The Beatles - “HELP” – 1965 1st UK pressing MONO *Excellent Condition*

$

73

For auction is a mono 1st UK pressing of The Beatles “Help".  

This is an original 1965 1st UK pressing, with yellow & black Parlophone labels, Cat. No. PMC 1255. Matrix numbers XEX 549-2 & XEX 550-2. Mono 1st UK pressings have “2 & 2” matrix numbers, the number “1” was never used.  I am unable to clearly read the stamper codes.   

The label has the K & T tax code and “The Gramophone Co.” and “Sold in the UK…”text.  The labels also have the (P) 1965 publishing format.  In addition, the text font is different on each side. All these features must be present for a true 1st UK pressing of Help.  

The labels are in excellent condition with perfect center holes and only a very few slight spindle marks visible.  

The original “Emitex” inner sleeve is in excellent condition, with no splits or wear and with some mild typical yellowing.  

The original G & L cover is in excellent condition.  There is no edge wear, no spine wear, no corner wear. There are no creases except on the front cover a very small, extremely minor crease near the edge.  The laminated front cover retains a strong glossy look and there is only the most extremely faint rubbing and very mild typical yellowing visible. The unlaminated back cover has no grubbiness and also with only mild yellowing.  The cover has the correct 1st pressing outline MONO lettering on the front and the correct 1st pressing flipback edges on the back, with the G & L and “Patents” text on the bottom flipback.  Finally, the bottom flipback has the 1st pressing date code printed on it. The printed date code of “6509” means it was printed in September 1965.  

The vinyl is in excellent condition, with no nasty marks and only a small amount of some paper scuffing and hairlines visible under bright and direct sunlight.   

This copy plays in excellent condition, with no nasty pops or crackling, no jumps and only very light crackling and static. The run-ins are very quiet.  

Please ask me if you have questions about my descriptions or condition ratings.  I strive to be accurate, complete, and conservative (i.e. not over-rated).  

I received a question about the description of the crackling and the run-ins. Please note that you can hear light crackling including in the run-ins (to varying degrees, not more than light to my ear).  I'm not sure how else to describe the crackling on this LP other than light.  If hearing light crackling will be unsatisfactory please think about continuing your search for a different copy of Help. If a strong and great sounding and excellent looking LP with light crackling is ok for you, this is the one you want. Thanks.