Carla Thomas Memphis Queen ORIG U.K. Flipback Sleeve STAX LP EX+ Stunning Copy

	£		30
	$		40

Background Information

I am currently in the process of shifting a vast collection of stock which largely derives from a Record Shop which closed its doors in the early 1980s.  The stock spans a period from the early 1960s through to the early 80s with the bulk dating from the 1970s.  There are large quantities of Progressive Rock, R & B and Soul and Modern Classical.  Most of the items have sustained a single play (clearly standard practice to check for flaws upon receipt of new records back-in-the-day) however, some are obviously UNPLAYED.  The bulk of what I’m currently selling comes from this source and I’d guess it will be years before I exhaust it!

UNSOLD SHOP STOCK Original U.K. 1969 (sleeve dated 11/69) Flip-back Sleeve STAX STEREO pressing of Carla Thomas’ ‘Memphis Queen’ L.P. (Catalogue Reference: STAX SXATS 1019).  This is the original pressing of this with the same catalogue reference on both the sleeve and the record.  I say this because I believe a lot of these STAX records were re-pressed in the early-70s and they re-activated left-over sleeves (presumably this coincided with the licence transferring from EMI to Polydor records).  On this point it should be said that this is a nice, heavy EMI pressing and the sleeve features flip-backs on three sides on the rear and the front is laminated.  Now if it wasn’t for a small scuff on Side Two I’d have said this was un-played when I found it.  The labels are immaculate and there is no indication that a spindle has been anywhere near them.  The only flaw is the aforementioned small, superficial surface scuff which consists of 4-6 hairline-like marks in close proximity.  It isn’t particularly obvious and it doesn’t exactly jump out at you.  Most importantly I’ve played this section of the L.P. twice and these marks are non-sounding.  While the surfaces are a little dusty I’ve struggled to locate more than a couple of further hairline scratches.  The vinyl is graded as being in EXCELLENT+ condition (if it wasn’t for the scuff it would grade higher).  The sleeve has spent it’s entire life inside a polythene cover and this has aided in it’s pretty miraculous survival.  The laminate is so fresh that it looks like it was applied yesterday and the rear (which is largely white) is as white as the day this was pressed (there might be one or two grubby fingerprints which could most likely be removed by a rubber).  I’d say the two bottom corners are as sharp as the day this was pressed but the two top corners have received light knocks.  The knock to the top right-hand corner is the most substantial and has resulted in a small laminate bubble.  There is limited creasing to the spine which is most likely a result of this having sat in a rack at some point.  There are a couple of creases near the opening edge of the sleeve (two on the front and two on the back) which are a product of the sleeve being gripped between the fingertips whilst the vinyl is removed.  There isn’t really anything else to say about the sleeve.  It really doesn’t look nearly 45 years old and is also graded as being in EXCELLENT+ condition.

Condition

VINYL – EXCELLENT+

SLEEVE – EXCELLENT+

Final Remarks

Probably her most desirable U.K. L.P. and this is a super copy!  Please check my other auctions for a run of STAX LPs and 45s as well as other Funk, R&B and Soul collectables from the same source in similarly immaculate condition.  Save me as a favourite seller as there is plenty more where this came from!

General Conditions & Information

I have been a collector for in excess of 15 years now and regard myself as a conservative grader.  I know from experience that there is nothing worse than buying an item which is described with superlatives only for it to arrive and look like it has been scrapped along the floor (!).  As a rule I don’t submit anything to auction which I wouldn’t be happy receiving myself.  I endeavour to be accurate with my grading and all items are graded under an intense light.  Please take a look through my feedback as I’d like to think it speaks for itself. 

Returns Policy

If you are not entirely happy with your purchase then please contact me within 7 days of receipt.  The buyer is expected to meet the return postage costs.

Payment Methods

Domestic buyers can pay via Cheque, PayPal or Postal Order.  Overseas buyers are always welcome and are required to pay via PayPal.  Payment is expected within 7 days of auction end unless otherwise agreed.

Postage Costs

I have had to bring my service in-line with changes to Royal Mail Terms and Conditions effective of April 2013.  Previously items sent via standard post were automatically covered up to the value of £46.00 however, standard postage now only covers items up to the value of £20.00.  Items with an opening value >£20.00 will include domestic Signed For postage costs automatically.  Items with an opening value <=£20.00 and which complete with a value <=£20.00 will continue to be dispatched via standard post unless otherwise agreed (i.e. the buyer indicates a preference otherwise).  Items which have an opening value <=£20.00 but whose final value is >£20.00 will be subject to enhanced postage costs in order to cover the extra insurance which is required.  I hope this is as straightforward as I can make it?  Ultimately, please don’t make payment until you’ve received an invoice from me and if you aren’t happy with the invoice you receive then I’m always open to discussion.  Buyers should be aware that both Ebay and PayPal take a % of postage charges (i.e. they are higher than I’d ideally want them to be).

Multiple purchases will be subject to consolidated postage costs.  I will contact you at the end of the auction to confirm these costs.

Proof of postage is always obtained and retained.

Overseas Buyers

As noted above Overseas buyers are welcome.  If you want me to investigate potential postage costs in advance of the auction’s end then please feel free to contact me.