The Beatles 'White Album' Superb 1ST PRESS PCS 7068

	£		122
	$		162

I have been a collector of vinyl now for over 20 years and have put together an extensive collection spanning the decades. During this time I have acquired several duplicates, but have as yet not attempted to sell too many of them.

In describing this album, I will give detailed information and an honest, in depth evaluation of the condition and quality throughout, so forgive me if my summation appears particularly meticulous! I will gladly answer any questions or queries should there be any.

Album Particulars

• Year of print - 1968
• PCS 7068 (stereo)
• Dark green Apple label
• Label states "Sold in the UK...."
• Matrix no's - YEX 709-1, YEX 710-2, YEX 711-1, YEX 712-1
• Top opening laminated double sleeve printed by Garrod and Lofthouse
• One sided die cut black inners
• Number 391221
• Complete with 4 pictures of the band
• Complete with poster / lyric sheet

The Sleeve

Front surface - The lamination is visually excellent with no peeling, cracking or marking. There is some very minor discolouration around the "Beatles" lettering and towards the bottom edge, but I must stress that this does not impair the overall quality of appearance. There is one small crease at the very edge of the bottom right hand corner (around 5mm in length). Above the " beatles" lettering is a very small blemish (smaller than a match head) from the original pressing, again very minor. The top opening shows minimal wear and very slight feathering / discolouration. The no."391221" is clear and neat and has not bubbled nor worn.

Rear Surface - This pretty much mirrors the front cover in terms of general excellence with again no cracking, blistering tearing etc. and virtually no discolouration.There are very slight 'slide' markings, visible only when held in strong light. There are four small creases toward the edge of the spine, but other than that the edges and corners are very, very neat and tidy.

The Spine - There is some delamination along the spine ( which is quite normal with laminated doubles of this age) but the overall quality of the spine and lettering is excellent with no tears, scuffing or splits.

Inner Surfaces - The laminated flip backs are crisply joined to the inner surfaces and show no signs of wear at all. Both laminated inner surfaces are virtually unmarked and are in superb visual condition. Top, bottom and side edges are in near perfect order with no delamination. All corners are perfectly square and not bent or scuffed  like so many albums of this age.The inner spine has absolutely no delamination or splitting and barring two small areas of minor discolouration along the inner edge of the fold (around 8mm in length) is absolutely fine.

The Vinyl

Both records are kept in their original black one sided die cut inners which are both generally in excellent condition.

Side 1 - The label is absolutely perfect in every detail - no markings, no spindle wear, indicative of light play only. The vinyl is unmarked and plays perfectly - no crackles, clicks pops or hissing!

Side 2 - The label is equally as good as that of side 1, the vinyl shows some very light marking, visible only when held up to a strong light source. This does not affect the audible excellence and once again play is perfect.

Side 3 - Again label is superb. Vinyl shows very faint marking, again only noticeable when viewed under strong lighting. Plays without any noise throughout.

Side 4 - Once more, as per previous three sides, the label is immaculate. Again only the very faintest marking to the vinyl is present and again the audible quality is magnificent.

In general, the audible and visual qualities of both records is stunning and really has to be seen and heard to be truly appreciated.

The Four Pictures

All four pictures of the band members are absolutely pristine. Barring one small crease to the top right hand corner of the John Lennon picture, they are almost as new! Also with the pictures is the original piece of protective thin white paper, cut to the same size as the pictures themselves.

The Poster / Lyric Sheet 

This six fold poster is in truly excellent shape. It is very clean, unmarked and except for a small tear at the edge of the first right hand fold is pretty much in perfect order. Given the very flimsy nature of the foldouts, this is a big plus.

Summary

Given the age of this original stereo first press, the low sleeve number and generally exceptional condition, I would generally say that this is a wonderful copy of a much sought after Beatles recording that would grace any serious collectors cabinet.

This summation is as honest and as detailed as I could possibly have made it. I know if I was buying that this is the kind of information that I would like to see. I have played this album only once on high quality audio equipment since acquiring it a couple of months ago after which it has been sealed up.

Serious bidders only please, GOOD LUCK!!