ROLLING STONES, STICKY FINGERS, 1971 UK RSR COC 1st ISSUE, C/W PICTURE INSERT

	£		87
	$		115

It is my pleasure to offer for auction a superb example of the iconic studio album by THE ROLLING STONES titled “STICKY FINGERS”, Catalogue Number COC 59100. This is an ORIGINAL 1971 UK STEREO 1st PRESSING on the ROLLING STONES RECORDS LABEL, with a 1st ISSUE ANDY WARHOL DESIGNED “ZIP” SLEEVE. Complete with the 1st ISSUE PICTURE/CREDITS INSERT and the original plain white inner sleeve. [The sleeve is the earliest possible UK design with the standard size zip pull. There is a common misconception that the large “PAN” zip sleeves were the first UK issues - but these were all made in Germany and carry a very small “Printed in Germany” text near the pinch at the bottom of the spine. This text can very easily be rubbed-off without trace to conceal the German origin. I am absolutely certain of this and base this view on the fact that I have seen at least a dozen “PAN” zip pull sleeves in the flesh over the years, and all have either had the “Printed in Germany” text or a tiny area of colour loss where the text originally was. The picture/lyric insert is the 1st UK issue printed in England by Richard Davis Ltd. The vinyl matrix numbers are COC-59100-A4 and COC-59100-B3. “T.M.L ROLLING STONES RECORDS” is etched in the run-outs of both sides].

The sleeve is in EX+ condition with only the lightest signs of wear and a few very minor creases. There are the usual little impression marks on the back cover caused by pressure from the zip pulls on the neighbouring LPs during the initial packaging and distribution, but these are minor. Hopefully the photos below show the exceptional condition.       

The solidly pressed 155g record is in EX condition. The yellow Rolling Stones Records labels are like new with only a few short spindle traces each side. There is virtually no wear to the spindle hole. I can confirm that the record has only received a modest number of careful plays on a top quality turntable. Both sides play excellently throughout with no deterioration in sound quality and barely any unwanted noise. The audio is dynamic and vibrant with very impressive bass. It provides a truly compelling listening experience. The small amount of surface sound present is not intrusive in any way and is only mentioned for complete accuracy. I have never found an original COC pressing of this album that plays totally silently, and I doubt very much that any exist. This particular copy plays superbly.

The picture/credits insert is in unmarked EX+ condition as is the original white inner sleeve.

Overall this is an exceptional and complete 1st press copy of Sticky Fingers which will grace any record collection. 

GRADINGS

The records that I offer for sale have been critically play-graded, at loud volume, on a Sony PS-X65 turntable fitted with an AT-30E MC cartridge. I will only sell records that play to a high standard. My grading is strict and in accordance with the following descriptions:

·         MINT- Record is superb, almost like new, with just a few sleeve removal type surface marks and no deterioration in sound quality. Sleeve is near perfect in all respects.

·         EX Record is a top quality example, with just a few very light surface marks which do not sound, and barely any discernable deterioration in sound quality. Sleeve has slight wear and/or creasing.

·         VG Record has some visual surface marks, but still plays to a high standard without any major deterioration in sound quality – just a few clicks or light surface sound in places. Sleeve has normal wear and tear without any major defects but is still very presentable.

     All records can be expected to rotate sufficiently evenly on the turntable for there to be no effect whatsoever on the audio playback. Minor warps or dishing will not be mentioned as virtually all records display these features to some degree and no record is perfectly flat.

PACKAGING         

LPs are packaged with care and well protected to ensure that they arrive safely in the same condition as they leave me. Records are removed from both inner and outer sleeves in order to prevent seam-splits in transit.

INTERNATIONAL POSTAGE

LPs posted outside of the UK will only be sent International Signed-For with insurance at the following cost:   

Europe - £11.95

Worldwide - £15.75