SGT.PEPPER’S LHCB MONO * FOURTH PROOF * FACTORY SAMPLE * 1P/1T STAMPERS

	£		253
	$		335

pop_culture*shopping

THE BEATLES * SGT.PEPPER’S LONELY HEARTS CLUB BAND

FOURTH PROOF * FACTORY SAMPLE

1967 * MONO * PMC7027

Side 1: XEX 637-1 (1 P)   Side 2: XEX 638-1 (1 T)

For sale is a UK 1st pressing MONO copy of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. This copy is the much sought after ‘Fourth Proof’ which was a template for the altered wide spine cover that preceded it. When originally distributed to record stores the wider spines on the record sleeve were getting compressed and damaged in the racks which resulted in complaints from customers and in turn store owners withdrew the stock and EMI were obligated to re-think the sleeve design. This was resolved by reducing the size of the spine but essentially restarting the design and printing process all over again. What resulted is now the ‘Fourth Proof’ sleeve which has the words Fourth Proof and AR D13217 printed on the inside top folded seam. These sleeves were obviously not meant to be seen outside the factory and differ slightly to the finished product. The only differences are, as mentioned, the words Fourth Proof and AR D13217 on the inside gatefold sleeve and the colouring on the group photos – more the inside sleeve than the back sleeve – which have more saturated colours and aren’t as vibrant. Also on the bottom corner of the back cover the words ‘Patents Pending’ are printed alongside Garrod and Lofthouse Ltd, which are not on any other Pepper record sleeve.

The other main feature of this copy is that the record is a factory sample as intended for the purpose of testing and has the EMI FACTORY SAMPLE NOT FOR SALE sticker on side 1’s label. Fourth Proof’s very rarely have the factory sample record combination - and as factory samples were for testing purposes only they remain in pristine condition.

The record, as mentioned, has only been played a handful of times and is in stunning condition - resulting in a very impressive copy with only very light hairlines and NO needle scratches whatsoever. Both sides still retain a marvellous sheen and to find a pressing as early as this is rare. The KT taxcode is the most vibrant I have seen, quite astonishing – this record has been really well cared for.

Even more collectable with this record is the fact that this is a VERY early pressing from the factory as indicated by the mother and stampers which are an impressive 1T and 1P.

·         I would therefore rate the condition of the heavyweight vinyl as EX+

·         The record label on side 1 is clean from any writing or stains and has the factory sticker attached. Therecord label on side 2 does however have black felt tip writing above Parolphone which reads CM2 6AY-10 (see pictures). N.B. It is only noticeable under strong light. I would therefore rate the overall condition of the labels as EX due to this.

·         The record cover is in excellent condition and has no unwanted writing, stains or blemishes, with only a couple of small creases to the laminate. The corners are generally in very good condition but the spine does have some wear, but again is minor. Interesting point to note here is that the majority of fourth proof spines seem to be worn to some degree. My thoughts are that due to the fact the spine was the problem in the first place these copies had been folded more in the factory and the creases/cracks have aged more due to storage and age. In this case this isn’t the worst I’ve seen and the title is still legible (see pictures).

I would therefore rate the overall condition of the record sleeve as EX.

·         The red and white inner sleeve has some browning spots and is worn to the opening edges but has no writing, stains or rips. I would therefore rate the overall condition of the inner sleeve as VG.

·         The Sgt. Pepper cut-out is intact with no writing, stains or rips. I would therefore rate the overall condition of cut-out as EX+.

This LP will be very carefully packaged. The cover is kept in a 12” self-residue sleeve along with the inner sleeve and cut-out. The vinyl is housed in a new polylined bag and all items will be, and have been kept separately for archiving purposes and I would advise these remain this way for maximum value in the future.

GRADING SYSTEM:  In order to assist everyone who buys and sells rare discs, Record Collector magazine has originated a set of standards for the condition of second-hand records, I have added a (+) or (-) to my grading’s where applicable.

MINT: The record itself is in brand new condition with no surface marks or deterioration in sound quality. The cover and any extra items such as the lyric sheet, booklet or poster are in perfect condition. Records advertised as Sealed or Unplayed should be Mint.

EXCELLENT: The record shows some signs of having been played, but there is very little lessening in sound quality. The cover and packaging might have slight wear and/or creasing.

VERY GOOD: The record has obviously been played many times, but displays no major deterioration in sound quality, despite noticeable surface marks and the occasional light scratch. Normal wear and tear on the cover or extra items, without any major defects, is acceptable.

GOOD: The record has been played so much that the sound quality has noticeably deteriorated, perhaps with some distortion and mild scratches. The cover and contents suffer from folding, scuffing of edges, spine splits, discoloration, etc.

FAIR: The record is still just playable but has not been cared for properly and displays considerable surface noise; it may even jump.
The cover and contents will be torn, stained and/or defaced.

POOR: The record will not play properly due to scratches, bad surface noise, etc. The cover and contents will be badly damaged or partly missing.

BAD: The record is unplayable or might even be broken, and is only of use as a collection-filler.

P&P

CD

7”

LP

2 LP

UK

£1.00

£2.00

£3.00

£4.00

Europe

£2.35

£3.00

£3.50

£5.00

USA & Canada

£3.60

£3.80

£5.00

£7.50

ROW

£3.85

£4.00

£6.00

£8.50

Special Recorded Delivery with insurance, signed for is recommended for winning items over £50.

I will not accept responsibility for items that get lost in the post and would ask you to wait for my invoice to confirm postage costs – especially for overseas postage

*Please note that I only accept PayPal, apologies for any inconvenience*

Buy with confidence - all items for sale are genuine

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THANKYOU

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