Sold Date: July 7, 2016
Start Date: June 30, 2016
Final Price: £56.00 (GBP)
Bid Count: 20
Seller Feedback: 1330
Buyer Feedback: 93

PINK FLOYD - ANIMALS

Original UK 1977 12" LP 1st pressing on the Harvest label, SHVL 815

Matrix Numbers : Side 1  SHVL 815 A-2U, mother stamper "2" at 6o'clock  Side 2   SHVL 815 B-3U, mother stamper "3"(difficult to make out - could be a "2") at 3o'clock

A rare very first pressing of this Pink Floyd classic with brilliant audio quality. Note the 1st pressing "A2" matrix - unique to 1st pressings; also the thicker, heavy duty vinyl,  the wide spine gatefold variant, the bottom curved inner (in pristine condition, by the way), and the single digit mother stampers which make this one of the very earliest pressings from the initial production run.

Both sides of the vinyl gleam with the original lacquered sheen and all of the vinyl grooves still perfectly defined. The vinyl is totally flat and has a wonderful appearance. Held in a bright light, and at the correct angle, and it's just possible to detect a few inner sleeve induced wispy hairlines but these are negligible.  EXCELLENT+

The labels are almost perfect,..the only "blemish" being the faintest trace of a couple of spindle lines adjacent to the centre hole on each side - you will need to search really hard to locate them! NEAR MINT!

The gorgeous non-laminated outer gatefold sleeve is excellent. All of the edges and corners are perfectly defined, as is the spine, all of the colours have retained their rich vibrancy. No nasty creases either. There is just a little rubbing located on the corners at each end of the spine and some mild, sporadic light scuffing on the top edge of the front of the gatefold. There is also some scuffing on the bottom edge of the back of the gatefold and this is rather more obvious, running along 80% of that edge.The top right hand corner of the front of the gatefold also has a little scuffing. The spine is rigid with all text clearly visible and on the back of the gatefold there is a 2 cm surface crease adjacent and perpendicular to the spine. There is also some very mild scuffing on the reverse side of the gatefold towards the bottom left hand corner.The inside of the gatefold is near perfect with just a mild 4cm surface crease towards the bottom right hand corner. There is no ring wear nor is there any fraying on the opening edge.

 The inner sleeve (containing the lyrics) is pristine. The thumb notch opening top edge and curved bottom corners  - again 1st pressing only variants - are perfect. No splits, tears or creasing.

The audio quality is outstanding. Beautiful tone and clarity on both sides with no clicks, pops, skips, or background crackle/interference. There is just the merest hint of some very occasional mild, background crackle (only barely noticeable at the beginning of each side, and even then not detracting from the overall terrific audio quality) but on the whole a wonderful listen...even the quiet bits are quiet! 

The track listing is :

Side 1:

1. Pigs on the wing 1

2. Dogs

Side 2 :

1. Pigs (Three Different Ones)

2. Sheep

3. Pigs on the wing 2

A strong excellent condition vinyl and audio copy of a classic prog rock album - Floyd at their wonderful best. The gatefold does have some minor blemishes as detailed above but, overall, an impressive copy.

 If you require any further information, including photos, then let me know and I'll do my best to oblige. 

If this record interests you then take a look at my other listings for more 60's and 70's classic vinyl.

A bit about myself : I have been collecting UK vinyl for more than 45 years and have amassed a huge collection covering a varied genre, but mostly of 1960's and 70's origin. Most of my records were originally bought by myself for my own collection, but over the years I have embellished my collection by buying records from a variety of sources : friends/acquaintances, car boots, auctions, and even through putting up a "vinyl wanted" notice in my wife's shop! I never intended selling any of my records but now I am retired and a combination of space requirements, (caused partly by duplication) and a need to help fund my retirement has prompted me to "rationalise" my record collection and sell many of my much loved gems. My ebay feedback speaks for itself so rest assured that you are buying from a trusted seller and in the very unlikely event that you are unhappy with your purchase just e-mail me and I'll sort out the problem. I offer a "no quibble" refund policy. 

On the subject of postage, I take great care in the packaging of all items, using a proper vinyl cardboard mailer along with at least two cardboard stiffeners. I take great care in removing the record from the outer sleeve in order to prevent sleeve damage in transit. I do NOT profiteer from postage costs. I DO take great care in minimising all risk thereby ensuring, as far as possible, that your purchase reaches it's destination in exactly the same condition as when I post it. For this item postage & packaging will be Royal Mail 1st class tracked and signed for : UK £5, continental Europe £9, and Rest of the World £14. I do discount post & packaging costs for multiple purchases. Good luck with your bidding. Richard

Descriptions of any records I sell comply with the Rare Record Price Guide grading guidelines :

Mint

Description: The record itself is in brand new condition with no surface marks or deterioration in sound quality. The cover and any extra items such as the lyric sheet, booklet or poster are in perfect condition. Records advertised as Sealed or Unplayed should be Mint.

Excellent

Description: The record shows some signs of having been played, but there is very little lessening in sound quality. The cover and packag­ing might have slight wear and/or creasing.

Very Good

Description: The record has obviously been played many times, but displays no major deterioration in sound quality, despite noticeable sur­face marks and the occasional light scratch. Normal wear and tear on the cover or extra items, without any major defects, is acceptable.

Good

Description: The record has been played so much that the sound quality has noticeably deteriorated, perhaps with some distortion and mild scratches. The cover and contents suffer from folding, scuffing of edges, spine splits, discoloration, etc.

Fair 

Description: The record is still just playable but has not been cared for prop­erly and displays considerable surface noise; it may even jump. The cover and contents will be torn, stained and/or defaced.

Poor

Description: The record will not play properly due to scratches, bad surface noise, etc. The cover and contents will be badly damaged or partly missing.

Bad

Description: The record is unplayable or might even be broken, and is only of use as a collection-filler.