The Beatles Sgt Peppers LP "Fourth Proof" PROTOTYPE sleeve. MONO 1st press

	£		125
	$		166

For sale here is a special copy of Sgt Peppers Lonely Hearts Club. This is the "Fourth Proof" sleeve.  If you're looking at this then you'll probably already know that the "fourth proof" labelled covers were actually the prototypes. Heres the description from the Beatles Archives website;

“Fourth Proof” sleeve.

This very very rare unique sleeve! The “Fourth Proof” sleeve represents the earliest possible pressing of the Sgt Pepper cover. The Fourth Proof was the final version of the various ‘prototypes’ that were explored by the Beatles when the cover was being designed. The cover (and text) was approved by the Beatles and an initial very small ‘test’ run was undertaken to make sure everything looked OK. This small test run is characterised by the inverted “Fourth Proof” text in the top right hand corner of the inner gatefold – just above George Harrison’s head. This is therefore the earliest possible ‘prototype’ (test pressing) cover. Same fold-back have can printed text “AR D1321?which was probably the reference number for the prototype text that was used.

 The cover is in VG+ condition, with just some general storage wear preventing it being graded higher. 

The vinyl is also graded as VG+. 1 small mark on side 2 which doesn't affect playback, then just sleeve removal hairlines that can only be seen by tilting the record under light. 

Genuine UK 1st press. Mono. PMC 7027 on the Yellow Parlophone Label. 

Any questions, please feel free to contact me. Please also see my other listings for more Beatles items

Thanks

The Boring bit ;

Most of the records I sell have been stored for many years, even decades. Some will have dust that can be seen by the eye, some may look clean but have deep seeded dust from being 40 or 50 years old. This may initially affect the playback quality. I work full time and have a young family so I don’t have time to play every record I list, so if you receive a record and it doesn’t sound as you think it should, please have it properly cleaned (with a good, well known record cleaner) and replay. Unless I have stated that I have, then I will not have play tested the record myself. If you want me to playtest the record and feedback to you before buying, I can do this. Please don’t click buy it now and then ask.  

Please do not contact me asking for a part refund. I’ve had a few chancers simply looking for an excuse to claw some money back on their purchase, usually dealers (looking to maximise their sell on profits). Needless to say, this is not how I operate. 

I am willing to post abroad. 

Please find below a grading system that I tend to go by. Hopefully with this there will be no confusion. Thanks

Very Good (VG)

A VG-rated vinyl has experienced a lot of use. It’s still useable, but it’ll carry a few distortions. Ranked above a G-rated record, a VG-rated record often carries pops and clicks. It might have light visible scratches, and it may have split edges. For the most part, a VG-rated record is undamaged. Upon closer inspection, however, its use will be apparent—both visually and audibly.

Very Good Plus (VG+)

The next step up, a VG+ record has little faults. A VG+ record may have several inaudible marks and a little rub. Its audio will likely have slight background crackle. As with a VG record, however, close inspection may reveal its age.

Excellent (E)

An Excellent record is similar to a VG+ record. Its light marks will be difficult to spot, however, as will be its audio distortions. A lot of Ex-rated records have been in and out of their sleeve only a few times. A handful or less of hairlines may be present. Their minute signs of use, generally, reflect high-quality care.

Near Mint (NM)

A Near Mint record is a fantastic investment. It looks glossy, and it’s clearly only been played several times. NM vinyl has little to no markings, and its package is either untouched or nearly untouched. Don’t expect to find any distortions on a NM record. In essence: A NM record is imperfect only in its one-or-two-time use.

Mint (M)

A Mint record is perfect. It’s never been played, and it might’ve never been removed from its package. It’s fully sealed, and it has no blemishes or audio distortions.