BEATLES, WHITE ALBUM: 1968 UK Original Stereo Press * RARE 7 Digit Side Opener *
£
56
$
74
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Description
THE BEATLES, WHITE ALBUM. Stereo PCS 7068 released on Apple Records.
This album has an extremely rare side opening sleeve which has a 7 digit serial number.
The numbering started at 0100000 and it is unknown how many were ever printed.
It is believed that printing was started in December '68/January '69 and it ran only a couple of months until March.
The later side opening sleeves printed from March onwards had a 6 digit serial number and slightly different labels.
Consequently not many 7 digit side opening sleeves were printed.
This copy has the serial number 0113,032 (so #13,032 of this edition).
This is one of the lowest numbered, genuine stereo pressings that were available to buy.
There were so few of these that it is very rarely discussed on forums and in relevant literature.
Having owned a few and intensely researched them I found several features unique to this pressing.
Specifically, you should note that the sleeve has:
- An embossed 'THE BEATLES' logo visible on the front cover at a slight incline;
- A 7 digit serial number in light grey ink (later darker);
- No 'STEREO' stamped on the rear of the sleeve;
- White 'patent pending' Apple inner sleeves;
and labels which feature:
- 'An EMI Recording' printed on one line (later printed over two lines and placed within parenthesis);
- No "Sold in the U.K.." text printed above 'The Beatles' (earlier pressings did);
- Dark green Apple logo; and
- The Matrix numbers: YEX 709-1; YEX 710-1; YEX 711-1; YEX 712-2
I provide an honest and thorough description of records so buyers have no surprises.
The condition is as follows:
Sleeve: Very Good
As can be seen in the pictures, this iconic sleeve is in great shape for its age.
It has been used so rarely that it still audibly creaks upon opening.
All four sides retain their original gloss sheen and show minimal signs of yellowing.
All four sides are very clean with only minor blemishes to the laminate covering.
There is a crease in the bottom right hand corner on the back and the corners and spine some some signs of storage wear but nothing that isn't to be expected with a record of this age.
The embossed 'The BEATLES' is still extremely distinct and the number is clear (although it was not stamped very well in the 60s).
Overall a really nice sleeve.
Inners: Very Good
Comes with original inserts.
The inner sleeves are the original white Apple versions without tears or staining.
The four photographs are in mint condition.
Also included are two audiophile quality, anti-static inner sleeves which the records are stored within.
Discs: Very Good
The Beatles only double album contains such an eclectic range of songs and is therefore one of their most highly regarded.
This copy doesn't disappoint on delivering a superb listening experience.
Whilst all four sides have a slight crackle which murmurs in the background, both the vocal and instrumental sections can be heard with fantastic clarity.
Amazingly for a record of this age there are no skips or sticks and only a couple of knocks.
Visually all four discs retain their original mirror-like sheen.
You can pick up plenty of hairlines when placed in direct light but very few that can be felt or heard.
The labels still have bright colours, are clean with no writing and have minimal spindle wear.
All in all a great record to listen to.
This is a very unique pressing in fantastic condition. A must have for the completist Beatles collector.
Any questions please ask.
The album comes in a polythene outer sleeve and will be packaged in a padded vinyl mailer.
International postage quoted is an estimate - please contact for an accurate postage costs.
Bidders with less than 10 feedback please contact before bidding otherwise your bid will be removed.
Check out my other items, slowly downsizing my collection.
Happy bidding, good luck!
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