The Loricraft ™ Audio Professional Record Cleaning System.
| Important Announcement!
A price increase on all Loricraft PRC-3 machines recently went into effect. This is an attempt to offset the declining value of the U.S. dollar and inflation in Europe. Loricraft notified us of the increases in cost of the precision pumps and motors from France, England, and Germany that will raise the price to North American customers. Also FedEX and UPS have raised their International rates by 8.5%. U.S. customs charges are based on the value of the imported product. Other items offered on the website are not subject to the price increase.
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Standard PRC-3 with Black Base $2570 
The Standard model is a neutral black that matches most modern Stereo and Home Theatre components.
All Loricraft Professional Record Cleaning Machines have a 5-year U.S. limited warranty for parts and craftsmanship.
You do not send your machine back to England.
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New Pricing effective April 15, 2008
PRC-3 = $2570
PRC-4 = $2845
PRC-4 DL = $3725
PRC-5 = $3595
PRC-6 = $4900
To have your machine made with custom finishes add $200 to each model.
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| Other Important News . . .
After April 1 ALL the Loricraft machine will include the Forward-Reverse turntable feature. This is the same feature found on the premium PRC-4DL and PRC-6 models.
A new high vacuum pump has become available from the industrial pump manufacturer that will replace the double-headed pumps in some premium model of the PRC series. This newly designed part is even stronger than the previous model. To our knowlege Loricraft is the only record cleaning machine manufacturer using this new development.
New furniture finish models are being offered. In the past few years interior designers are specifying Maple and Cherry fishishes in home decors. Walnut and Mahogony are less popular. English ash is out. The new standarfd finishes are:
PRC-3 is still black. This neutral color fits in with most home funiture, and matches modern electronics.
PRC-4 will change from English Ash to Maple finish.
PRC-4 DL will change from Walnut to Cherry.
PRC-6 will remain Walnut.
You may have any model custom built with your choise of cabinet finish for a $200 special handling charge at the factory. These special orders are handled on a per case basis and may result in a wait of 3-4 weeks for delivery.
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The PRC3 is our most Popular Model.
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The famous Loricraft Cleaning System is perhaps the finest you can buy and is of particular value to professional studios, used record stores, or serious vinyl collectors that may have a huge investment in their record library. It does an incredible job of cleaning records that may have been poorly handled and stored in the past, or used records that are purchased from pervious owners who did not take care of the record.
Even though this product may three times the price of some popular "wet system" cleaners, there are several design advantages to produce truly superior results. The Loricraft model PRC3 and PRC4 are handcrafted in the U.K. using only the finest custom made European components.
A bit of history . . . .
The Loricraft PRC3 is based on the work of the late Percy Wilson, Technical Editor of the Gramophone Magazine in England. The prototype (hand made) machine was demonstrated at the Buxton Hi-fi show in the 1960's and drew quite a bit of attention for it's ability to thoroughly clean a record. This scheme has since been used by two companies in similar products.
The design was improved and modernized using state-of-the-art components and by Loricraft Audio. Thousands of units are now used around the world by leading record studios, record dealers, and serious collectors. The product is also very simple to use. More information on the origin of the PRC series is from the Loricraft factory website HERE.
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How Record cleaning machines work . . . ..
1. The popular priced record cleaning machines use a basic, low cost Shop Vac "wet/dry" vacuum motor to remove the cleaning fluid from the record. These type motors are for intermittent use only and will seriously overheat if run continuously. Because these motors develop a high RPM in order to develop a net 27 pounds per square inch vacuum at the nozzle, they are extremely loud. An optional cooling fan installation kit is offered by the manufacturers for continuous operation at a cost of about $100.
2. A Vacuum Pickup "Wand" extends over the playing surface of the record and sucks up the fluid applied to the record. Velcro-like strips are cemented to either side of the vacuum "slot" of the pickup tube. Manufacturers of these type machines recommend cleaning the "lips" with a toothbrush after every few cleanings to keep grit, chemical pollution, and dirt from being transferred to the next record being cleaned. If not done religiously contamination from one record can be transferred to the next, and the next, and so on. Manufacturers recommend the Pickup tube be replaced after 200 cleanings (400 sides). The cost of the new tube is between $50-$100.
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When vacuuming the cleaning fluid from the record surface two revolutions of the geared down turntable are recommended. More than two turns can cause the vinyl to develop a static charge that will attract dust and particles similar to those just removed. This is due to the friction of the Velcro like material against the vinyl compound.
4. Old records that are slightly rippled or warped are not cleaned fully because the long "wand" nozzle does not lie flat on the record. A slightly warped record may look like a clamshell when cleaning one side, and has a "hump" in the middle when cleaning the other side. The low parts of the record cannot be reached by the flat vacuum tube.
5. Because modern Lp records have a raised outside rim and raised label area to prevent scratching of the records when played on a record changer, the vacuum pickup tube does not make good contact with the beginning of the first band of these records. This is usually the dirtiest part of the record due to fingerprints and airborne particles that collect at the opening of the record jacket. We will describe how the Loricraft handles this problem beautifully.
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The Loricraft Audio Cleaning System contains all the active components in the cabinet
except for the spent fluid jar which is on the right side, for easy access and visibility.
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How is the Loricraft different?
1. The PRC3 uses an expensive European industrial vacuum motor that can run 24 hours a day without overheating. The vacuum system is so quiet you may enjoy playing your records while cleaning others, and you will not wake up the neighbors when the PCR3 is working. Instead of attempting to clean the record in one pass, as the other machines do, the Loricraft has a vacuum arm similar to a phono tone arm that glides over the record. One side of the record is cleaned in less than a minute. The vacuum arm is driven by a separate motor assembly using a clever coupling system.
#30 nylon filament threads out of the center of the nozzle into the evacuation tube.
2. The nylon nozzle tip of the vacuum arm does not touch the record. A fine filament nylon thread threads through the center of the arm and nozzle that allows the arm to lie very close the record. This un-calendared thread acts as a "ski" to support the arm and keep it a small fraction of an inch from the record. In fact, the distance is the thickness of the 30 gauge thread. Terrific suction is developed at the nozzle because of this proximity effect. To illustrate this, use your home canister vacuum cleaner. Remove any attachments from the hose and, while the cleaner is running, slowly move the hose close to the palm of your other hand. As you approach contact, the air velocity will dramatically increase and you will feel the powerful suction. That's how the Loricraft vacuum arm works. It is high intensity, local suction that is not distributed over the whole record (globally). The arm will "ride" up the rim of the record to assure the beginning track of the record is perfectly cleaned.
3 .The vacuum arm is adjusted to about 2.5 grams pressure. A phono tone arm pressure gauge may be used to adjust the exact weight of the arm. The vacuum arm is easily removed from the brass holding cylinder on the plinth by pulling it straight up. The arm drive motor has a circular magnet attached to its shaft that mates to a circular magnet on the bottom of the arm assembly. This permits easily moving the vacuum arm without any damage to the motor, through this unique coupling method. The suction nozzle adjusts automatically to records of any thickness including the new 180 gram audiophile releases.
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Nylon cleaning thread feeds the delivery tube and is "vacuumed" out the evacuation tube.
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4. The turntable platter moves at 80 RPM which exposes the maximum surface of the record to the moving vacuum arm. The record is absolutely dry because of this action.
5. Before cleaning another record pull out a ¼ inch of fresh thread from the thread feed tube. This assures clean thread is in contact with the record and will not transfer contamination from the last cleaning. The excess USED thread is sucked into the fluid vacuum tube and is deposited in the USED fluid reservoir jar.
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Nylon bristle brush is held lightly on spinning record.
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| 6. The top cover of the PRC3 is made of a tough acrylic material that makes cleaning extremely easy. If you splash cleaning fluid on the machine, simply wipe it up with a tissue. |
7. The three control switches on the top panel (Turntable, Arm, and Pump) are jacketed with a rubber cover to keep fluids from corroding the metal switches.
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When the spent fluid bottle is half full, remove and wash bottle.
8. A "spent" cleaning fluid reservoir jar is attached to the side of the machine by an expandable strap. This makes removal very easy in order to dispose of the fluid. The fluid level is clearly visible and the bottle should be "dumped" every month or so, depending on frequency you use the cleaning machine.
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9. The nylon thread spool contains 100 yards of media (the length of a football field) and, with ¼ inch used per record, should last for thousands of record cleanings. Only clean thread should touch the record.
10. A Nylon bristle brush (to drive the fluid into the grooves until fully wetted), and a spool of nylon thread it furnished with each system. Why nylon? It's anti-static!
11. Any of the popular record cleaning solutions that work with other brand machines may be used with the Loricraft System. We include a free bottle of the SMART microgroove record cleaning solution with each machine to sample.
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Arm is easily removed. Note the magnet on bottom of the assembly.
The magnet couples to another magnet on the motor to allow free
and easy movement of the arm without damaging the motor.
- Cleans any size record including 16 inch ET (Electrical Transcriptions)
- Effectively cleans warped and rippled records.
- Superior cleaning of modern records with raised rim on the outside edge of the record.
- No contamination of record from debris and chemicals from last records cleaned.
- Inexpensive replacement of the medium. One spool of thread lasts for thousands of cleanings.
- Very quiet European industrial grade vacuum pump.
- Absolutely no damage to your valuable records.
- Separate control switches for turntable motor, vacuum arm, and vacuum pump.
- European craftsmanship. Made is the U.K. Full 5-year limited warranty in the U.S. by SMART Devices, Inc. No need to return the machine to England for any necessary repairs. Parts stocked at our service center.
- Equals or exceeds the performance of professional record cleaners that are 3 times the price.
The Loricraft Audio System cleans records up to 16 inches. This is one of the very few record cleaning machines
that can handle Electrical Transcriptions.
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The Loricraft Record Cleaning System includes a limited manufacturers warranty of Five years against manufacturing defects or craftsmanship. Repair, if ever needed, is performed at the SMART Devices, Inc. factory in Norcross, Georgia.
Machines sold in North America are 120VAC 60 Hz versions. 240VAC 50 Hz is available on special order.
Please visit the on-line SMART Store to purchase the Loricraft Record Cleaning System and cleaning supplies.
Loricraft PRC3 US$2570.00, plus UPS Ground shipping charges. Includes FREE nylon dust cover and a FREE sample of the SMART Regular Microgroove cleaning solution. Stock in Atlanta, GA.
Loricraft PRC3-F Furniture Finish US$2770.00, plus UPS Ground shipping charges. Includes FREE nylon dust cover and a FREE sample of the SMART Regular Microgroove cleaning solution. Please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery of these special finishes.
Loricraft Combo Package. A full selection of cleaning solutions (Premier, Buggtussel, SMART MILD, SMART POTENT), foam brush, and extra media thread, when purchased with the Loricraft cleaning machine. An $80 value for $40.
Dimensions in inches: 18.5 w. x 8H x 15.5D Vacuum arm, turntable and thread holder extend an additional 2 inches above the top cover.
Finish: Black laminate around the base cabinet and black acrylic top deck.
Shipping Weight: 38 lbs.
Limited Warranty: 5 year warranty for manufacturing defects and craftsmanship.
A Dust Cover is now supplied FREE with the purchase of the Loricraft Cleaning machine to keep dust from collecting on your machine and to hide the machine if used in your living room. The soft nylon cloth cover is water resistant and is designed for a loose fit in order to slip on and off the machine easily. The cover also encloses the spent fluid bottle. Dark blue color. Was $24.95, NOW FREE!
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Replacement Cleaning Thread $9.95 per spool.
Also, ideal replacement thread for Keith Monks cleaning machines.
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Specialized Record Cleaning Solutions
While most of the popular cleaning solutions are generic and will work on any record, the SMART line offers three different solutions for different problems. Click HERE for an article on vinyl static. All SMART solutions contain a static inhibitor.
SMART MILD. Compounded for 78 RPM shellac and lacquer records plus acetate "one off" direct recording demo records. Also for 16" demo transcription records. Contains no alcohol that can damage these type materials. Safe for use on all records and all record cleaning machines. Contains a surfactant, wetting agent, and anti-static agent. $9.95
SMART REGULAR Effective formula for vinyl microgroove or vinyl 78 RPM records. Dissolves or loosens particles that are water or alcohol soluble. Do not use on shellac or lacquer records. $12.95
SMART POTENT. For "flea market" or rare vinyl records that are in bad shape, that you may wish to restore. Cleans stubborn grime, deposits, and groove blockage. For vinyl only. Toxic if consumed. Safe for handling and breathing, but not drinking! Works on all record cleaning machines. $12.95
All three solutions are packaged in 8 ounce plastic spray dispensers.
SMART FOAMING ACTION. Aerosol spray that is very efficient and effective. Only a small amount is needed. Many, many cleanings can be expected from one can. Same formula as our SMART REGULAR microgroove record cleaning solution. Reduces splashing when applying the formula to the record. 8 oz can. $12.95
MicroCare PREMIÉR. Formulated to remove "mold release" compound from brand new records. Aerosol spray dissolves and evaporates the chemical used in pressing phono records, making the playback much quieter. Should be used before you apply the record cleaning solution. Ozone friendly replacement for Freon. This compound REALLY works! Comes with spray tube to clean tape recorder heads.300g (11 oz.) can. $19.95
NEW - L'Art du Son premium record cleaning fluid from Europe . Details HERE Concentrate makes one gallon of solution when mixed with distilled water. Free "Spritz" bottle and Free shipping with each order. $55.00 New REVIEW
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Record cleaning chemicals can be shipped only by GROUND carrier and not by air due to shipping restrictions by air carriers. Sales are restricted to customers inside the 48 contiguous U.S. states.
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Premiér should be used first,
followed by your favorite record cleaning solution.
Buggtussel Pre-Cleaner. Highly recommended to combat bacterial, fungus, and bio elements that grow on old records that have been in storage for a long time in warm and humid conditions.. Spray on record and distribute with a foam paint brush until record is coated. Click here for complete directions. Allow to work for 30 seconds before applying your regular record cleaning solution. Vinyl-Zyme is not a record cleaner but an enzyme. Buggtussel Vinly-Zyme Gold Extra Strength 8 oz. pump spray bottle $24.99.
2 oz. bottle of concentrate makes 4 gallons of Regular Vinyl-Zyme or one gallon of Extra Strength Vinyl-Zyme De-ionized or distilled water is available from your local pharmacy and is not included with the concentrate. $49.99.
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Callers have asked if they could buy the Loricraft brushes separately
for use on their record cleaning machines. May be used as a
replacement or as a spare. $16.95 Made in England.
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| Splash-Guard. This industrial rubber protector slips over the spindle of ANY brand "wet record cleaning machine" to protect the paper label of the record. 3 7/8 inches in diameter, this guard should last for years. This material is not affected by chemicals or water. Paper record labels can be destroyed by chemicals or water resulting in rippling or disintegration of the paper, or damage to the print if cleaning fluids are accidently spilled or sprayed on the label. A FREE Spash-Guard is included with the purchase of any model of the Loricraft Professional Cleaning Machines.
SG-1 Splash-Guard $4.95
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New! Now Available.
Goat hair record cleaning brush. These rare, premium record cleaning brushes are being manufactured again by Russell Company in England. Russell has been making brushes since 1859. This special brush was available until the mid 1970's, and discontinued when Lp's started to disappear. The new version has a wooden handle with a flat top so the brush can rest upside down. Very soft, flexible bristles will not scratch records.
When you deep clean a record with the Loricraft it should never have to be cleaned again, if cleaned and stored properly. Occasionally you will want to lightly brush away any paper particles or dust with this brush when you play the record again. This premium brush should last a lifetime.
$40.00 Ideal for brushing surface "flecks" from records.
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Have you Loricleaned your records, yet?
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Free English Brasso for polishing the brass parts of your machine in the future. Purchased from a local hardware store in England. Still has price tag on the can. One can with each purchase of any Loricraft Professional Cleaning Machine. |
| Free bottle of the acclaimed L'Art du Son record cleaning fluid with the purchase of any Loricraft Professional Record Cleaning Machine. This is not a sample bottle, but the full concentrate that makes 4 quarts of cleaning fluid. $55.00 value. |
Nothing Cleans Records More Thoroughly than the Loricraft!
From the makers of the superb Garrard 501 Turntable.
5-Year U.S. limited warranty
Loricraft is the First in the industry to offer furniture finish to match or contrast with your fine surroundings.
Now Available.
Heavy duty version of the Loricraft PRC-3 Professional Cleaning System.
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The "Restorationist" Record Cleaning Machine
The new PRC4 features an expensive high vacuum pump that provides more than 24 Liters per minute of suction (The standard model is 14 Liters per minute.) and is virtually silent when compared to the lower cost machines. More effective cleaning of very dirty records. Ideal for institutions that run their equipment for many hours at a time, or record stores that want to increase the value and price of their used records. The PRC-4 will outperform machines that may cost as much as twice the price. The PRC-4 features the premium "Cherry" furniture finish base. The PRC-3 is also available in other optional custom finishes at extra cost. The PRC-3 and PRC-4 models look identical except for the internal components.
PRC-4 US$2845
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Loricraft Audio Professional Cleaning System
Explaination of the industrial vacuum pump characteristics in the various Loricraft models.
Simulated Bi-Directional cleaning method with the Loricraft System.
New Review from Danny Kaey of POSITIVE FEEDBACK ONLINE
Major review of the Loricraft Cleaning System from Bill Gaw, EnjoytheMusic.com.
Stereophile Review from Art Dudley.
Rave Review from the German Audiophile magazine, one of Europe's leading HiFi publications.
Review from Listener Magazine
Review from Marcel van Overbeek, HiFi Notes, BeNeLux
On-Line Demonstration of the cleaning power of the Loricraft System.
An informative article on Record Care.
How to REALLY clean your records. A Tutorial.
Visit the Loricraft Factory Website
A Modern Fairy Tale
Review and valuable technical tips from Hong Kong (in English) from makers of MINT - LP cleaning fluid.
NEW Loricraft Users comments page. Let us hear from you by sending an email.
Setup Manual for Loricraft Record Cleaning System
PDF format of the Loricraft manual for printing.
Please read the complete review by Art Dudley on the Loricraft PRC-4 in the (March 2005) issue of Stereophile magazine. Click here.
Re-threading the Loricraft Professional Record Cleaning Machine from the Loricraft rep. in Germany.
You may order the Loricraft Professional Record Cleaning System at our SMART Store with your Visa or Mastercard in the Continental U.S. Or call (800) 45-SMART toll free in the Continental U.S., all of Canada, Alaska, Puerto Rico, and Hawaii. Other areas please call (706) 839-1528. We also accept Paypal, National Money Orders, Cashier's Checks, Wire Transfer, Western Union Money Orders, and Personal Checks as payment.
| Brand New!
The PRC4-Deluxe features a turntable reverse switch requested by several customers. Hard Acrylic Dust cover, adjustable leveling feet, Vacuum arm rest, and a very expensive German made industrial double headed vacuum pump. Cherry veneer furniture cabinet.
$3725.00. Normally in stock.
Please see this article for a discussion of bi-directional cleaning.
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Now Available!
The PRC5 Professional Record Cleaning System is the only commercial machine that cleans 20" records. Made especially for the most prestigious record archivist institution in America, this product will also be available to others that have a need to clean any size record. Features the same double-headed industrial vacuum pump and English Ash cabinet used in the popular PRC4. $3245. Special order with three week delivery from the factory. We do not stock this model in the U.S.
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| The PRC6 Studio
The "King" of all professional Record cleaners!
The brand new PRC6 is the finest record cleaner you can buy. It features the largest industrial vacuum pump in the industry and the quietest vacuum cleaning of any machine.
In fact, it is so quiet, that when you clean records while listening to music you have to put your hand on the cabinet to feel the small vibration to verify the pump is running. The huge pump is made for industrial applications and is impervious to caustic chemicals and vapors. The pump will not fit into the PRC cabinets used in our other models. The PRC6 cabinet is 2 1/2" higher.
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The PRC6 has the same additions as the new PRC4-Deluxe machine. Acrylic Hard hinged flip-top dust cover, Adjustable leveling feet, and brass arm rest, plus walnut furniture cabinet. Turntable reverse switch (see photo above with the PRC-4-DL.) In stock!
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| SMART Devices, Inc. is a factory authorized repair station for Loricraft products. We have a trained technical team to take care of any problems that may occur during the 5-year limited warranty. No need to send the product back to another country as other European manufacturers require. Please call our service department to discuss the problem before returning the machine. Often minor problems can be worked out over the phone. |
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Acrylic Dust cover for PRC-3 and PRC-4 Loricraft Cleaning machines.
Our new acrylic covers are for customers who have requested to buy the dust cover for their Loricraft machines that are supplied on the PRC-4 Deluxe and PRC-6 machines. The cost of these dust covers from the factory are nearly $400 because they are made by hand, in small quantities.
Our "after market" dust covers are made in America and this product is not authorized by the Loricraft factory. The U.S. company that makes this cover also makes the cover for a famous $13,000 audiophile turntable, along with covers for many other high end products.
The selling price is $250, but we are offering an introductory sale price of $190 each, plus UPS shipping. These products are in-stock for immediate delivery.
Each acrylic hard cover comes with premium hinges and hardware for mounting to the wood cabinet. These detented hinges hold the cover open at 45 degrees and 90 degrees, as you wish. The sides of the cover have a small gap so that the cover does not crush the air hoses when closed, but the front and back are level when fully closed.
For new customers who wish to purchase an acrylic cover at the time they purchase their Loricraft PRC-3 or PRC-4 Cleaning machines, the cover will cost an additional $250, which includes installation of the cover by our techncial department before the machine is shipped.
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Accepting orders now! The Superb Loricraft 501 Premium turntable from the makers of the Garrard 501 in England. Please allow 4 weeks for delivery after placing your order. Click on picture for more!
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