The Beatles Sgt Pepper * FACTORY SAMPLE * WIDE SPINE * MINT - * UK 1st Press *

	£		422
	$		559

The Beatles - Sgt Pepper's Lonely Heart's Club Band

I am pleased to offer for sale this superb, Factory Sample copy of The Beatles eighth studio album, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart's Club Band.

As well as being extremely rare, the LP is in fantastic condition. The audio sounding as crisp as it did the first time it was played. Here is a fantastic opportunity to add this museum piece to your own personal collection.

The second half of the 'Mann' collection, which contains the remaining Beatles titles, shall be sold in the coming weeks.

General Information:

This particular record, along with all others listed for sale in this set of listings, were part of the collection of one of the best known Beatles critics, William Mann. Mann was the music critic for the Times newspaper. His article "What Songs the Beatles Sang" was perhaps the first to critically review the Beatles as musicians rather than as a social phenomenon.  

A copy of William Mann's commentary on pop music, centred on a review of Sgt. Pepper, titled: "The Beatles revive hopes of progress in Pop Music" is included in the sale.

Album Details:

Serial number: PCS 7027

Matrix number: YEX 637 - 1 / YEX 638 - 1 

Stamper codes: 1 TL / 1 TM

Tax Codes: KT

Vinyl Weight: 165g

The -1/-1 matrix numbers confirm that the record is a true UK first pressing. The mother & stamper codes communicate that the record was produced very early in the production run. Consequently, the audio reproduction is fantastic. Take a listen yourself below!

The black labels with yellow Parlophone logo and silver text are the first variant as is evident from the "Sold in the U.K. ..." text present to both sides.

This copy comes with the first variant fully laminated gatefold sleeve with flip-backs to the top side of the inner gatefold and the extremely desirable wide spine.

The album is complete with the original red and white wavy 'psychedelic' inner sleeve designed by The Fool art collective and the cut-out insert sheet designed by Peter Blake.

Condition Report:

The condition report provided below is given as a guide only. I include high-quality, comprehensive photographs as well as a complete audio recording in my listings to enable you to make an informed decision on the condition of this record yourself.

Disc: EXCELLENT +

Labels: EXCELLENT 

The labels are clean and retain rich, vibrant colours. The sticker shows no damage. A small number of dull spindle trails can be seen around each unworn centre hole.

Visual: EXCELLENT 

Both playing surfaces of the record retain the original, superb deep gloss shine which appear blemish free in bright daylight. Underneath the glare of a halogen desk lamp wispy paper hairline scuffs (usually present due to the record going in and out of the inner sleeve) can be seen alongside an iridescent rainbow shine. 

Sound Quality: MINT -

Please note: the eBay app does not facilitate playback. Please use the internet site to enjoy the audio clips.

Side 1:

Side 2:

As can be heard in the recordings, this is a copy that has been played cautiously on good quality equipment. My litmus test for Sgt. Pepper is always "She's Leaving Home" which on this copy sounds superb with minimal background noise. The lead ins are quiet. There is no noise in between tracks. A truly superb listening experience - you won't need to look for another copy. 

Sleeve: MINT - 

The sleeves looks superb. All four sides retain the original glossy lustre and the cover art is vibrant maintaining bright colours. All four corners are crisp and sharp. The opening edges, top and bottom edges are without any wear. As mentioned, the spine is in exceptional condition. In forty years I've only seen a couple this good. Truly a final upgrade example.

Inner Sleeve: MINT -

The original inner sleeve is in superb condition. The cut-out insert is as-new.

Additional Details:

Before the audio test, the vinyl was cleaned first by an Okki Nokki vacuum cleaner and then an Audio Desk ultrasonic cleaner.

After cleaning, the vinyl was placed inside a brand new mobile fidelity anti-static inner sleeve.

The vinyl will be packaged outside of the sleeve, both of which are stored inside an archival quality polypropylene outer sleeve.

The record will be sent via an insured courier in a padded vinyl mailer.

Please see my other listings for more Beatles Factory Samply rarities.

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