Hi! You're looking at a SUPERB condition vinyl LP and a classic Christmas album by THE CARPENTERS titled "Christmas Portrait"--the album features KAREN CARPENTER singing the original classic "Merry Christmas Darling" co-written by RICHARD CARPENTER, and also includes a number of Christmas classics, including "Sleigh Ride," "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," "Santa Claus is Comin' to Town," "Jingle Bells," "I'll Be Home for Christmas," and many others.  The LP is on the A & M Records label, bears the serial number SP-5171, is a STEREO recording pressed at the Columbia Records Pressing Plant in Carrollton, GA and was made in the United States in 1985.
This record is in SUPERB condition and the vinyl is in NEAR MINT- (Ex) condition and plays beautifully, with a few moderate scuffs and some light paper scuffs but no other significant flaws (THIS LP HAS BEEN SOUND-GRADED IN ITS ENTIRETY and sounds fantastic, with just a few light and scattered tics at the very beginning of side one which do NOT significantly impact the sound but NO significant issues); the cover is also in NM- condition with very slight creases on three of the corners, some slight creases on the edges, a light scuff on the upper center of the back surface, two slight blue discolored spots on the bottom portion of the front surface, a faint hint of ringwear on the right center of the front surface and just light shelfwear otherwise but NO other significant flaws--it's NOT a cutout!  The ORIGINAL INNER SLEEVE WITH LYRICS AND CREDITS is also included and in very good shape, with a vertical center tear on the upper half of one side, a clean side split on one edge and just very light handling wear otherwise.
Vinyl Grading Standards (unless otherwise indicated, LPs are visually graded)

Mint (or M) – Sealed and effectively perfect with no signs of wear or ever having been played.

Near Mint -- A record with only the slightest evidence of ever having been handled.

Very Good Plus Plus (VG++) A very clean record that has no marks aside from slight scuffs and abrasions caused by removal from a paper inner sleeve or perhaps a few marks on the label caused by a turntable spindle.

Very Good Plus (VG+) A record that has had a number of plays and may have some superficial scuffs, possibly mild to moderate spindle marks and / or possibly hairline scratches on the vinyl, which may produce some intermittent pops and possibly very light background noise.

Very Good (VG) A record that has generally been well cared for, but has seen a fair amount of play, with some scuffing. hairline scratches, spindle marks and / or light scratches.  Should play through well, with the possibility of more pops and more background noise.

Very Good Minus (VG-)  A record with significant scuffs, scratches, and spindle marks that should play through with moderate pops and surface noise, possibly of some duration.

Good (G) A record with will play through, but with significant pops, substantial background noise, and possibly intermittent skipping.

Poor (P) A record with MAJOR issues that will interfere with play, and will possibly be unplayable in part due to damage (I'll only offer an LP in this condition if it's an extreme rarity and / or for cover art display purposes).

A fantastic find, and a beautiful copy of this vinyl LP!
Thanks very much for looking, and good luck if you're bidding! Also be sure to check out all of my other records, Compact Discs, books, audiobooks, DVDs and Blu-Ray discs on ebay auctions--I can combine shipping for multiple purchases in any combination EXCEPT in the case of LPs (I can combine shipping for any number of LPs together, but due to packaging safety issues I CANNOT ship LPs together with CDs, books, audiobooks, DVDs and Blu-Ray discs).