Sold Date: December 11, 2023
Start Date: December 4, 2023
Final Price: £310.00 (GBP)
Bid Count: 21
Seller Feedback: 1507
Buyer Feedback: 0

Black Sabbath – Black Sabbath

I am pleased to offer for sale this superb UK 1st pressing of Black Sabbath’s eponymously titled debut album.

In need of little introduction, the debut album of Black Sabbath is widely acknowledged as the birth of the heavy metal genre. The album, recorded in a single 12 hour live session, perfectly captures the energy of the band and gives a unique insight into what the live gigs must have been like. A must have addition to any record collection!

Album Details:

Serial number: VO 6 847903 VTY

Matrix number: 1Y X 1 420 / 2Y X 1 420

Stamper codes: 1 2 1 / 1 2 2

Vinyl Weight: 165g

The matrix numbers confirm that the record is a true UK first pressing. The mother & stamper codes communicate that the record was one of the first 1000 produced. Consequently, the audio reproduction is fantastic. Take a listen yourself below!

The sought after ‘Vertigo swirl’ labels are the first variant as is evident from the “A Philips Record” text present to the bottom of the B side. This was removed for all subsequent variants.

This non-laminated gatefold sleeve is the first variant as is evident from the upper-case only credits on the right-hand panel of the inner gatefold and the erroneous text “Copyright subsists in all Stereo recordings…”.

The album is complete with the original white and black swirl inner sleeve.

Condition Report:

In addition to my own conservative grading, I include high-quality, comprehensive photographs as well as a complete audio recording in my listings to enable you to make an informed decision on the condition of this record yourself.

Disc: VERY GOOD +

Labels: EXCELLENT

The labels are clean and retain rich, vibrant colours. Only a small collection of dull spindle trails can be seen around each centre hole.

Visual: VERY GOOD +

Both sides of the record retain superb deep gloss playing surfaces. In bright daylight there are several light surface marks that are visible. There are two short marks, less than 0.5cm in length, that I would describe as scratches – one on T1SA and one on T1SB.

Sound Quality: VERY GOOD +

Please note: the eBay app does not facilitate playback. Please use the internet site to enjoy the audio clips.

A Side:

B Side:

As can be heard in the recordings, the audio playback is superb. 6 pops can be heard during the introduction to the title track, T1SA and 4 pop can be heard during T1SB. Excluding these the audio is generally excellent featuring great channel separation and superb clarity throughout.

Sleeve: VERY GOOD +

The sleeve is in great condition. All four sides are clean and bright. The cover art retains vibrant colours. There is only very minor wear to the corners, spine and edges and a small crease to the bottom left hard corner to the reverse.

Inners: EXCELLENT

The original inner sleeve is in great condition.

Additional Details:

Before the audio recording, the vinyl was cleaned first by an Okki Nokki vacuum cleaner and then an Audio Desk ultrasonic cleaner.

After cleaning, the vinyl was placed inside a brand new mobile fidelity anti-static inner sleeve.

The vinyl will be packaged outside of the sleeve, both of which are stored inside an archival quality polypropylene outer sleeve.

The record will be sent via an insured courier in a padded vinyl mailer.

Please see my other listings for more Vertigo rarities.

Bidders with less than ten feedback please get in touch before bidding otherwise your bid will be removed.