BEATLES White Album 1968 UK LP First Press Apple TOP LOADER -1 Matrix POSTER VG

	£		88
	$		117

The Beatles – The Beatles ("White Album") – Original 1968 UK Vinyl Double LP Stereo First Pressing (Apple Records, PCS 7067 / PCS 7068)

Up for sale is an incredibly historic, highly sought-after original UK vinyl double LP stereo first pressing (1968) of the self-titled masterpiece commonly known as the "White Album", by The Beatles. This authentic first-generation set features the iconic embossed "The BEATLES" lettering on the front cover, the unique stamped serial number No. 246251, and a perfectly matching, text-book set of first-edition machine-stamped -1 matrix configurations in the dead wax runouts.

This original 1968 analog pressing features the earliest dark green Apple Records center labels, complete with the famous "Sold in U.K. subject to resale price conditions" text across the labels. This variation retains the highly sought-after early detail omitting the "An E.M.I. Recording" text on Sides 3 and 4, confirming its status among the absolute earliest batches pressed in November 1968. This legendary analog cut delivers the raw, unmatched punch, dynamics, and deep soundstage intended for timeless rock history tracks like "Back in the U.S.S.R.", "While My Guitar Gently Weeps", "Helter Skelter", and "Revolution 1".

Complete Matched Matrix Details:
- Side 1: YEX 709-1
- Side 2: YEX 710-1
- Side 3: YEX 711-1
- Side 4: YEX 712-1
(All codes are cleanly machine-stamped into the dead wax runouts, proving this is a completely uniform, original 1968 factory set and not a mixed reissue/Frankenstein copy.)

Condition Profile and Playback Expectations:

Vinyl Grade: (V-G+ / V- VG)
Both pieces of heavy, 1968-weight vinyl are in a solid, honest, and well-loved play condition. Under direct angled inspection light, the vinyl surfaces exhibit various light surface hairlines, paper scuffs, and cosmetic marks from honest handling and playback over the decades. Crucially, there are NO deep, feelable gouges, heavy scratches that don't pass the fingernail test, or structural defects that would cause a needle to skip or stick. Both records sit completely flat on the platter. An ideal, complete player's copy of a legendary analog press.

Center Labels: Excellent (EX)
The classic original dark green Apple center labels are beautifully clean and a standout feature. The paper remains healthy, the typography is fully sharp, and there is only light spindle wear around the center holes. Free from major stains, ink writing, tearing, or peeling.

Outer Gatefold Sleeve Grade: Very Good (VG)
An authentic, original 1968 fully laminated Garrod & Lofthouse gatefold jacket featuring the rare, early top-loading entry slots. The embossed front lettering is prominent, and the unique serial stamp (No. 246251) remains fully clear and distinct. Reflecting its age, the white jacket shows honest vintage age-toning/yellowing, a visible circular ring-wear outline, and minor corner/edge rubbing. The structural integrity remains completely sound, solid, and functional without major splits or heavy damage.

Inserts & Inner Sleeves: Very Good (VG+)
This set includes the original giant fold-out lyric poster/collage, but is unfortunately missing the 4 glossy portrait photo inserts of John, Paul, George, and Ringo. The poster shows typical light vintage creasing, handling wear, and soft corners along the original folding lines, but free from pinholes, tape, or severe damage.

PLEASE NOTE: The original die-cut inner paper sleeves have been replaced at some point with a matching set of plain black protective inner sleeves. These are a very good visual match, but they are not the original supplied and stated for complete transparency.

Important Grading Disclaimer:
"This vintage record has been visually graded under bright direct light and carefully inspected for scratches, gouges, and other significant defects, all of which have been accurately described and photographed. As the record has not been recently play-tested, I cannot guarantee completely silent playback; given the visual surface marks, please expect audible background surface noise, clicks, or classic vintage vinyl crackle, especially between tracks and during quieter acoustic moments. That said, based on its solid visual shape without deep scratches, I am confident this foundational copy will still deliver an enjoyable, highly immersive, authentic 1968 analog listening experience. Sold as described and graded on visual inspection."

Delivery and Packaging Details:
- Professional Vinyl Packaging: Your investment is completely safe.
- Seam Split Protection: The vinyl records will be completely removed from the outer gatefold jacket and the black inner sleeves prior to packing. This prevents the heavy vinyl from cutting through the paper and cardboard seams during transit.
- Heavy-Duty Shipping: Shipped securely in a professional, rigid cardboard vinyl mailer with extra internal cardboard stiffeners to prevent bending or corner dings.
- Carrier: Royal Mail Tracked.