Beatles LP "INTRODUCING THE BEATLES" REAL Version 1 MONO "COLUMN BACK" Vee Jay

$

500

You don't need to wait for a sale! All reasonable offers will always be considered! 
Check out our newly revised "RETURN" policy! (See below)
BEATLES LP "INTRODUCING ...THE BEATLES"  Version 1 MONO RARE 1st PRESSING! "OVAL" label, Catalog # VJLP 1062 by Vee Jay Records  this is the MONO "COLUMN BACK" or also known as the "TITLES ON BACK"  Cover. Very FIRST label variation produced - January 10,1964.
In MINT condition, this LP would surely command a market value of at least  $2,500 to $3,500. It's much Rarer than the VERSION 2! 
OUTER JACKET:  (ACCOUNTS FOR 50% of VALUE of ENTIRE PIECE)  Knowledgeable collectors understand that only around 79,000 MONO VERSION 1s (Column Back)  were ever made, compared to VERSION 2 MONOS, which were pressed in the millions. (SEE PHOTOS)  Shows a small mark on the left rear side little but the spine and edges for most part are in tact, which is  quite rare for most VERSION 1 covers; and NO WRITING. There's MILD WEAR on the lower front by  "PAUL" but that is typical of these jackets; but still quite CLEAN! Always keep in mind, that this and the  STEREO Version for the most part, were the most FAKED covers of all time, but it PASSES ALL THE  AUTHENTICITY TESTS including the all important one, the 100% CONCLUSIVE "HONEY" TEST  which NO FAKE HAS EVER PASSED. No other test carries as much weight as this one or is as 100% conclusive regardless of what you may have heard. It passes the "FLAP" TEST *, "B" in "BEATLES"  TEST, "MISERY INK BUMP" TEST, GEORGE HARRISON'S  "SHADOW" TEST & the "GLOSS"  TEST which means the FRONT & BACK of the jacket has a certain type of sheen to them (glossiness  may vary). In the case of all FAKES, it is important to pay close attention to the back panel in particular.  All FAKES always have black printing on a FLAT WHITE stock with NO SHEEN at all. But although  this passes all the other tests, it's really the "HONEY" TEST that supersedes everything else as far as determining whether a COVER is the Real thing or not! 
FIRST VINYL PRESSING:  (ACCOUNTS FOR 50% of VALUE of ENTIRE PIECE)   The VINYL has some very light surface scratches on both sides, typical paper slides and scuffs, but no serious marks upon exam. If NM this RARE LP/COVER combination would fetch between $2,500.00 &  $3,500.00. The "OVAL" label lists all songs with CENTERED TITLES and Catalog # "VJLP 1062"  at 9:00; and "LONG PLAYING" and "MICROGROOVE" DO appear on the label. Label's color band is  defined, featuring the all important presence of the required color "GREEN". The DISC was pressed by  ARP. The label itself has an UPPER CASE type style, and "THE BEATLES"  is above the spindle hole  which to all knowledgeable collectors out there, is a characteristic of authenticity. All the authentic trail  off markings are present. But as rare as this disc is, it's really the COVER that is usually harder to find in  decent shape. This particular LABEL variation was the initial one used. VERY NICE and very hard to  find these days! 
This item also comes with the original Vee Jay INNER SLEEVE.
REGARDING OUR PREVIOUS "NO RETURN" POLICY NOW ALTERED:
Our "RETURN" policy has changed. In every auction, we describe each item in great detail, also posting many explicit photos  which illustrate all aspects of the listing. As professionals & experts on vinyl specifically by THE BEATLES , we feel that when  you can point out features indicating the item is NOT AUTHENTIC, NOT PROPERLY DESCRIBED, or is DAMAGED, you will  now have 24 HOURS from time of receipt to examine it and RETURN IT. It had been suggested by some buyers that if they did  buy this item, they may still feel the need for a "SECOND OPINION"; or "ADDITIONAL AUTHENTICATION" by sending it to  others. Since we are have been in the business of "AUTHENTICATING" vinyl worldwide for many years, what would be the  purpose for this? The photos and description provide adequate information for any knowledgeable buyer to determine exactly  what it is they're buying. By sending to others, this will not change any of its characteristics. Also in our opinion, based upon our  previous experience, the more people who handle it, re-packaged it and ship it all over the map, the more chances there are for  damage or even becoming lost. IF ANYONE WISHES TO GET THE OPINION OF A THIRD PARTY, WE OFFER TO SEND  AS MANY PHOTOS AS DESIRED TO ANYONE. IF THEY CAN'T TELL FROM PHOTOGRAPHS WHAT IT IS THEY ARE  LOOKING AT, THEN WE HAVE TO SERIOUSLY QUESTION THEIR KNOWLEDGE AND/OR EXPERTISE.
SO HERE'S OUR OFFER WITH RESPECT TO RETURNS:  Prior to your purchase, we'll give you every chance to ask as many  questions as you wish and also request additional photos. Once questions are answered and photos are viewed, a knowledgeable  buyer should certainly have enough of an idea of what they are buying. We can only assume, anyone attempting to buy this item,  is knowledgeable enough on features which would determine its authenticity. Once it has been established that you understand  what you're buying and make the purchase, we'll ship it to you. When you do receive it you'll have 24 HOURS as stated above to  examine it or return it, ONLY if you can show it is either not AUTHENTIC, DAMAGED, or NOT AS DESCRIBED. You will need to  contact us regarding any discrepancy IMMEDIATELY. The 24 HOUR WINDOW at least insures we the seller, that the item will  remain in the buyer's hands and will NOT travel elsewhere, risking potential damage. Once the 24-HOUR PERIOD ends, you will  own it. It is our belief that an entire day in the hands of anyone with even the slightest knowledge of what a FAKE might look like,  is certainly more than enough time. Keep in mind that while this RECORD / COVER COMBO has been FAKED more than any in  history, it's usually the COVERS that have required examination from knowledgeable eyes due to the fact that there are so many  determining factors needed to look at, in order to properly determine its authenticity. After all, the majority of the value here (75  to 80%) is certainly with the COVER.  
NOTE:  For over 50 YEARS our reputation worldwide regarding the authentication of records by THE BEATLES, has never been  questioned. Our descriptions are detailed. Our photos clearly illustrate the item's characteristics! If there are any doubts, feel free  to ask as many questions as necessary or request additional photos. Any so-called "EXPERT" worth their salt, would certainly be  able to identify an authentic item from a FAKE from any detailed photo. As stated above, IF THEY CAN'T TELL FROM PHOTOS  WHAT IT IS THEY ARE LOOKING AT, THEN WE HAVE TO QUESTION THEIR KNOWLEDGE AND/OR EXPERTISE. 
Once again we point out that this COVER PASSES ALL THE KNOWN TESTS  verifying it's authenticity, including the following:          1.)  The 100% CONCLUSIVE "HONEY" TEST (WHICH NO FAKE HAS EVER PASSED)      2.)  The "MISERY INK BUMP" TEST (a feature on ALL FAKES)     3.)  The "B in BEATLES" TEST (a feature on ALL FAKES)     4.)  The "FLAP" TEST (exceptions noted in POINT #14 below)     5.)  The "GEORGE HARRISON SHADOW" TEST (noted below in POINT #8; TEST #1)     6.)  The "GLOSS" TEST (noted in POINT #8; TEST #10)
... and much more. And let's not forget about the RECORD. It too passes all the tests that define it's authenticity.  (Read Sections 1 thru 14 listed below).
If you're not familiar with these tests, please read the sections listed below as ... "SOME INTERESTING & IMPORTANT FACTS". (SEE ALL PHOTOS POSTED). 
JUST OUR OPINION ... In order to be classified as a legitimate buyer of such a RARE and UNIQUE item, we must point out that one should possess  enough of the knowledge necessary to tell the difference between a FAKE and AUTHENTIC copy. Most people are sadly and  unfortunately easily fooled and when they spot what is actually a FAKE in great condition at an affordable low price, they tend to jump at the chance to purchase it at a high price, thinking that what they've found is a rare collectible. In fact, they shouldn't  have paid any more than $3.00. As long time professional sellers of only AUTHENTIC "BEATLES" records, we are annoyed  that we are constantly forced to compete with these obvious forgeries that we see on ebay  all the time.
The average fan was never made aware of the fact that there were 2 VERSIONS of this LP  and  how  rare  the  first ones were.  In  fact, Vee Jay  was quite secretive during transition from VERSION 1 to VERSION 2. When they were legally forced to cease  the distribution of all BEATLES material as of JANUARY 16, 1964 , specifically referring to VERSION 1s, they had an idea on  how to get around this. So when they resumed production in early FEBRUARY OF 1964 and came out with VERSION 2, which  replaced the 2 songs "LOVE ME DO"  and "P.S. I  LOVE YOU" with "PLEASE PLEASE ME" and "ASK ME WHY" (the 2 songs  they knew they would be allowed to use), this was an opportunity to create a new cover since the original ones were considered  to be dull and very boring, especially lacking any liner notes. But they were not about to attract any more attention than need be,  so  the new  covers had the identical design with the only exception being the changes in 2 song titles listed. Another reason they  had to keep  the cover design the same was that in the  midst of their legal entanglements, this  enabled them to slip the originally  made VERSION 1 LPs   into the overall marketplace along with the new VERSION 2 LPs without attracting unwanted attention.  Financially this was a wise move that had to happen, since they were quite strapped for cash and it also solved the problem of  what to do with the remaining VERSION 1s.
Less VERSION 1s were ever made than VERSION 2s.  In  the 1st  quarter of  1964,  VERSION 2  (MONOS & STEREOS)  were made in  much  greater  numbers  making it clear why  an y  VERSION 1  has  become so  valuable and  quite  a find in  any  condition.  Needless  to  say,  these LPs are  highly sought after  by all  serious  collectors.  It is  also very  important  to point out that Vee Jay HAD NEVER  RE-ISSUED  this album. Anytime someone claims that what they are selling is a "RE-ISSUE", it is undoubtedly a FAKE.
WE HAVE ADDED ADDITIONAL PHOTOS FOR ALL POTENTIAL BUYERS TO VIEW. 
(Our catalog # ITB-V1-OVM-102615)
FREE SHIPPING!
ATTENTION!  Knowledgeable BEATLES  collectors are aware that this was the most FAKED "COVER" of all time. VERSION 1 of "INTRODUCING ... THE BEATLES" was issued officially on JANUARY 10, 1964 by Vee Jay in 3 DIFFERENT UNIQUE COVER  VARIATIONS. By the time this cover was released with the song titles listed on the back, the writing was already on the wall for Vee  Jay.  In other words, their legal battles brought about panic to their entire company, with the release of their next desperate act which was commonly known as VERSION 2. In typical fashion,Vee Jay  then decided to rush all the remaining BEATLES  products out the  door by whatever means necessary including using whatever leftover materials remaining in stock, which included labels, cardboard  jackets, inner sleeves etc. right up until their legal deadlines expired on OCTOBER 15, 1964. And as stated herein and also contrary  to popular belief, this album was NEVER released in 1963 (IN ANY VERSION). Actually most fans never even knew there was more  than one VERSION of this LP. And needless to say, no one had any idea that in years to come, how scarce or valuable any of these  VERSION 1s would become IN ANY CONDITION!  ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ All BEATLES  pricing is reflective of the latest BEATLES PRICE GUIDES  in particular the most recent guide published by STAN  PANENKA. In addition, our pricing is based on condition, rarity, and scarcity. There are other existing BEATLES PRICE GUIDES  available, however you must keep in mind that most guides are now several years old and don't reflect accurate or current market  values, regardless of who the authors are or whatever their so-called "expertise" might be. Please feel free to ask any questions or  request additional photos!  ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ SOME INTERESTING & IMPORTANT FACTS about ... "INTRODUCING ... THE BEATLES" (compiled by our  expert staff). What is a FAKE & what is a REAL copy?
1.) First & foremost, real copies of any version of this LP must have "INTRODUCING ... THE BEATLES"  & "THE BEATLES", ABOVE THE SPINDLE HOLE  on the record label. If either phrase is below the  hole, it is FAKE!  No exceptions.
2.) Keep in mind; there were only (2) official versions of this LP; VERSION 1 & VERSION 2; and never  any re-issues made by Vee Jay. Therefore wherever you see "RE-ISSUE", it's a FAKE.
3.) VERSION 1; Included: "AD BACK", "BLANK BACK" & "COLUMN or TITLES ON BACK" variations.  All confirmed "AD BACK" covers have "PRINTED IN USA" on the front cover printed vertically in the lower  left corner. If this is missing, the "AD BACK" slick was undoubtedly removed from another Vee Jay LP and  pasted to the back of a less valuable later version. This always leaves tell-tale wrinkles on the border of the  slick. Also, contrary to popular belief, and although all songs present were originally recorded in the UK in  1963 for the original LP "PLEASE, PLEASE ME" on PARLOPHONE, NO COPY OF THIS LP WAS EVER  RELEASED IN 1963. It is a known fact that the first copies of "INTRODUCING … THE BEATLES" were  officially released by Vee Jay Records, on Friday January 10, 1964. 
4.) The 1st VERSION 1 COVER (outer jacket) prepared was called the "AD BACK", VJ 1062 (1) MCI. The  back of this jacket featured color images of 25 Vee Jay albums. The Front cover has the words "PRINTED  IN USA" in the lower left side printed vertically. All VERSION 1 records have a significantly higher value but the outer jacket is really what makes this quite a significant find. 
5.) The 2nd VERSION 1 COVER for this LP was known as the "BLANK BACK" featuring a 100% BLANK  BACK of the outer jacket with a semi-gloss all white paper slick pasted there. Some covers (MC2A) do have  "PRINTED IN USA" on the front like the "AD BACK" while others (MC2B) do not. Once again it is the cover  that makes the overall piece much more valuable. 
6.)  The 3rd VERSION 1 COVER was known as the "COLUMN BACK" or the "TITLES ON BACK" cover.  It listed song titles on the back in (2) columns. This variation (MONO or STEREO) came with either an "Oval"  logo label or Black Rainbow with Vee Jay in typical "Brackets" [VJ]. Legit STEREOS of this variation are  all very rare always keeping in mind that there have been hundreds of thousands of FAKES that have tried to  mimic this cover. FAKE covers are found with records that are clearly counterfeit, and on all labels, "THE  BEATLES" always appears below the spindle hole. And if the VINYL is FAKE, the cover usually is too.   LABELS  – The 1ST label for VERSION 1 run was the Black Rainbow label with the "Oval" logo. Records  included the songs "P.S. I LOVE YOU"  and "LOVE ME DO"  replaced later on VERSION 2 pressings with  "PLEASE, PLEASE ME"  and "ASK ME WHY". The VERSION 2s were not released until early FEBRUARY  of 1964. There are Three (3) font variations with "Oval" labels for this version. The MR1A states words  "LONG PLAYING" and "MICROGROOVE" in upper & lower case font, while MR1B doesn't mention them, and the MR1C has these words but only in upper case font. (A few of VERSION 1s have been found with the  "BRACKETS" [VJ] logo on the label). 
7.) VERSION 2 – All official versions must have all words "INTRODUCING … THE BEATLES" and "THE  BEATLES" above the spindle hole. If either is below, it is always be a FAKE. The VERSION 2 featured song  titles "PLEASE, PLEASE ME"  and "ASK ME WHY"  replacing "P.S. I LOVE YOU" and "LOVE ME DO"   found only on VERSION 1 copies. VERSION 2 was released in early FEBRUARY 1964. The labels varied  with either the Black Rainbow "Oval" logo, or the Black Rainbow "BRACKETS" [VJ] logo, or the Black  Background with SILVER "VJ" logo, or a Black Background with SILVER "Oval" logo, or the rare Black  Background or SILVER "VJ" in Block Style print, or Black Background with the SILVER "BRACKETS"  logo [VJ] (very rare). In rare cases, some of the VERSION 2 records can also be found with a 45 rpm label  on them as well (Black Rainbow with "Oval" logo). There are also some FAKES that feature a Medium Sized  SILVER BRACKETS [VJ] LOGO printed on an all Black label (Real ones have a much smaller logo).  All VERSION 2 covers are "Column Back / Titles on Back". No copies of any STEREO VERSION 2 disc  with a regular sized Rainbow label and the "Oval" logo are known to exist. Although back in 1964 at Vee  Jay, anything would have been possible.
8.) SOME IMPORTANT TESTS FOR AUTHENTICITY:   TEST #1 – An obvious visual test is the "Shadow" test. It was thought originally that if George Harrison's  "Shadow" appeared on the right side of the front of the album cover, this was a definitive sign of authenticity.  It was later discovered that some elaborate FAKES also had this feature, therefore, although his shadow must  be there, its appearance alone does not define the LP as being authentic.   TEST #2 – A 100% CONCLUSIVE test is the "HONEY" test. This refers to the back of the outer jacket and the  song title "A TASTE OF HONEY". On ALL FAKES, in the letters "H" and "E", the top left corners of the letters  are not solidly printed with black ink missing there. This is THE  most definitive test recognizing authenticity. All  FAKED covers (especially the back panel) are poorly photo copied examples of original VERSION 1 COLUMN  BACKS, but because of their poor quality, they're subject to many subtle inconsistencies which can be spotted  by a trained eye, and of course the "HONEY" test illustrates one of these errors. Also, in reference to the back  of the outer jacket, there are other "ink" tests however most haven't been confirmed to be 100% CONCLUSIVE  but NO FAKE HAS EVER PASSED THIS TEST.   TEST #3 – The "FLAP TEST"; this requires inspecting the inside of the cardboard jacket opening. In publications  dedicated to pointing out differences between legitimate and fake records and covers, it's stated and documented  that certain covers were found to have NO FLAPS at all. Previously that would referred to ALL FAKES. How we  as collectors accurately identify authentic products requires a series of facts. Prior to now, conventional thinking  was that authentic covers had to have 1/4" flaps at their inner top and bottom of the cover, and that ones with NO  FLAPS had to be FAKE. But in 1998 a few of VERSION 1 ("Titles On Back") STEREO covers were discovered  on the WEST COAST. None had any flaps, yet they passed all of the other tests relating to authenticity. With that  said, remember that Vee Jay had employed several companies with respect to construction and printing of these  covers (i.e. Coburn & Ivy Hill) so naturally one would have expected there to be obvious difference in how both of  them provided a finished product, and there were. What we state here was always suspected, and in 1998 it was  confirmed. Realists always thought that realistically there could never have been only 1 or 2 legitimate covers as a  sample of any production run with NO FLAPS. Statistics show around 79,000 MONO & ONLY 2,202 STEREO  VERSION 1 albums were ever produced (which included all of the "AD BACK", "BLANK BACK" and "COLUMN  BACK" (or "Titles On Back") LPs. Actually data indicates that it was also possible that between 5,000 to 10,000  additional VERSION 1s (in MONO) may also had found there way into their overall sales. When one considers the  way that Vee Jay was being run in 1964, nothing would surprise us. With legal issues hanging over their heads, in  1964 as attested to by our eye witness who actually worked at Vee Jay, there was always a sense of urgency to  move all products out the door as soon as possible, regardless of their specific characteristics. Initial VERSION 1  covers were assembled by Vee Jay in December 1963 and early January 1964. But like everything else that  went on there, imagine what the quality control must have been like. It was always thought that since the"COLUMN  BACK" covers were so rarely spotted, could any really exist? And of course we know they do, since we have one. Even though these facts have come to light, there are still those who remain attached to their original ideas of ultra  conservatives who refuse to alter their thinking even when faced with concrete facts. One thing will never change.  There are many other authenticity tests, and this cover (in our possession at the time of this description) PASSES  ALL OF THEM including the all important, 100% CONCLUSIVE "HONEY" test. So with that said, is it even worth  discussing anything else? Of course it is, but we must now consider that if any cover's FLAPS are either 1/4" or if there are NO FLAPS, AS LONG AS ALL OTHER TESTS ARE PASSED, the cover must be considered authentic.  Obviously this demonstrates that the only rules at Vee Jay were that there were no rules at all. 
SIDE NOTE ....  Regarding the existence of these covers, until circa 1993 it was thought, because there had been so many counterfeits produced over the years, this caused all concerned to believe that there were no legitimate copies ever released. But when a real one turned up in 1993, there was quite a stir in the collector's market. Right around that time, a well know collector came across another authentic copy. This was verified by other well known experts and it confirms that indeed the album known today as the  STEREO VERSION 1 "COLUMN BACK" or "TITLES ON BACK" really exists. In what quantity, no one  will ever know for sure since precise production figures do not exist. However, an educated guess would tell anyone that there certainly had to have been quite a few more than the two mentioned here! Many are  estimated to be in the hands of private collectors today, most of whom realize the value of such a rare LP. Logically no record company would EVER have had a production run of any product in quantities smaller than at least in the thousands.
TEST #4 – Read the "Trail Off Area". This area of the record on most if not all FAKES is always wider than legit copies. On all GENUINE copies, this area varies between 3/4” & 7/8” but on FAKES it is often anywhere from 1”  to 1 1/4”. Most (but not all) legitimate albums normally had raised relief machine stamped logos in the "Trail Off"  areas. Since all machine stamps are very hard to copy or duplicate, FAKES very often have no markings or only  hand scratched ones. The most common machine stamps are from AUDIO MATRIX (AR) or the ARP logo.   TEST #5 - Another trait of all FAKES is that they are pressed on much thinner vinyl. Always check for thickness  by comparing an LP that in doubt to a known legitimate copy and you'll see the difference.  TEST #6 - On the back of the jacket, "B" in "BEATLES" at the top right in FAKES has a noticeable ink irregularity  in the lower left inner section of the letter. In the REAL covers, the "B" is printed clearly with no flaws. Check this  feature against known legitimate covers.  TEST #7 - On the back of the jacket, left of "MISERY", all the FAKES have a very noticeable ink irregularity in  the north/south post line. Some refer to this as an INK BUMP. It is very easily spotted.   TEST #8 - If the label's color band has NO color GREEN in its lower to middle left side, record is FAKE.  TEST #9 - Matrix Numbers are 63-3402 & 63-3403 and some job numbers are 5702 and 5689 preceded by a  small triangle. Pressing IDs / Stampings are either AUDIO MATRIX, ARP, MR. Hand etchings are 6-29-63, RA or  A. All others or lack thereof are FAKES.  TEST #10 - O

riginal covers 

have somewhat 

of a gloss to the paper stock used 

on back (glossiness may 

vary). But 

if the paper used 

appears to be a FLAT WHITE STOCK,

it's a FAKE.