A Funny Thing Happened RARE UK 1963 HMV STEREO LP Frankie Howerd Sondheim EX/EX+

	£		18
	$		24

Hard-to-Find, Original U.K. 1963 Black, Red & Silver label His Master’s Voice STEREO Factory Sample L.P. pressing of Stephen Sondheim’s ‘A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum’ starring Frankie Howerd, Kenneth Connor, Robertson Hare and Jon Pertwee (Catalogue Reference: His Master’s Voice CSD 1518).  The musical direction is by Alyn Ainsworth.  This is an early STEREO pressing of this as evidenced by the the large font, lower case ‘stereo’ in the top right-hand corner on the front of the sleeve.  This is also a factory sample, there is an original E.M.I. ‘Factory Sample - NOT FOR SALE’ sticker present on the Side One label.  The heavy vinyl pressing is still stored in the original, pretty crisp HMV poly-lined inner sleeve including images of other popular HMV records in the catalogue.  The sleeve is a typical E.M.I. construction of the period being relatively heavy and featuring a front-laminated sleeve with flip-backs top, bottom and spine.  While this isn’t a perfect copy it still remains in very fine condition.  This is one of a group of early 60s stereo LPs which were found together and which have clearly sat around for decades and have only been played sparingly.

CONDITION: EX (VINYL) / EX/EX+ (POLY-LINED INNER SLEEVE) / EX/EX+ (SLEEVE): Like all my items this has been graded under an intense light.  It is very obvious that the vinyl hasn’t seen heavy play.  The surfaces really shine and are pretty clean considering the age (over 50 years).  The record is graded EX because of two small spindle ‘drags’ on Side One (it would otherwise grade higher).  One is more prominent than the other but both are ultimately superficial (i.e. can’t be felt, don’t sound etc.).  I also note one very small hairline mark measuring approx. 3 millimetres on the third track on Side Two.  This is a fine copy.  The original HMV poly-lined inner sleeve is crisp.  It clearly hasn’t been handled and the only flaw is the only odd, brown spot, a reaction to handling from a very long time ago.  The outer sleeve is also very crisp.  The laminate displays a few spots of encrusted dirt but ultimately retains a ‘fresh’ appearance and really doesn’t look like it was applied over 50 years ago.  There is a very light bend to the top right-hand corner but otherwise the sleeve is pretty damn flat.  The corners display only minimal wear.  Perhaps the most pronounced flaw (and this isn’t saying very much on what is a very clean copy) is some ‘browning’ to the rear where again, like the inner, the sleeve was handled a very long time ago.  This is a fine example of a stereo issue of this L.P.

GRADINGS – How I Grade

My items are visually graded under an intense light using my nearly 20 years of experience buying and playing records.  I am a record collector first and foremost.  I would say my grading is on the conservative side however, it is also realistic.  Realistic in the sense that sometimes even brand new records are not immaculate.  Some items are play-graded and where this is the case it will be noted in the Item Description.  Please note that it is my assertion that 99.9% of issues which might be experienced upon playback of a record can be identified through visual grading.  I’m a longstanding Ebayer so please feel free to check my feedback if you have any concerns about the quality of the items I list.  As always please review my images if you have any concern about the condition of a sleeve!  A picture speaks a thousand words!  

GRADINGS - Description

MINT – If used to describe the condition of a record the item will be sealed.  Mint will rarely be used to describe the condition of a sleeve however, it will mean the item is sealed and no storage damage is evident.

NEAR MINT – When used to describe a record it will mean that it is hard to discern that the disc has been played.  When viewed under an intenselight there might be the odd hairline mark however, you would really have to look hard for it.  Ultimately, the vinyl will look like it has just been made.  When used to describe a sleeve it will mean that the sleeve has no shelf-wear or storage damage.  The sleeve will look like new.

EXCELLENT+ - There will be an indication that the record has seen some play but not heavy play.  When viewed under an intense light only the tiniest, wispiest hairline markings will be present and not excessively so.  The vinyl will retain a great sheen.  A sleeve described as EX+ will display minimal shelf or storage wear including an odd crease or the stubbing of corners, slight fraying to the opening edge.  Ultimately, the sleeve will still be a superior example.

EXCELLENT – There might be an indication that the record has seen a reasonable amount of play and handling however, it has been well looked after.  Superficial surfaces scuffs may be present but no marks of real substance (i.e. which will affect playback).  Under an intense light it is likely that a relative volume of hairline marks are present.  A sleeve described as EX will display shelf or storage wear including creasing, loss of print (due to rubbing), possible stubbing of corners etc.  The sleeve will not display any substantial flaws.  Ultimately, it will be a solid copy.

VERY GOOD+ - I will rarely list vinyl for sale described as VG+.  Any vinyl listed as VG+ will have a detailed condition description included in the listing.  The description VG+ is more often used to describe sleeves.  Often VG+ describes the condition of a sleeve which was of very cheap manufacture (think 1970s EMI sleeves or Polydor late 60s/early 70s) and therefore more prone to display the vagaries of time.  A sleeve described as VG+ will not be a basket case.  It will likely display a reasonable volume of creasing, a reasonable amount of rubbing/stubbing and possible the odd substantial flaw.

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