Pink Floyd The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn Vinyl Record LP 1st Orig US Press EX

$

149

Item Description

Pink Floyd – The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn (Tower – ST 5093)

Pressing features: 1st Original U.S. Press, 1967, Stereo 

Matrix / Runout 

([Var. 1] Side 1 etched [△IAM stamped]): STI-5093-B2 △IAM

([Var. 3] Side 2 etched [△IAM stamped]): ST1-5093-A1 △IAM

Notes: A dazzling, kaleidoscopic debut, The Piper at the Gates of Dawn (1967) introduces Pink Floyd at their most experimental, shaped largely by the singular vision of Syd Barrett during the height of London’s psychedelic underground scene. As the band’s first album, it arrived before A Saucerful of Secrets (1968), which would mark a transition after Barrett’s departure, making this record both a starting point and a one-of-a-kind artifact in their catalogue. Recorded at Abbey Road alongside The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper sessions, it blends surreal lyricism, childlike wonder, and sonic exploration. The album’s title comes from a chapter in Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows, reflecting its distinctly British, almost storybook-like sensibility. The Piper at the Gates of Dawn has been widely celebrated, appearing on Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Albums of All Time” list—ranked #347 in 2012 and rising to #253 in the 2020 revision, reflecting its growing legacy and influence.

Vinyl Record grade: Strong VG++/EX

Beautiful, well-cared-for record with a strong, glossy finish and only minimal signs of prior handling. Surfaces are exceptionally clean, retaining a rich sheen throughout.

On close inspection under strong light, you may spot a tiny hairline or two as well as a minor scuff, so that's important to note (but these are extremely minor and do not affect the sound). These tiny whiffs prevent a Near Mint minus grade. But this is clearly a superb copy that comfortably sits at the very upper end of the scale. 

Cover/Jacket grade: Good+

Condition of the sleeve is poor to fair and should be considered a well-worn, heavily handled original. There is significant edge wear with visible cardboard loss at the top left corner and additional fraying along the seams and the spine is hurting. The bottom left area shows noticeable staining/discoloration on back, and there is general surface wear, scuffing, and creasing across the front, including ring wear and age-related dulling of the print. Corners are rounded and very worn, with the most severe damage concentrated on the left side. Overall, the jacket is still functional and holds together (no major splits) but this is clearly for someone who values the record itself (Excellent) over the jacket (Poor).

Other contents: missing original inner sleeve 

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The record has been ultrasonically cleaned and will ship with a premium MoFi inner sleeve and a protective outer sleeve. For added protection, the record will be placed outside of the album jacket within a plastic outer sleeve to prevent seam splits. It will be securely packaged in a reinforced media mailer and clearly labeled as fragile.

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Record Grading Scale (Based on visual inspection)

Sealed / Mint

Used only for factory-sealed items. 

The record remains unopened in its original shrink. Because the record has never been removed from the sleeve, the vinyl itself cannot be visually inspected. Minor corner dings or shrink wrap tears may be present but will be noted in the listing if significant.

Near Mint (NM)

A nearly perfect record.

The vinyl appears unplayed or played very few times and will show no visible scratches, scuffs, or marks. The surface retains full original gloss. This grade is reserved for exceptional copies from well-maintained collections that have been carefully handled and properly stored.

Very Good ++ (VG++) / Excellent 

An excellent copy with only the most minimal signs of handling. 

The record may show one or two extremely faint surface marks or light hairlines visible only under strong light. These marks are purely superficial and should not affect play. The vinyl still presents beautifully with strong gloss.

Very Good + (VG+)

A well-cared-for record that shows light signs of use.

The vinyl may display several light surface marks, hairlines, or superficial scuffs from handling or sleeve contact. These are generally light and difficult to see without careful inspection. Records in this grade typically play very well with minimal background noise.

Very Good (VG) 

A record that has been played and shows clear signs of use.

The vinyl will show noticeable surface marks, scratches, and general play wear. These marks are easily visible and result in some surface noise, but the record should still play through without skipping.

Good + (G+)

A heavily used but still playable record.

The vinyl will show numerous marks, scratches, and visible wear, including scratches that may be deep enough to feel with a fingernail. Surface noise, pops, and crackle should be expected. Despite cosmetic wear, the record should play through without repeating or skipping unless otherwise noted.

Cover/Jacket Grading Scale

Sealed / Mint

Used only for factory-sealed albums in original shrink wrap.

Minor shrink tears, corner dings, or storage wear may be present and will be noted if significant.

Near Mint (NM)

An exceptional cover with virtually no visible wear.

The jacket appears almost new, with sharp corners, clean surfaces, and no ring wear, writing, stickers, or seam splits. This grade is used sparingly for outstanding examples.

Very Good ++ (VG++) / Excellent 

A very attractive cover with only minor cosmetic flaws.

The jacket may show very light ring wear, slightly softened corners, or minimal edge wear. A small sticker or faint writing may be present but does not detract from the overall presentation.

Very Good + (VG+)

A clean, solid cover with moderate signs of handling.

Possible flaws include light ring wear, minor edge wear, small creases, sleeve scuffs, or small stickers/writing. The cover remains structurally sound and displays well.

Very Good (VG)

A cover with clear wear but still fully intact.

The jacket may include more noticeable ring wear, edge wear, or creasing. It may also have a drill hole, cut corner, moderate sticker residue, or a small seam split (approximately 1-3 inches). Corners may be rounded from use.

Good + (G+)

A heavily worn cover with significant cosmetic issues.

Common flaws may include major ring wear, large seam splits, heavy edge wear, major sticker damage, writing or doodles, soft or worn spine, or full split seams. The cover remains complete but shows obvious age and wear.