The Beatles: Please Please Me: UK Original Press (1963) Mono Black and Gold Labe

	£		375
	$		497

TheBeatles: Please Please Me: UK Original Press (1963) Mono Black andGold Label Northern Songs Credits VG+/G

The Copy

I have for sale a fully original, very nice and super rare copy of The Beatles first UK album, Please Please Me. The condition is amazing for an album which, is now 57 years old. The matrix run outs read:

Side 1: XEX 421-1N

Side 2: XEX 422-1N

The matrices, label and sleeve all confirm that there is no doubt that this is the genuine article. A1, A2 B4 & B6 are credited to Northern songs. A6 & A7 are credited to Dick James Music.

The Vinyl

The quality of the vinyl really is astonishing. If it’s the music you’re after then this really is the copy for you. There are surprisingly few paper scuffs leading to minimal (sometimes no) surface noise on the run ins or between tracks. The music is crystal clear. There are no skips, jumps or sticks and the vinyl is totally flat with no warping or dishing. Both sides retain their original sheen. The pressing is astonishingly hefty as was the practice in the early Sixties. They certainly didn’t skimp on vinyl at the pressing plants in those days. It really is a lovely listen. I struggled with grading as I was originally going to rate it as VG so as not to disappoint but listening to it again as I write, on my Sansui XP-99 with a Goldring Elan cartridge I am confident that it is VG+.

The Labels

The labels are in very good condition with a tiny amount of spindle wear and only a few barely discernible marks.

The Outer Sleeve

The outer sleeve is entirely correct with the Angus McBean photo credit in the right place (aligned with the final S in Songs) and the Ernest J Day & Co printers credit on the rear flipback.

The laminated front retains it bright colours which, are as vibrant as they were in 1963. There is some laminate lift in the bottom left corner and along the opening edge. There is tape or tape residue on the top, bottom and opening edges. There is a small tear on the first “O” of “MONO” in the top right corner and another on the bottom edge under the “o” of “songs”. There are a number of creases around the edges including one that extends across the top left corner. There is no writing or apparent ring wear.

The top rear flipback is almost complete with a small piece missing at the opening edge. The bottom rear flipback however, is missing 15cm from the opening edge. The side flipback is complete. There is tape or tape residue on the top, bottom and opening edges with a small piece extending into the sleeve in the middle of the opening edge. There are some creases around the edges, one of which, in the top right corner, correspond to the shape of the record. There are no tears or writing and all the text is fully legible.

All four corners are dog eared and the top and bottom edges are ragged with splits. The spine has some damage but the text remains partially legible.

The Inner Sleeve

The original Emitex inner sleeve is present but it is significantly creased with tape or tape residue around the edges. The album will be shipped in a new poly lined paper sleeve.

Pricing

I look at a variety of sources to try to work out what the market value of each record I sell is and set the starting bid accordingly. I use the Goldmine grading system and try to be fair with each grading and description so you get exactly what you see on the tin. I know it’s a subjective business though so tend to grade conservatively so as not to disappoint. You need to remember though that the value of a near mint copy is going to be significantly more than one which, is only VG. I usually offer an auction with a starting price and the opportunity to make an offer. Please be aware that the Starting Price is the minimum I will accept so if you make an offer that’s less it will be rejected.

My Philosophy

I’m a collector too and operate on the principle that I treat others as I would wish to be treated myself; hence the comprehensive description and an offer to provide further photos, videos or answers to any questions you may have. Just drop me a message. Also, please have a look at my recent feedback and you’ll see that I am a genuine safe seller.

Postage and Packing

If the sale price is under £500 I will only ship the album via Royal Mail guaranteed next day by 1pm. This service provides insurance of up to £500 for peace of mind. I have found it to be safe and reliable. It costs £7.65 which, is what I will charge you. If the sale price exceeds £500 I will ship via an appropriately insured next day service and absorb any extra cost myself. 

Overseas Shipping: Please do not pay until you receive an invoice. The invoice will include the cost of fully insured shipping via an international courier and any extra selling costs incurred by me. All import duties and local taxes are the responsibility of the buyer.

I will message you a picture of the package when it is ready for dispatch. If the service allows, I will then provide you with the tracking number both via a message and on the listing. Most of my auctions end on a Sunday evening. I aim to ship first thing on a Monday morning. If this timetable slips then I will contact you to advise and offer a refund of the purchase price if you no longer wish to go ahead with the purchase.

There is no charge for packaging or time. I can combine postage on up to two albums but please remember double albums count as two. If you want combined postage then please contact me before paying and I will issue you with an invoice.

The album will be separated from the outer sleeve and both will be housed in a soft polythene cover. I will use either a new, or if available, recycled cardboard mailer with stiffeners.

If you are lucky enough to live in Leicester I will hand deliver for free. Hand delivery in the East Midlands can also be arranged for the cost of fuel. If you wish either of these then please contact me before payment.