We wrap up our three part series of classic white mattes with The Moody Blues. Named after a Slim Harpo song, they are best known as one of rocks first classical-pomp groups and struck gold in the early seventies.
“”Nights In White Satin” was the only Moody Blues RIAA gold 45. Originally released in January of 1968 and certified on December 18, 1972, it took almost five years to reach gold status and eventually achieved a peak chart position of #2.
The presentation to London Records, reflects its subsidiary labels included the Moody Blues labels, Deram and Threshold.
Certified in 1972, this is the die-cut matte you see on awards after 1967. Notice the matte is whiter, woven tighter and the edge is thinner than on the hand cut mattes of the Rolling Stones “Ruby Tuesday” and “Green Onions” by Booker T. & The M.G.s.
For your comparison, take a look at the side by side photo below.
Backing paper looks changed because there is no manufacture sticker or outline where a sticker would have been. Top hanging is not original, but you can see the holes on the sides where the original wire hanging would have been anchored. It’s pretty normal to see changed backing paper in an award forty years old, and hangings are changed to facilitate individual display preferences.
There’s little affect on the value of the award, but if you have a choice between one that is completely original, and one that is re-papered and hung … original is better.
To review other white mattes check here.
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