Beatles Love Me Do UK w/ first ZT tax code RED label

$

71

Here's an early copy of the Beatles first single from the UK. It is the first pressing of Love Me Do, which is coupled with P. S. I Love You, on the red Parlophone label from 1962. It is the version with Ringo on drums.

Here are the "numbers" with information given for side 1 first if applicable. The matrix numbers in the trail-off area of the vinyl are: 7XCE 1744-1N and 7XCE 17145-1N. The mother/stamper codes are: 1/L and 1/L. The tax codes in the trail-off on both sides are: ZT. The tax code ZT is embossed on the "push out" center of side 1. This is a very early example of this disc and was made before the 26th of November of 1962. At this date the tax code was changed to PT, so this copy was made within the first two months of production. Love Me Do was first issued on October 5th 1962. The final tax code for the red label versions was MT which was introduced on January 1st 1963. I don't know of any red label versions that carried the KT tax code. Please see the photos of the labels below.

Both labels are clean and the silver graphics are bright. Neither has the "all too common" name written on them. They grade EX- showing moderate evidence of play around the spindle hole. Both sides of the vinyl grade VG visually due to light sleeve abrasions on the entire surface. However, there are no significant scratches or other marks on either side. I played the disc on my Rega deck and both sides grade VG+. There is only very modest background noise on both sides. That is it, no "pops" "clicks" or other tracking errors. It is still a very enjoyable listen and with little to no distortion. I have just played my other black label copy (currently on eBay) which plays EX+ so I have something with which to compare. I also own a NM red label copy, so I feel confident in saying "I know how this record is supposed to sound".

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It has come to my attention that the embossed tax code of "ZT" is not visible in the photo of the side 1 (Love Me Do) label. It is relatively faint compared to others I have seen, but it is clear and easily seen in person.