Beatles Sgt Peppers Rarest 1st press 4th proof cover lonely hearts vinyl lp lenn

	£		41
	$		54

WHAT CAN I SAY...The rarest album in my collection.
The Beatles Sgt Peppers Lonely Hearts Club band.

THE ABSOLUTE FIRST PRESS WITH SAMPLE 4TH PROOF COVER. NEVER INTENDED FOR RELEASE BUT A FEW SLIPPED THROUGH THE NET.
HERE IS MORE INFO FROM THE BEATLES COLLECTOR  SITE
“Fourth Proof” sleeve.
This very very rare unique sleeve! The “Fourth Proof” sleeve represents the earliest possible pressing of the Sgt Pepper cover. The Fourth Proof was the final version of the various ‘prototypes’ that were explored by the Beatles when the cover was being designed. The cover (and text) was approved by the Beatles and an initial very small ‘test’ run was undertaken to make sure everything looked OK. This small test run is characterised by the inverted “Fourth Proof” text in the top right hand corner of the inner gatefold – just above George Harrison’s head. This is therefore the earliest possible ‘prototype’ (test pressing) cover. Same fold-back have can printed text “AR D1321? which was probably the reference number for the prototype text that was used.
http://thebeatles-collection.com/wordpress/2011/07/16/sgt-peppers-lonely-hearts-club-band-parlophone-pmc-7027/
Condition of the cover:
Garrod & Lofthouse patent pending sleeve.
the cover overall is excellent save for a strip of sellotape on the spine placed I assume by the previous owner to arrest some storage ware..I have let this inplace never daring to remove it..the winning bidder may want to remove it but it's not detracting from it's rarity in this condition and it is helping to preserve it. the rest of the cover is still glossy and tear free with slight ware to corners and edges, expected at this age but again survived amazingly well with only the slightest of discolouration. Please see the pictures I have provided to reference the condition more accurately.
So to the vinyl...wow  PMC 7027 1967 UK MONO press
Matrix Xex 637-1 Xex 638-1   RHH stampers
The bonus here is the rare Mono first press PMC 7027 EARLIEST PRESS. Might sound a bit far fetched...this could have been one of the first 20 pressed and released in error after the band roadies and friends grabbed a few...it came with a prototype cover after all !! The vinyl is excellent and plays great, no skips or jumps..two light surface scratches on either side that do not effect play at all. This is the original heavy deep groove vinyl..you would have to really abuse it to make a mark deep enough to effect play..it does happen. Some surface noice apparent on quiet passages and between tracks but again minimal and still sounds beautiful with all the dynamics you would expect from such a great pressing. I know the modern deep vaccum type cleaners can do an amazing job on these heavy vinyl, I think this could be cleaned to almost silent..I am being picky though, but then again I have a very expensive system that highlights every nuance of the music. All in all though still excellent as it is.
The labels carry the KT tax code. No tears or writing with minimal spindle marks.
Inners:
The only aspect of this iconic album to have suffered is the original red/white inner..it's ok but not great. It has discolouration and a seam split at the bottom..you may have a better replacement or can source one.
The original card cut outs are here too. Again as this was a prototype it appears to have a different print shade to the one for official release...the prototype print appears to be much darker and more vivid colours. The gloves appear to be black.  I have included a couple of  comparison inserts from the first press official released cutout and a later press cutout. (prototype on top) Amazingly in near mint condition.
So a rare thing indeed...These 4th proofs don't come up for sale often, many now in the hands of Beatles collectors who would never part with them...here's one that I think is super special and I will be sad to see it go but needs must
Good luck and happy bidding.

Item will be shipped in purpose made hard card vinyl mailer from musicmax
Over the next few weeks my beloved collection has to go..a bit of a wrench to sell but i am moving onto a boat and it's time for them to have a new home. I will also be listing my system in a few weeks when the vinyl has gone..Epos es 30s Linn lp12, Bill Beard valve pre power with ( Kt88s)
Please see my other listing for more of my great well cared for vinyl. also check out my feedback for previous vinyl i have sold.