I will declare a lower amount on the customs form for all countries so as to avoid/decrease high import charges.  However, in the case of the EU all purchases are subject to VAT which eBay collect at point of sale.  No shipping to Russia currently.

Iron Maiden : The Number Of The Beast A2 / B4 1st Press 1982

This first pressing plays to the highest standard possible, it is stunning.  Having played every track in full I can confidently say they all play with a sonic quality that is second to none, 'as new' sums it up perfectly.  Looking at how pristine the vinyl is I suspect this was purchased as a collectors piece rather than to be played.  There is no spindle wear so maybe never played before, it sounds like it!  The clarity, depth and power of the audio is just on another level.  It is a FINAL UPGRADE archive classic for sure and is easily the most 'complete' version of this classic album that I have ever heard.

The cover has retained its original shape and structure and is in superb condition with barely any wear.  The lyric inner (with rounded corners) has also been preserved so well with no wear at all.

EMC 3400 // A-2 / B-4 / GIVE IT SOME HEADBUTTS & NICKZ etched on the run out grooves

The audio on S1 is Mint(-)

The audio on S2 is Mint(-)

The cover is Near Mint-

The lyric inner is Mint

The labels are Mint

Visual description

This vinyl is in beautiful condition and still has a lovely jet-black glossy sheen despite being 42 years old.  There are no marks or scratches and even when I look under a bright light I can barely make out a hairline, a handful of mega faint ones only.  The grooves are so clean and I would not be surprised if it had never been played before!  The labels are pristine with no spindle wear either.  This is one stunning vinyl!

Play grading

The intro on 'Invaders' is 'as new' and Dickinson's opening vocal section is of the same standard.  It continues to play with rip-roaring power and whilst Harris has since said it wasn't a strong enough track to be on the album you cannot fault the actual sonic quality.  A superb Mint version.

The intro and first verse on 'Children Of The Damned' play with supreme clarity and power and the first chorus is the same.  It proceeds in the same way with that familiar dynamic Maiden sound and the mid instrumental is a case in point.  In a word - stunning!  The remainder is equal to that and Dickinson's final 'vocal' could not be any stronger.  Another Mint track.

The spoken intro on 'The Prisoner' plays with exceptional clarity, just 3/4 mega quiet statics, and the following instrumental is indeed perfect.  Blast it loud the sonic quality is amazing!  The opening vocal is flawless and this high end standard is kept up throughout.  Every section is 'as new' with no sign of any background, I cannot emphasise enough how incredible the audio is!  The frenetic instrumental towards the end could not play any better and the same applies to the final vocal section.  Mint is richly deserved here.

'22, Acacia Avenue' ends the side with phenomenal clarity, power and definition from the first note to the last with no interference.  Playing as per an un-played record the sonic quality is again off the scale and Mint is the only grade I can give.  Running at nearly 7 minutes the continuing saga of Charlotte could not play any better :-) What. A. Version.

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The classic spoken intro on 'The Number Of The Beast' plays with perfect clarity and the opening vocal has no background either.  The power, depth and resonance of the audio throughout this opening section including Dickinson's scream is out of this world!  The following high octane section is equal to that and it continues in the same precise way.  Once again I cannot believe what I am hearing, this truly is audio of the highest calibre!  The mid instrumental is faultless as is the final vocal section and just by listening to this track alone you can see why Dickinson had to replace Di'Anno.  He took them to places where they hadn't been before and like I say this classic track is a fine example of that.  It is MINT all the way.

Another classic in 'Run To The Hills' and it plays with phenomenal quality from start to finish with... zero intrusion.  10/10 clarity, 10/10 power, 10/10 everything!  The definitive Mint version.

'Gangland' again plays with sublime precision through every vocal and instrumental section.  Not the strongest track on the album it nonetheless grades as Mint such is the quality.

The intro on 'Hallowed Be Thy Name' plays perfectly and the opening vocal plays with stunning clarity also, not even a dust tick.  As the pace picks up the sonic quality is superb and the powerful opening vocal section can only be described 'as new' just like the rest of the album!  The next instrumental is just as strong and clear and it continues to play with impeccable quality even during the 'quieter' moments.  A firm 'live' favourite you can see why and to the end the power and depth is stunning.  The 'sound' just filled the room with such resonance and warmth and (again) I cannot emphasise enough just how impressive the audio is here.  No distortion, no interference just pure Mint audio throughout including the fade out.  The most 'complete' version I have ever listened to and that applies to the entire album!

The Cover & Inner Sleeve

The cover is in superb condition with very little wear and nothing stands out.  The edges have hardly any rubbing and the corners are so clean also.  The spine is basically perfect and the opening edge is pristine.  The front cover is close to perfect with just one minor scratch on the 'M' near the top edge and the back cover has no marking at all.  A stunning example.

The lyric inner is in fantastic condition with no splits, marking or creasing.  Immaculate.

Play tested on my Rega P2 with AT-VM95EN Cart / Denon PMA-520AE Amp / B&W 684 Speakers

This record has been cleaned on a Pro-Ject VC-S machine

EMC 3400 // A-2 / B-4 / GIVE IT SOME HEADBUTTS & NICKZ etched on the run out grooves

I grade according to "Record Collector" guidelines.

Any questions please feel free to ask

Please pay within 4 days of auction end

Recent Feedback

THIS IS WHAT A SELLER SHOULD BE LIKE ON HIGH END VINYL! Exactly as described if not better ! I could not be a happier customer .. well packed for international flight .. and shipped and received very fast .. No worries here this guy is the tops

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Beautiful record as described, fast safe delivery, top seller. Cheers Steve.

Another fantastic LP from this seller - condition exactly as shown and the audio as described! Fast delivery, vinyl properly and carefully packed. Very highly recommended A++++

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Postage & Packaging

I will only send items items worldwide via tracked shipping.  This provides 'peace of mind' in case of loss or damage.  The shipping costs are shown below and combined shipping is always offered.  Any over-payment will always be refunded.

The Royal Mail only insure up to a value of £250 so if an item sells for more it may be wise to use a courier service (e.g. Parcelforce or DPD).  An extra insurance premium will be required but I will not know the exact amount until the final sale price is known.  Because of this I will sometimes have to estimate the cost and this will be shown in the listing.  Please wait for the invoice before making payment and if you have any questions please feel free to ask.  Many thanks.

All vinyls are packaged in strong over-sized custom made mailers with plenty of extra cardboard protection.  They are placed inside separate poly-lined inners outside the cover so as to avoid seam splits in transit and then placed inside a PVC sleeve to provide even more protection.  I pride myself on my high quality packaging as my feed confirms and if any customer has any specific requirements I am more than happy to help.

The mailers I use cost £1.00 each and I will use anything between 3-5 cardboard stiffeners which cost approx £0.18 each.  There is also the cost of the poly-lined inner and PVC sleeve to consider, it all adds up!  Not forgetting that eBay take 10% of the shipping fee also!!

UK Postage Rates (First Class Recorded - Max 2kg)

LPs/12" singles : £6.50 up to 1kg then £1.00 per extra item 

EUROPE (Tracked - Max 2kg)

LPs/12" singles : £13.95 then £2.00 per extra

USA (Tracked - Max 2kg)

LPs/12" singles : £24.95 then £2.50 per extra 

REST OF WORLD (Tracked - Max 2kg)  

LPs/12" singles : £21.95 then £2.50 per extra

If you are not entirely happy with your purchase please contact me before leaving feedback and I will always resolve any issue, 100% guaranteed.  If you would prefer to send the item back I will also pay the return shipping cost if I am at fault, I am only human after all!!