An impossibly rare fully autographed UK first pressing of Black Sabbath’s 1970 debut album, on the collectible Vertigo label.  This is the earliest pressing in Near Mint/Near Mint condition, with the big logo ‘swirl’ labels, ‘A Philips Record Product’ below Vertigo on the Side B label, and the erroneous copyright warning inside the cover reading “Copyright subsists in all Stereo Recordings” (see below for the full list of the first pressing signifiers, from Discogs).

The autographs here are very unusual, and strongly suggest this was signed just after the album’s release, and possibly for a friend of the band.  Ozzy Osbourne and Tony Iommi sign their regular names, but Geezer Butler signs with his real name, Terry Butler, and Bill Ward signs as Billy Ward.  The autographs have been authenticated by music autograph expert Roger Epperson, who notes in his included Certificate of Authenticity that ‘Terry Butler’ is a very early signature, and that he has never seen a ‘Billy Ward’ signature.

The barely played disc is in Near Mint condition, with a single superficial fingernail type scuff to each side, but otherwise no other signs of play.  It sounds fantastic; also included is the original swirl innersleeve.  The slightly textured cover is in strong Near Mint condition as well.  As nice a copy of this ultra collectible album as you could hope to find, with absolutely superb autographs (an unsigned copy of this album in this condition is worth $1000+).  With Roger Epperson’s letter of authenticity, and Recordmecca’s written lifetime guarantee of authenticity.

From Discogs.com:  First issue released on the ”swirl” Vertigo label with big logo above spindle hole and the wording ”Vertigo” below spindle hole and ‘A PHILIPS RECORD PRODUCT’ text.  Comes in a gatefold cover and with a ”swirl” inner bag. The gatefold cover is slightly textured compared to later issues and has different upper-case only credits on inner gatefold.  Vertigo inner sleeve reports: ‘MADE IN ENGLAND British Patent No. 800513 & 973939 – PLASTIC BAGS CAN BE DANGEROUS – TO AVOID SUFFOCATION KEEP THOS BAG AWAY FROM BABIES AND CHILDREN.  The first issue (this release) had an erroneous copyright warning stating that “Copyright subsists in all Stereo recordings…”. Subsequent ”swirl” Vertigo reissues corrected copyright warning to “Copyright subsists in all Vertigo recordings…”  The first (this release) and 2nd versions had band member and production credits in capital letters throughout. Subsequent ”swirl” Vertigo reissues changed all credits into upper and lower case and also adds in composition and publishing credits.
All issues released on the ”swirl” Vertigo all mis-spell Ozzy Osbourne as Ossie Osborne.