Beatles lp - Please Please Me - Original 1963 Black Gold UK 1st Pressing

	£		1,382
	$		1,831

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The Beatles –Please Please Me – Genuine 1963 1st issue UK mono pressing on the Black & Gold Parlophone Label, catalogue number PMC 1202. 

20th Century Collectables is proud to offer this superb example of a UK 1st pressing black gold Please Please Me in its original GOLD cover with the rarest of all label variations, both Northern Songs and Dick James label credits.

The copy has stunning black gold labels which still retain their original freshness and has a superb unworn audio.

Now becoming increasingly rare in this condition, this record has great investment potential unlike most battered and worn copies now being offered for auction.

NOTE

This label variation is sometimes referred to (and in my opinion incorrectly) as a 'crossover', where labels have undergone a change but have been mixed up or used with an earlier batch of labels; if this is correct it would follow that some records would feature the Northern Songs credits to side 2 and Dick James credits on side 1. As far as I am aware, no black gold copies of Please Please Me exist with this combination of publishing credits, i.e. all copies which feature both publishing credits always have the Northern Songs credits on side 1 and the Dick James credits to side 2.

This indicates that the label changes for the publishing credits for the songs ‘I Saw Her Standing There’ and ‘Misery’ were made before the corrections for the songs ‘Do You Want to Know a Secret’ and ‘There’s a Place’, i.e. this label variation is not random but sequential. With the exception of only one other seller on the internet this seems to have gone largely unnoticed.

There are therefore 3 distinct and sequential label variations to the black gold 1st pressings with this being the second and most rare variation in a sequence of three. 

Type 1 – Dick James

Type II – Northern Songs (side 1) & Dick James (side 2)

Northern Songs (side 2) & Dick James (side 1) - Does not exist

Type III – Northern Songs

Quality Beatles vinyl is a finite resource and is now becoming increasingly difficult to obtain.

Don’t miss out!

Bidders with a feedback score of less than 10 please email first before bidding.

Matrix numbers: XEX 421-1N & XEX 422-1N

Stamper codes: 2/GM & 1/H (first mother)

Please check out the pictures and read on for further details:-

CONDITION

Disc

Labels: MINT-

The all important ‘black gold’ labels on this UK 1st pressing are in remarkable condition and retain virtually all of their original shop freshness. Both labels are free of any signs of spindle trails.  The gold lettering is shop fresh and completely unworn. Side 1 carries the Northern Songs label credits, side 2 carries the Dick James label credits. This label variation is by far the rarest. The MT tax code is visible on side 2.

Audio: MINT -

Superb undistorted audio and a testament to the quality of these early pressings. All tracks grade at either MINT or MINT-. Virtually all gaps are silent with no audible surface noise to any of the music. Quieter acoustic tracks such as ‘Anna’ and ‘Do you want to know a Secret’ are clear and free of surface noise. Lennon’s mouth organ on ‘Love Me Do’ is both crisp and clean. The only noticeable audio flaw are some light ticks on the fade out and in the gap after ’Baby It’s You’. The record does not jump or stick. A fine audio example and a wonderful listening experience of this iconic pressing.

Visual: VG+ to EXCELLENT-

The disc still retains a superb overall sheen but does have some light surface marks visible in daylight. However as the audio grading bears out, none of these marks affect play or are particularly offensive. The record falls short of a full excellent grade but exceeds a VG+ grading and I have therefore graded between VG+ and Excellent-, some sellers may grade at VG++ or excellent- or indeed higher. The heavy duty vinyl lies 100% flat on the turntable.

Cover

VG+ to EXCELLENT-

The record comes in its original E J Day GOLD cover. A solid example and rare in this condition. The front panel is bright and still retains a high gloss sheen and is entirely free of any thumbnail creasing. There is however some moderate wear to the corners. The rear panel is in great condition relative to most other gold covers showing signs of mild discolouration and ageing. The back panel is free of any writing.  All flipbacks are intact although there is some wear and creasing along the bottom flipback together with a light stain which can be seen in one of the photographs. The spine is in perfect condition with the text clearly visible. The Angus McBean photo credit is at the extreme right hand position. All in all a highly respectable cover.

Inner-sleeve EXCELLENT

Original 1963 inner.

Any questions please ask

PLEASE NOTE: 1st class next day Special Delivery to UK addresses will be 7.50 GBP. For worldwide shipments please email me for price.

This record has been strictly and conservatively graded to ‘UK RECORD COLLECTOR' standards.

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