Beatles, Please Please Me * Black & Gold * DICK JAMES CREDIT * UK 1st Press MONO

	£		2,125
	$		2,816

The Beatles - Please Please Me
I am pleased to offer for sale this exceptional copy of the Beatles' debut studio album, Please Please Me.
The LP comes with the highly sought-after black and gold Parlophone labels. Parlophone changed the design of the label 12 weeks into production of the album and therefore only a limited number of records with the original label design were ever sold. Here is a fantastic opportunity to add a superb example to your collection.
Album Details:
Serial number: PMC 1202
Matrix number: XEX 421 - 1N / XEX 422 - 1N
Stamper codes: 2 GM / 1 GA
Tax Codes: ZMT
Vinyl Weight: 146g 

The matrix numbers confirm that this record is a true UK first pressing. The mother and stamper codes suggest that the record was one of the first few thousand to be produced! Consequently, the audio sounds great. Take a listen yourself below!
The vinyl has the first variant labels which credit Dick James as the publisher for the titles A1, A2, A6, A7, B4 & B5. This was changed to Northern Songs Ltd. for all subsequent variants. 
The vinyl is housed within the first variant front-side laminated Ernest J. Day sleeve with Angus McBean photo credit position in the bottom right hand corner on the front of the sleeve and 'cut-out' flip-backs to the reverse. The photo credit was moved to the left in subsequent sleeve variants.
Also included is the original heavy paper polythene lined EMItex die-cut inner sleeve that only came with very early pressings.
Condition:
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 yourself.  
Vinyl: VERY GOOD +
Labels: VERY GOOD + 
The labels are bright, clean and without writing. There are only a handful of light spindle marks on either side. Side 1 has some wear from the removal of a label.
Visual: VERY GOOD +
The vinyl retains deep-gloss playing surfaces. A handful of light surface marks are visible in strong daylight. Both sides have a couple of 'stylus skates' which are more noticeable but not feel-able. Under a halogen desk lamp a number of hairline marks can be seen. 
Sound Quality: VERY GOOD +
Please use the eBay internet site to enjoy the audio clips. The eBay app does not facilitate playback.
Side 1:

Side 2:

As can be heard in the audio clips, the heavy weight mono pressing sounds great. There are quiet lead-ins to both sides and only minor static in between tracks. The vocals are crisp, the bass is full. There are no obtrusive pops, skips or sticks. A lovely record to listen to.
Sleeve: VERY GOOD +
The original sleeve looks fantastic. The front laminate retains the original lustre. The cover art is vibrant with bright colours. The rear is clean but does show some subtle signs of foxing. The flip-backs are clean and without damage. All four corners have subtle softening. The top, bottom and opening edges along with the spine are without any wear.
Inner Sleeve: VERY GOOD +
The original inner sleeve is in great condition. It is very clean, without any staining and with minimal creasing.

Additional Details:
Before the audio test, the vinyl was cleaned first by an Okki Nokki vacuum cleaner (using L'art du Son cleaning solution) and then an Audio Desk ultrasonic cleaner.
After cleaning, the vinyl is housed 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. I am selling some rarities from my personal collection. 
Bidders with less than ten feedback please get in touch before bidding otherwise your bid will be removed.