Unique, historic and in great condition, this late 1960s "gold" label award (i.e. non-RIAA) made by Disc Award Ltd. celebrates The Doors debut album selling over 500,000 copies. The album contained Doors classics "Break On Through (To The Other Side)", "Light My Fire", and "The Crystal Ship" among others. The album went to #2 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart, (and scored their first #1 single with "Light My Fire"). The release was actually certified Gold by the RIAA on Sept. 11, 1967, and by 2007 was 4x Multi-Platinum.
All original with the distinctive post-1967 Disc Award Ltd. "dragon" logo engraved on the gold disc, engraved plate, black felt matte, and Disc Awards Ltd. stamp on its' back.
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Item Highlights:
- Disc Award Ltd. record label in-house gold record award for 500,000 sales of The Doors debut album
- Note: Not an RIAA award, although Disc Award Ltd. awards are typically seen as the most valuable of in-house awards
- From around 1967-68
- Presented to record executive Larry Ray, who was Director of National Promotion with Elektra, A&M, and Dunhill labels from 1965-69
- Photo of Larry May with Ray Manzarek from The Doors included (see image)
- Presentation plate reads: "Larry Ray with our thanks and appreciation, The Doors" to commemorate the sale of more than 500,000 copies
- In VG to Excellent condition with shiny gold record and bright, crisp label, some minor mars on the on the frame but with very little fading of the black velvet matte
- Award measures 15.5" x 15.5"
- Great, historic collectors item for any fan of The Doors
- FREE insured shipping to continental U.S.
- International shipping available
This award is in VG to Excellent condition, despite its 55+year age. Although it has the usual mars on the frame (nothing major) it was obviously kept in a cool, dry place devoid of sunlight for most of its' years, resulting in very little fading of the matte and label and no tarnishing of the gold record.
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Notes on the condition of all vintage record awards like this one: Please do not buy this item if you want a brand new piece of memorabilia. These are historical artifacts from the year they were produced. As a result they may show signs of wear. Frankly, if you see a 20 to 50-year-old award purported to be in 100% perfect condition, it might be too good to be true. After all, an antique should have "good' wear. If not, you might want to question the piece.
As to where they came from, they could have been displayed in record label offices, recording studios, artist manager's offices, radio stations, private collector's homes and yes, of course, possibly the artist's or songwriter's home. Typically, we don't know all the places they may have been over the years other than what we've stated in the description.
Finally, a word on photos: Our photos are zoomable so you can get a very good look. Do let us know if you want photos of any other details on our pieces and we'll be happy to provide.