This amazing rarity comes from a serious Beatles collector who has commissioned me to sell his collection over the coming few months.
A similar copy of this export 'contract pressing' was sold on Ebay in 2004 for 4,900 GBP
It comprises some of the rarest and best condition copies ever to be offered for sale.
For some of the highlights - including 'White Album' No.00000005, please take a look at my 'About Me' page.
This ultra-rare UK 1968 stereo *EXPORT CONTRACT PRESSING* is on the black & yellow Parlophone labels: P-PCS 7067 & P-PCS 7068
All labels bear a distinctive deep groove running around the perimeter of each, 1cm from the edge.
All labels have 'The Gramophone Co...' rims and there is no tax/price code present on any label.
Housed in a thick card stock, fully laminated, top-loading 'Garrod & Lofthouse printed cover numbered: No.0260237 with a 'stereo' sticker placed on the rear upper right corner.
This copy is 100% complete with both its matt black die-cut inner-sleeves, 4 colour portrait photos & matt UK printed poster.
Matrix numbers: YEX 709-1, 710-1 & YEX 711-1, 712-1
The above matrix numbers are both machine stamped & hand-etched into each respective run-out.
Stamper numbers: Disc 1: 4 & 7 Disc 2: 4 & 7
Disc weights: 1.153g 2.152g
CONDITION
Disc 1
Labels: NEAR MINT
Both are immaculate with just a few tiny spindle marks to the side 2 centre-hole.
The silver centre-hole marker is still partially visible around the hole on both labels.
Visual: EXCELLENT
Both surfaces of this seldom played & well looked-after disc are extremely clean & bright with all of their 'as new' deep gloss shines fully intact.
Careful inspection in strong daylight shows up a few faint lines consistant with inner-sleeve removal but certainly no significant marks or scratches to either surface.
Close examination directly under my halogen desk lamp reveals numerous light hairlines and inner-sleeve removal marks and an occaisional sylus scratch but nothing deep or feelable.
Both sides lie 100% flat on the turntable with no signs or dishing or warping.
Audio: EXCELLENT PLUS
This disc has clearly not been played many times at all and overall the sound quality is clean & clear and free from any groovewear distortion or any other major faults.
My careful play-check at volume revealed some light backgound during quieter passages and songs but no clicks, pops, jumps or indeed and other significant traces of audible wear.
Disc 2
Labels: NEAR MINT
Another beautiful set with no more than a handful of tiny spindle trails around each centre-hole.
Visual: EXCELLENT PLUS
Again, both surfaces are in superb condition with untarnished, glossy surfaces which display just a few insignificant hairlines strong daylight but certainly nothing serious.
Close examination directly under my halogen desk lamp reveals just a few inevitable marks from inner-sleeve removal & inner-sleeve storage marks but no other significant marks or wear.
Again, both sides lie 100% flat on the turntable with no signs or dishing or warping.
Audio: EXCELLENT PLUS
As with the first disc, this example has rarely been near a turntable and plays cleanly & clearly throughout with no significant or major audible faults.
Hard to find another copy of this anywhere, let alone in this amazing condition.
Cover: EXCELLENT
An extremely clean & glossy example with just some inevitable age toning chielfy around the edges of each panel, but no other significant or major signs of wear to any part.
The front panel retains its high-gloss laminate and displays just 3 small 'thumbnail' creases towards the opening edges.
The laminate is fully intact over the raised 'THE BEATLES' wording and the unique number is bold & undamaged.
All corners remain clean & square with just a hint of shelfwear but no bumps or rubbing to any. All of the top-opening edges are clean, straight and undamaged.
The rear panel has a slight disc impression visible at a certain angle and a small 'stereo' sticker in the upper right corner.
The inside of the gatefold is totally unworn and unmarked with no creases, writing or missing paper.
The spine's laminate has just a few small areas where it has split but all the text is covered and highly readable.
Both the lower and side seams are smooth, unstressed and unsplit.
Inner-sleeves: VERY GOOD PLUS
Both are clean and flat with a single 9cm seam split to one and a 2cm one to the other. Both top edges have a small 5mm tears but both centre-holes are intact.
Photos: NEAR MINT
Poster: VERY GOOD
Unhung but with a bend to the centre and a 1.5cm tear to one of the folds. There are a few light marks to the lyric side but no pin-holes or other faults.
IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ:
If you have a feedback score of less than 10, but please contact me before you place a bid, otherwise it will be removed.
Everybody should have a chance of winning, so please do not ask me for a 'Buy It Now' price. I will not end the auction early.
Thanks for looking and if you decide to bid, good luck!
**Please see my other items for some more rare UK Beatles Records from this collection**
I also offer a consigment service. Take a look at my 'About Me' page for details on how I can help you get the best price for your precious & rare items.
Strict & conservative grading in daylight and directly under a halogen desk lamp.
Audibly graded at volume in its entirety on a Rega P9 deck fitted with a Shelter 901 cartridge through a Naim 'SUPERNAIT' amplifier.
All records are 100% guaranteed. Full refunds given if you are not satisfied
