GENTLE GIANT - OCTOPUS
Rare, sought after 1972 UK Vertigo swirl 1st press prog gem - very nice copy with impressive stereo throughout
Year/Label : 1972 UK VERTIGO swirl
Label number : 6360080
Matrix numbers : 6360080 1Y//1 420, 6360080 2Y//1 420
Stampers : 1 3 2 04 / 1 1 1 04
Very good plus VG condition vinyl - flat and retaining it s original jet black lacquered sheen and it is only with close scrutiny under a bright light that just the occasional extremely faint paper scuff line comes into view on both sides along with a couple of slightly more obvious but still faint small scuff marks on side 1 - nothing obvious or feelable and each appearing to be purely superficial. A more accurate grading would be very good plus for side 1 and excellent for side 2. The labels are excellent EX with all text and the iconic Vertigo swirl remaining perfectly intact - there are just a couple of very small and extremely faint spindle trails adjacent to the centre hole on each side. Again, very good plus VG condition iconic non-laminated outer gatefold sleeve with firm and largely unscuffed edges - just a little mild scuffing on the bottom edges next to the bottom corners and a little mild rubbing on each corner each of which retains a nice right angle, firm opening edges with no fraying, the occasional non-obvious small and very light handling/storage mark a couple towards the top right corner on the front side - see photo , no unwanted writing, just a few 1-2cm horizontal surface crinkles adjacent and perpendicular to the spine on both the front and reverse sides, and a 6cm diagonal surface crinkle on the reverse side towards the top right corner again, have a good look at the photos - each very trivial ...impressive, and remaining both fully functional and eminently presentable with all colours, art work and text remaining vibrant and crystal clear - indeed, the inside of teh gatefold is hard to fault. Excellent EX stereo sound quality with no sticks, skips, repeats, clicks, or distortion and any background crackle is absolutely minimal - just the hint of some very, very minor crackle during a couple of the quieter moments/intermissions - nothing really - with every track a great listen. What an underrated prog album this is Comes with the orighinal excellent EX condition original poly-lined Vertigo swirl inner sleeve with no side splits, no edge fraying, barely any creasing, and just a little age discolouration towards a couple of the edges there is also a name and address stamped towards the bottom left corner of the front side. Note that I always ship the vinyl in a new plain white inner sleeve in order to protect the original.
A very nice copy of this increasingly rare 1972 UK 1st press prog gem, with the impressive stereo sound quality being a true highlight.
POSTAGE COSTS :
For the UK 3.64 using Royal Mail tracked 48, ebay Simple Delivery
for continental Europe 11 using Royal Mail 1st class tracked and signed for,
and for the rest of the world 17 using Royal Mail 1st class tracked and signed for.
I do provide posting and packaging discounts for multiple purchases. I make no profit from postage.
Note that I always insert the vinyl into a new plain white poly-lined inner sleeve in order to protect the original during postage, and separate this from the outer sleeve to prevent seam splits. I use thick cardboard stiffeners and take great care in my packaging to ensure as far as possible that these precious records reach their destination in exactly the same condition as when they leave me.
If you require any further information, including photos, then let me know and I ll do my best to oblige.
If this record interests you then take a look at my other listings for more 60 s and 70 s classic vinyl.
A bit about myself : I have been collecting UK vinyl for over 55 years from a variety of sources : my own collection, friends and family, car boot and garage sales, door-to-door leaflets, and even through placing an advert in my wife s shop window My ebay feedback speaks for itself so rest assured that you are buying from a trusted seller and in the very unlikely event that you are unhappy with your purchase just e-mail me and I will sort out the problem. I offer a no questions asked refund policy. If you require any further information, including photos, then let me know and I ll do my best to oblige. There is NO RESERVE on this item. Richard
Descriptions of any records I sell comply with the Rare Record Price Guide grading guidelines.
On 07-Sep-25 at 20:28:44 BST, seller added the following information:
Actually, this is a 2nd UK pressing not a 1st as stated in the ad, the only difference being that 1st UK pressings have Alucard credits on the side 2 label - 2nd pressings and later have Excellency credits. My mistake Richard
