Introducing The Beatles VJLP 1062 Still In Original Cellophane READ Description

$

150

I’m 73 years old. This album has been in my possession for about 56/57 years. I have not opened it because I didn’t want to reduce the potential value to any buyer/collector.  Since I posted this listing, I've gotten quite an education on fakes and the distribution/printing and publication history of this album. And I want to thank all the eBayers/Beatles fans for their input.

However, as I said before  I have had the album in my possession since I was a teenager so in that sense I know that it's not a "fake". If I remember right I think I got it in 1966 or 67 in a " cut out" bin in a record store in Detroit.

I knew about the fakes that have faded and unclear pictures on the cover and the lack of a shadow on George, but on my copy the album art is very sharp, clear dark brown suits and very fine quality overall. I can read the time on the dial on Ringo's watch 5:16  l believe. Since I've had this album for over 50 years it can't be “fake” in the true sense of that word.  It may be an “unauthorized” copy distributed by “Vee Jay” or one of their contractors.  One eBayer that wrote to me speculated that this record might have been a very early 1964 issue that was cancelled in February 1964, He also said Vee Jay didn’t start sealing records in cellophane until June of 1964 which begs the question how and when did my copy get sealed? Keep in mind, I know mine was in its current sealed condition since I bought it in 1966/67.  So was it sealed by some other wholesaler subsequent to 1964 but before I purchased it in 1966/67?  I don’t know.

My album does pass the George Harrison shadow test.  Can it also pass the so called “HONEY” test?  I’ve looked at it and I’m not sure, I’m not an expert and I also don’t know how “definitive” this “HONEY” test is.  If it fails, the HONEY test should I throw the baby out with the bathwater?  I am almost tempted to open it up to check to see if it has the "Beatles name" spindle hole errors or other label color errors but would not want to reduce the potential value by opening it up.  

What I do know is that this record has been in my possession since 1966/67 and I believe it to be an authentic copy.  However, after getting schooled by our great eBay community I will admit there is a possibility that it could be some kind of unauthorized copy not meant for distribution.  That still doesn’t take away from the fact that this is a sealed, unopened copy in near perfect condition over 60 years old.

Given all these factors I’m lowering the opening bidding price to $500 from $5000. In the belief someone will find value in it.  Thanks 

Additional thoughts,  I've gotten a couple of rude messages that just call it a "counterfeit"  Did you read my note in the description? If it's "counterfeit" it's a 60 year old one. I think it's more accurate to say, assuming it doesn't pass the "HON"E"Y test  that it may be an unauthorized copy that was distributed by Vee Jay or one of it's agents in 1964.  But if  your a purist please don't bid on it.  If you buy it and open it and then want to return it I won't accept the return.