Sold Date: January 29, 2024
Start Date: January 19, 2024
Final Price: £628.00 (GBP)
Bid Count: 34
Seller Feedback: 1515
Buyer Feedback: 369

King Crimson - In the Court of the Crimson King

I am pleased to offer for sale this exceptional copy of King Crimson's debut LP, In the Court of the Crimson King. 

King Crimson entered the public conscience after opening in front of 250,000 people for The Rolling Stones at their free Hyde Park concert in July 1969. Their performance was brilliant, somewhat overshadowing The Rolling Stones. The band signed to Island Records and soon took to the studio to produce a record.

Merging elements of rock, jazz, pop and even classical music, In the Court of the Crimson King provided a framework from which progressive rock could be defined. And much like the Beatles had done in the early 60s, the success of the album gave labels the confidence to let bands experiment within this sound. In doing so, it could be said that In The Court of The Crimson King, whilst not the first, was the album that launched progressive rock as a genre.   

This particular copy is a superb example of a true UK first pressing and would make a fantastic addition to any record collection. 

Album Details:

Serial number: ILPS-9111

Matrix number: A  2 / B 4

Mother & stamper codes: 1 2 27 / 1 1 2

The matrix numbers inform us that the vinyl is an early UK first/second press crossover (B3 being the first press). Both sides were produced from the first mother plates of each lacquer and, in the case of side 2, very early stamper plates. Consequently, the audio reproduction is simply fantastic. Take a listen yourself below. 

The labels are the first variant pink Island labels with white "i" logo.

The non-laminated gatefold sleeve is the first variant manufactured by E. J. Day & co and which has a manufacturers credit to them on the left hand panel of the inside - later copies did not. 

Completing the album is the original 'plastic bags can be dangerous' polythene lined, die-cut inner sleeve.

Condition Report:

The condition report provided below is given as a guide only. 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.

Vinyl: MINT -

Labels: MINT -

The labels are bright and clean and retain rich, vibrant colours. Only a small number of dull spindle trails are visible around each otherwise unworn centre hole.

Visual: MINT -

Both playing surfaces of the record retain their 'as-new' deep-gloss shine. In bright daylight the vinyl appears blemish free. Under the glare of a halogen desk lamp wispy paper hairline marks can be seen alongside an iridescent rainbow sheen. Truly fantastic.

Sound Quality: MINT -

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

Side 1:

Side 2:

As can be heard in the audio clips, the vinyl sounds stunning. There is great channel separation, superb clarity and exceptional dynamism. The lead-ins are quiet, as is the dead-wax between tracks. Moonchild, a track usually full of static, sounds epic! An awesome, moving listening experience. 

Sleeve: EXCELLENT 

The iconic sleeve looks superb! As it is not laminated it is susceptible to significant storage wear; this copy is an exception. If not for subtle softening to the bottom corners I would confidently grade as near mint. All four sides are bright and clean without any hint of discolouration or rubbing. The cover art is vibrant. The spine and all 6 edges show only minimal storage wear. 

Inner Sleeves: EXCELLENT 

The original inner sleeve is in great condition.

Additional Details:

Before the audio test was performed the vinyl was cleaned first by an Okki Nokki vacuum cleaner (using L'art du Son cleaning solution) and then an Audio Desk ultrasonic cleaner.

After cleaning, the vinyl is housed 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 vinyl rarities.

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