**RARE** The Beatles Abbey Road - contract export Parlophone - 1st press
£
343
$
455
Favourite Auctions
To save auctions to your favourites, please login
If you don't have an account, please register
Description
The Beatles Abbey Road - contract export 1st press on Parlophone
** Rare **
I have had this record in my collection for quite some time, and it is only after seeing a 2nd press sell recently that I realised how rare it is. After doing further research I learnt that it is a contract pressing sent out to Decca when the EMI pressing plants were too busy, hence why it is on Parlophone. This is the much rarer 1st pressing on yellow and black as opposed to the silver and black 2nd pressing.
MATRIX NUMBERS/STAMPERS
SIDE 1 - Bottom - PPCS-7088 (hand engraved)
Top - YEX 749-2 (stamped)
RHS - 6 (stamped, very small and faint)
SIDE 2 - Bottom - PPCS-7088 (hand engraved)
Top - YEX 750-1 (stamped)
RHS - 8 (stamped, very small and faint)
CONDITION
OUTER SLEEVE - I would grade the outer sleeve as Good+ condition. It has been creased on the top left hand corner, as seen in the photos. The spine is still readable and clean, without any major damage. There are traces of biro in the top right corner where someone has written their name, but this would probably clean off. There was a gold Parlophone sticker over the Apple on the rear of the sleeve. This fell off some time ago before I realised how rare it was, so I never bothered putting it back on.
INNER SLEEVE - This has the usual discolouration and creasing that you would expect from a record of this age. The record will be sent in a new poly-lined sleeve and plastic outer cover, but the original inner will be included.
LABELS - Both labels are in great condition with hardly any spindle wear. They are nice and clean with no writing or tears on them (see pictures).
RECORD - There are quite a lot of surface marks with some feel able marks and scratches too. I would grade the LP as Good (although I am not an expert or dealer).
SOUND QUALITY - The album plays through with no skips, jumps or serious sound defects. It plays clear and loud, not muddy or dull. It does have numerous crackles and pops throughout as you would expect from a Good grading, please bear this in mind before bidding. This was tested on my Pioneer PL-1120 deck, it may play differently on a different deck that is more sensitive, again please bear this in mind.
Overall, it is a rare LP that is still playable and is an expectable copy. This is definitely not for collectors that are after excellent/mint copies but it is a great chance to grab a rare bargain.
POSTAGE/CONDITIONS
This is a UK only auction, due to having trouble before with overseas bidders. Please only bid if you have a UK postal address.
The record will be sent fully insured and recorded with a 24 hour courier. It will be packed between 2 sheets of plywood and the record will be removed from the outer sleeve. These steps are to avoid damage and missing/lost items.
Please feel free to come and view/play the record before bidding. It is sold as seen, as I have gone to great lengths to be as honest and detailed as I can.
price rating
