This is an Ampex Golden Reel award for the Rolling Stones 1986 album Dirty Work album presented to and personally owned by Stones bassist Bill Wyman.
This award was acquired at a sale personally arranged by Wyman that featured many of his instruments, awards, and other personally-owned items and mementos from his illustrious career with the Rolling Stones and beyond. Evidence that it came from this sale will be included with this item.
The Rolling Stones Dirty Work album was released on March 24, 1986. It contained hits "Harlem Shuffle" and the Ronnie Wood-penned "One Hit (To the Body)". The album was certified Gold or Platinum in numerous countries including the U.S. and U.K.. (Note: This is not a BPI or RIAA award).
Ampex Golden Reel awards were presented by the Ampex Corp. from approx. 1977 through 1989 for albums recorded entirely on Ampex recording tape which attained at least Gold sales in their country of origin. One award was given to the artist and one to the recording studio at which the project was recorded, making them rare awards. Especially so when considering that only around 500 albums received the honor.
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Item Highlights:
- Ampex Golden Reel award for the Rolling Stones Dirty Work album
- Presented to and personally owned by the Stones Bill Wyman
- In Excellent condition
- Award presented in 1986
- Award measures approx. 13.5" x 17"
- One-of-a-kind collector's item for any Rolling Stones fan
- FREE insured shipping to continental U.S.
- International shipping available
Detailed Item Description: This is a Ampex Golden Reel award dated 1986 for the Rolling Stones Dirty Work album. It is presented to Bill Wyman and the Rolling Stones and was personally owned by Wyman until mid-2020. Wyman was the Stones bassist from 1962 through 1993, playing on countless classic Stones albums and touring the world for three decades. He also released six solo albums from 1974-2015 and formed Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings in 1997, with which he has recorded six albums and toured.
This award is 34 years old but is in Excellent condition. The "golden reel" is still bright and the black plexiglass and presentation plate are still shiny and practically mar free. The award also has its original California Gold Record Co. manufacturer's label on it's back.
Don't miss this is a rare opportunity to acquire an original award for one of the Rolling Stones classic 1980s releases, complete with spectacular presentation and ownership by the Stones Bill Wyman himself.
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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 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.
*RIAA sales data source: RIAA.com