On offer here is a very rare first issue Mono press of The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn.  It is pressed on the blue/black Columbia label  - complete with E.J. Day flipback laminated cover.
Cat no SX 6157 // Matrix numbers XAX 3419 - 2 / XAX 3420 - 1 // Stampers L 1 and GT 1
As I only have a stereo system I will only visually grade the record.  Under an intense light Side One is in excellent condition.  There is only one scratch of any significance that may affect the audio quality.  This is on the latter half of 'Astronomy Domine' and the first half of 'Lucifer Sam'.  It will probably cause a few pops/clicks.  However, the remainder of Side One looks very clean with only a few minor hairlines that I do not believe would cause any reduction in the sound quality.  This is one of the best Side Ones I have seen if I'm honest for such a rare mono record approaching 50 years old! 
Side Two does not fare quite so well.  There is one scratch across the final three tracks that will probably cause some pops/clicks.  There is also a finer scratch across 'The Gnome' and 'Chapter 24' that may, only may affect the sound.  Other than that there are only superficial hairlines that will probably have no affect.

  The laminated Ernest J. Day flipback cover has to be one of the best, if not the best, that I have ever seen for a Mono press.  There is only minor wear, very slight creasing on the front and a couple of minor marks on the reverse.  So often the laminate is badly creased or comes loose but not with this one.  The flipback is also renown for being scuffed or loose but this one is in superb condition, very clean indeed.  On the flipback top right is 'File under Popular : Pop Groups' and underneath is SX 6157 the mono catalogue number.  The thin pinched spine is in excellent order and remains clean and clearly legible with The Pink Floyd.  The edges and corners are in remarkable condition considering its age and the opening is clean apart from very minor rubbing on the top and bottom.  Overall a wonderful 'Mono' cover that will not disappoint any fan.
The original inner sleeve is also included and has the reddish brown printing on cream coloured paper.  It is in excellent condition with no rips or tears just creasing as you would expect.  On each side it is advertising 16 LPs including The Beatles Sgt Peppers and also 'Piper' on the reverse.  
 The labels are in excellent condition with only minor spindle wear.  At the bottom of the label it says "Made in Gt. Britain".  The Pink Floyd is printed below the tracklisting on each side and of course it has the famous blue Columbia label.   

Side One I would grade as Ex- 
Side Two is VG+
The laminated cover is Ex+
The labels are Ex
The inner sleeve is Ex

Any questions please feel free to ask

Please pay within 4 days of auction end

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ALL RECORDS ARE PROFESSIONALLY PACKED IN STRONG MAILERS WITH CARDBOARD STIFFENERS.  THE RECORDS ARE ALSO REMOVED FROM THEIR SLEEVES TO AVOID CUTTING THROUGH THE COVER AND PUT INTO A SEPARATE SLEEVE, AND THEN PLACED INSIDE A PVC SLEEVE.

I WILL LEAVE FEEDBACK AS SOON AS I RECEIVE FEEDBACK - SO I KNOW THE ITEM WAS RECEIVED SAFELY AND THAT YOU ARE HAPPY WITH IT :-)

In the coming weeks and months I will be putting plenty of Queen, Pink Floyd, Genesis and Marillion items on the site so please keep a look out!  Many thanks.  Please look at my other items on now!

 

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FOR ITEMS OVER £46.00 I WOULD SERIOUSLY RECOMMEND SIGNED FOR.  THIS PROTECTS US BOTH IF ITEMS GET LOST OR DAMAGED IN THE POST AND COSTS £7.00 EXTRA SO PLEASE JUST ASK IF YOU WOULD PREFER THIS.  IF YOU DON'T I CAN'T BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR LOST OR DAMAGED ITEMS.

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On 13-Jan-15 at 22:00:57 GMT, seller added the following information:

I have just play tested the LP.  There is actually a small warp on the edge of the record that causes slight background noise on the first 15 seconds or so of Astronomy Domine.  The remainder of Side One plays extremely well with only slight crackle and no skips at all.  Between tracks is very quiet also.  Side Two may have more hairlines but it still plays very well.  Again no skips at all and The Gnome plays superbly.  There is a little more crackle on the final three tracks although is not serious at all.  For such a collectible record of such age in my opinion it still plays extremely well and is more than acceptable for the discerning fan.  Yes I have play tested it on my stereo system but I honestly believe this is one of better first mono presses you will find.

I would grade still grade Side One as Ex-

Side Two I originally graded as VG+ but perhaps considering its age it is perhaps nearer Ex- also