Beatles WHITE ALBUM 1st UK 68 Stereo Press ROCKY RACOON Error 2/H Wide Spine M-

	£		1,668
	$		2,210

The Beatles "White Album" 1st UK Press Stereo Vinyl 2LP -1-1-1-1 Matrix Endings, 22nd November 1968, wide spine sleeve, very low 2/H mother/stamper codes, with super wide spine sleeve in superb condition. 

A stunning original UK first pressing of The Beatles (The White Album), released in 1968 on the Apple label, catalogue number PCS 7067/8.

This outstanding collector's example is housed in the original numbered Garrod & Lofthouse top-loading sleeve (No. 0587098) and features the scarce first issue "Rocky Racoon" spelling error on the Side Two label, one of the recognised early label variations corrected shortly after.

Exceptionally early 2 / H mother/stamper codes and a remarkably well-preserved 11mm spine with perfectly legible text make this a treat to both hold and hear. Early White Album spines are notoriously susceptible to flattening and wear, making examples retaining their original width and complete readability incredibly difficult to find.

Complete with the original black inner sleeves, fold-out lyric poster and all four portrait photographs, this is an exceptionally well-preserved example of one of the most collectible albums ever produced.

Description:

An original UK first pressing of The Beatles (The White Album), released in November 1968 on the Apple label, catalogue number PCS 7067/8.

Housed in the original embossed and numbered Garrod & Lofthouse laminated top-loading sleeve, this example retains all the features serious Beatles collectors seek.

The Side Two Apple label carries the rare "Rocky Racoon" spelling error, an early production variation quickly corrected to "Rocky Raccoon". Copies retaining this error are considerably scarcer than the standard versions.

The matrix numbers YEX 709-1 / YEX 710-1 / YEX 711-1 / YEX 712-1 confirm it’s first press status along with all other 1st press identifiers and exceptionally early 2 / H mother/stamper codes show the pressing run during the earliest production process.

Particularly impressive is the original 11mm spine, which remains perfectly square with crisp, fully legible text. This is one of the hardest areas of an early top-loading White Album to find in such well-preserved condition.

A superb investment-grade first pressing combining outstanding condition with multiple highly desirable first issue characteristics.

Matrix / Runout: Side 1: YEX 709-1; Side 2: YEX 710-1; Side 3: YEX 711-1; Side 4: YEX 712-1

Mother Stamper Codes: 2 / H; 1 / LA; 5 / PA; 6 / PM

Label: Apple – "Sold in U.K. subject to resale price conditions..." labels with rare "Rocky Racoon" spelling error

Catalogue Number: PCS 7067/8

Pressing: UK First Press – Stereo

Sleeve: Original numbered Garrod & Lofthouse laminated top-loading sleeve with 11mm spine

Inner Sleeves: Two original black inner sleeves

Includes: Original fold-out poster and complete set of four portrait photographs (with rare original paper spacer often discarded still present)

Condition:

The Vinyl:

The vinyl is in stunning condition. Sides One, Three and Four grade MINT-! retaining a beautiful deep factory gloss with no marks or scratches when viewed under direct halogen spotlight. Side Two grades EXCELLENT PLUS, with a few feint and non-sounding surface blemishes visible under strong direct light. Playback is faultless throughout , delivering the warm, dynamic analogue sound quality for which these earliest UK pressings are renowned. Nice and quite between tracks, no loud obtrusive pops, no repeat clicks. Obviously there are no skips or sticks throughout with this top grade. The discs sit completely flat on the turntable with no warping or dishing. Clean and unworn labels, sharp at the spindle hole. WOW!

The Sleeve:

The original numbered top-loading sleeve grades MINT-! The laminate retains a beautiful shine with crisp corners and clean opening edges. Most notably, the 11mm spine remains perfectly formed with complete, fully legible text and virtually no wear—an exceptional attribute seldom encountered on original UK White Albums. Nice and bright creamy white front, back & insides, sharp edges and corners, retains its full glossy sheen. Super wide 11mm spine sharp from top to bottom, fully readable and clear with zero laminate flaking. Nice and clear serial number on the front. No pen, no stains, no rips, no marks. Stunning! Overall a fantastic condition 1st UK stereo 'top-loading' sleeve and a rare sight to find such a wide and perfect spine. 

The original black inner sleeves are in EXCELLENT! condition with only light signs of age-related handling.

The fold-out lyric poster grades EXCELLENT PLUS!, remaining clean, bright and well preserved.

The complete set of four portrait photographs including spacer grade MINT-! with outstanding colour and no wear.

Please see my other items for more rare UK pressings and quality vinyl.

BID WITH CONFIDENCE. 100% SELLER.

Grading:
Records are graded using the standard UK record grading system from the Rare Record Price Guide (RRPG).

Equipment:
Records are play-graded on the following equipment: Rega P3-24 Turntable; Rega Elys 2 Cartridge; Technics SU-9600 Pre-Amp; Technics SE-9600 Power-Amp; Pioneer HPM-100 Speakers, at 70dB.

Shipping:
Your record will be removed from the sleeve, placed in new poly-lined inners and securely packaged for safe delivery.

Guarantee:
If you're not entirely satisfied, a full no-quibble refund is offered with free paid-for returns accepted.

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