Original U.K. 1983 Mute Records pressing of Depeche Mode’s ‘Construction Time Again’ L.P. (Catalogue Reference: Mute Records STUMM 13).  This consists of a decent quality, what I believe to be a British-pressed piece of vinyl which is stored inside a thin paper lyric insert which is itself stored inside a thinly-laminated single card sleeve.  The matrixes read ‘STUMM 13 A1’ and ‘STUMM 13 B3’ (Side Two) indicating that this is an early pressing at the very least.  This copy has clearly only been played a couple of times and is therefore incredibly crisp.  The sleeve displays limited shelf-wear however, I cannot imagine you’d find a crisper inner sleeve considering how thin and flimsy it is and the vinyl is in stunning condition!

CONDITION: EX+ (VINYL) / EX+ (INNER SLEEVE) / EX (SLEEVE): As noted above the vinyl has only been played a couple of times and this is immediately obvious upon withdrawing the vinyl from the thin inner sleeve.  The surfaces really shine with only the odd (and I mean odd) hairline mark.  If it wasn’t for the fact that I can tell this has been played I would have graded this NM.  The inner sleeve is incredibly crisp.  The vinyl has left a light impression in the inner sleeve but this stops short of actually having creased the inner sleeve.  It is amazing it has survived in this condition because it really is very thin and I’m surprised the vinyl hasn’t forced it’s way through.  There is one small stain on one side and some brown staining on the inside of the inner sleeve which being on the inside isn’t immediately obvious.  The outer sleeve displays limited shelf-wear including minor ring-wear on both sides.  There is minor wear to each corner and if you angle the front of the sleeve under an intense light there is a tiny amount of lamination loss in the top right-hand corner on the front of the sleeve as a result of sticker removal.  There is nothing else to say really.  This is a really lovely example of this record.

GRADINGS – How I Grade

My items are visually graded under an intense light using my nearly 20 years of experience buying and playing records.  I am a record collector first and foremost.  I would say my grading is on the conservative side however, it is also realistic.  Realistic in the sense that sometimes even brand new records are not immaculate.  Some items are play-graded and where this is the case it will be noted in the Item Description.  Please note that it is my assertion that 99.9% of issues which might be experienced upon playback of a record can be identified through visual grading.  I’m a longstanding Ebayer so please feel free to check my feedback if you have any concerns about the quality of the items I list.  As always please review my images if you have any concern about the condition of a sleeve!  A picture speaks a thousand words!  

GRADINGS - Description

MINT – If used to describe the condition of a record the item will be sealed.  Mint will rarely be used to describe the condition of a sleeve however, it will mean the item is sealed and no storage damage is evident.

NEAR MINT – When used to describe a record it will mean that it is hard to discern that the disc has been played.  When viewed under an intenselight there might be the odd hairline mark however, you would really have to look hard for it.  Ultimately, the vinyl will look like it has just been made.  When used to describe a sleeve it will mean that the sleeve has no shelf-wear or storage damage.  The sleeve will look like new.

EXCELLENT+ - There will be an indication that the record has seen some play but not heavy play.  When viewed under an intense light only the tiniest, wispiest hairline markings will be present and not excessively so.  The vinyl will retain a great sheen.  A sleeve described as EX+ will display minimal shelf or storage wear including an odd crease or the stubbing of corners, slight fraying to the opening edge.  Ultimately, the sleeve will still be a superior example.

EXCELLENT – There might be an indication that the record has seen a reasonable amount of play and handling however, it has been well looked after.  Superficial surfaces scuffs may be present but no marks of real substance (i.e. which will affect playback).  Under an intense light it is likely that a relative volume of hairline marks are present.  A sleeve described as EX will display shelf or storage wear including creasing, loss of print (due to rubbing), possible stubbing of corners etc.  The sleeve will not display any substantial flaws.  Ultimately, it will be a solid copy.

VERY GOOD+ - I will rarely list vinyl for sale described as VG+.  Any vinyl listed as VG+ will have a detailed condition description included in the listing.  The description VG+ is more often used to describe sleeves.  Often VG+ describes the condition of a sleeve which was of very cheap manufacture (think 1970s EMI sleeves or Polydor late 60s/early 70s) and therefore more prone to display the vagaries of time.  A sleeve described as VG+ will not be a basket case.  It will likely display a reasonable volume of creasing, a reasonable amount of rubbing/stubbing and possible the odd substantial flaw.

Payment is expected within 3 days of auction end.  I am relatively relaxed but if it is expected to take longer to make payment I expect the buyer to be proactive about maintaining a dialogue with me.  Payment is possible via PayPal and Personal Cheque.  Other forms of payment will be considered.

I have had to bring my postage charges in line with Royal Mail Terms & Conditions effective April 2013.  This means items with a start price <=£20.00 and which complete with a price< =£20.00 will be sent via standard post.  Items with a start price >£20.00 will be advertised with insured& tracked postage.  Items which have a start price <=£20.00 but whose final price is >£20.00 will be subject to extra insured postage costs.  Multiple purchases will be consolidated usually at a reduced price to the buyer.  Please don’t make payment until you receive an invoice from me.  If you have special shipping requirements please don’t contact me after you’ve made payment with an extensive (expensive) list.  I would expect such requests to be made prior to payment.  Overseas buyers welcome!  If either domestic or overseas buyers want me to confirm postage charges then please contact me before the auction’s end.  Proof of Postage is always obtained and retained.

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