalogue number also appears, unlike the UK release, in the bottom left corner of the gatefold artwork inside the sleeve and also on the black/silver inner sleeve. In addition, this LP is the promotional version which was sent out to radio stations and, accordingly, has a silver "PROMOTION ONLY NOT FOR SALE" stamp on the reverse of the gatefold sleeve (see photo). This is an opportunity to get hold of one of these highly collectable Australian original promotional pressings, which has been preserved in terrific condition (see below).     

The record and labels are in near mint condition, having apparently never been played and having no discernable surface marks at all on the highly-glossy vinyl. The black and silver inner sleeve is also extremely well-preserved with no seam-splits or creases. The superb promotional outer gatefold sleeve is in strong excellent condition, being flat and glossy with no creases; there is only some very minor 'corner wear' in places and one small unobtrusive bump in the bottom edge of the sleeve. There are no creases and there is no seam-splitting; neither are there any marks or signs of writing. A truly terrific example of this very rare record. Please see the accompanying photos for more detail; note that the 'Ebay ID' lettering is just on the pictures and not on the item itself.

All my auctions start at 1P and have NO RESERVE. They are all 100% genuine, original versions. Some are in mint/new condition and some are used; all will go to the highest bidder. I offer a money-back guarantee if anything is described incorrectly. Postage and Packing is 3.50 in the UK for untracked and uninsured standard postage, this is subsidised by myself and the actual costs to me will usually be higher. Please do consider paying the extra 70p for tracked postage since there is nothing that can be done to find out what happened if the parcel is lost when standard postage is chosen. Shipping costs are greater for overseas buyers, but still subsidised and very good value; please check prices by using the options above or feel free to ask. Extra items are sent at no extra postage charge to the buyer (see below). I always take great care to package items well with strong mailing materials.

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