The Glory of CREMONA Deluxe - incl recital LP and RARE 7 inch comparison record

$

60

Rare
An ideal gift for the devoted lover of fine violins and classical music.
"The Glory of CREMONA" DECCA Gold Label Records DXSE 7179, Stereo
"Deluxe Package"
This perhaps unique recording showcases 15 world famous violins created by:
Antonio Stradivari Joseph Guarneri Del Gesu Andrea Amati Nicolo AmatiCarlo Bergonzi and Gasparo da Salo
...between about 1560 and 1744...
The LP is a special concert by violin virtuoso Ruggiero Ricci playing these world famous violins accompanied by Leon Pommers on piano.  The concert showcases the unique character of each violin performing compositions by Vivaldi, Paganini, Handel, Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Schumann, Brahms, Mendelssohn, Nardini, Veracini, Paradis, Desplanes, Hubay, Kabalesky, and Bruch.
Includes original sleeve, jacket, and both 12-inch LP of the concert (DL 710.082) Side 1 - 7 tracks, Side 2 - 8 tracks AND (rare) the comparison record (7-inch, 7-34172) Side 1 - 8 tracks, side 2 -7 tracks.
The quote below (from the liner  notes) concerns the unique comparison record:
"The 7-inch, long-play Comparison Record in the adjacent sleeve permits the listener to compare the subtle differences in sound of the violins collected for the Glory of Cremona album, without the possible distraction of diverse program material.  Here, all factors are constant - artist, recording set-up, and program.  In sequence, Mr. Ricci plays all 15 instruments in the unaccompanied opening statement of the Bruch Violin Concerto in G Minor."
The extensive liner notes include a special statement from the producer, Israel Horowitz, and an extensive, detailed history concerning both the violins and those who made them by Rembert Wurlitzer.  This is followed by a full page of black-and-white images of the front and back of each violin along with details of its fabrication and history. Indeed one encapsulates something of western European history: 
Side 1, Band 1, Intrada (Desplanes) Andrea Amati (c 1560-1570). This important instrument was made for the Court of Charles IX of France.  The monarch's coat of arms, largely obliterated, is painted on the back and his motto "Pietas Et Justitia Unico Propungo " is lettered in gold on the sides.  Translated, it reads "With piety and justice I go forth unarmed." This instrument was lost from the French Court during the revolution, later turned up in England, and now is in the possession of Dr. Arved Kurtz."
Library of Congress catalog card number: R-63-1314
Note - the inner sleeve has an additional thin plastic lining (original) that nearly encapsulates the record.
Note 2: This incredible record has been stored in a smoke-free facility under Library-like conditions.  It has been played perhaps five times over its life and is nearly flawless.  Both records have bits of surface dust (unavoidable).  Side 2 of the 12 inch record has a very light scratch that I've attempted to show in the close-up image.  This did not affect play during the trial about two weeks ago.
The 7 inch comparison record is flawless.
Given the rare and irreplaceable nature of this unique album, the high bidder may select ANY shipping method they prefer. Estimates are given below for various services with the cost of insurance included. 
USPS Media Mail, $5.70 Retail Ground, $13.20 First-Class Package, $9.50 Priority Mail 2-Day, $15.50
I am also wiling to ship via UPS and FedEx if the high bidder prefers.
Buy-it-Now - it will ship via FedEx next day.