Teddy Pendergrass RARE Philadelphia International White Label LP + Proof Sleeve

	£		20
	$		26

RARE, Original U.K. 1977 CBS / Philadelphia International Records white label proof sleeve pressing of Teddy Pendergrass’ Self-Titled L.P. (Catalogue Reference: Philadelphia International Records 34390).  In content this is a fairly typical 70s, U.K. record company promotional pressing.  They are obviously very rare and would only have been manufactured in limited quantities.  The vinyl pressing is a white label pressing with ‘Teddy Pendergrass’ written in pink ink on the B-Side label.  The pressing is a typical U.K. CBS pressing of the period and perhaps rather obviously features ‘A1/B1’ matrixes.  The vinyl is stored inside a plain white card sleeve which also features ‘Teddy Pendergrass’ in the same pink ink on the front of the sleeve.  In terms of construction and thickness this is basically a standard card sleeve without the print.  This copy retains the original, thin, wrap-around ‘proof’ paper sleeve.  Obviously, being as exposed and fragile as it is the wraparound ‘proof’ sleeve shows it’s age however, it is clear that the rest of the package has seen little handling nor play.

CONDITION: EX (VINYL) / EX (PLAIN CARD SLEEVE) / FAIR/VG (PAPER PROOF SLEEVE): This copy hasn’t seen heavy play.  A few obvious spindle ‘drags’ on each label likely attest to the only plays this copy has ever seen although it is dusty and there is a little, light encrusted dirt in spot.  Under an intense light a limited volume of ultra-fine hairline marks are visible.  There are no obvious marks here and despite the limited dirt and dust the surfaces retain a decent sheen.  The upshot of the evident wear to the wrap-around ‘proof’ sleeve is that it has done a very good job at protecting the plain white card sleeve.  The card is still pretty damn white and crisp.  There is minor creasing along the opening edge on both sides which has clearly been caused when someone reached for the contents.  Minimal fraying to the opening edge is also evident.  The thin, paper ‘proof’ sleeve is still in one piece but barely.  About two thirds of the spine has split.  There is extensive wear along the top and bottom edges where they extend beyond the card and are that much more exposed.  There is an obvious two inch-long tear to the rear of the wrap-around extending from the spine.  I’d say there is very light browning to the paper.  To be honest it is rare that the paper wrap-arounds survive and usually all you find is the plain white sleeve.  This is a rare opportunity to own what would have been thee original U.K. promotional copy of this Philadelphia International record!

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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