Vinyl: The Beatles Sgt Peppers Vinyl, LP, 1st, '4TH PROOF' earliest release 1967 UK RARE

The Beatles Sgt. Peppers Vinyl, LP,1st, '4TH PROOF' earliest release 1967 UK VGC - RARE

ABOUT THIS ITEM: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. The same fold-back has the printed text AR D1321 which was probably the reference number for the prototype text that was used....

1st UK pressing, (FOURTH PROOF)

A Garrod & Lofthouse Patents pending laminated gatefold cover (flipback glue-tabs on inner spread);

A red half-tone print on white 'psychedelic' inner sleeve;

A 'cut-outs' card insert (full-color, single-sided. Printed signatures of Blake/Haworth at foot);

A black and yellow logo label with silver text:

"The Gramophone Co." in the radial text and "Sold in the U.K. Subject To Resale Price Conditions, See Price Lists" across label at center, with "Made in Gt. Britain" at foot.

Condition and details below: The cover: - front has a bit of laminate cracking and slight rip on opening side, light creasing but fairly clean and solid; rear is same; spine is worn; inside cover has some light marks, very clean generally though = VG all round just about.... - psychedelic inner has slight tear one side , a couple of folds/creases and is little faded, pretty intact though = VG..... - cutout is complete and in excellent condition..... - vinyl is lightly marked here and there, small scratch on side one is the most evident, but playback is excellent..... - labels are clean, excellent, no pen marks or major scratches - KT on side 1.... - playback side one, llight scratch and a few ticks on side 1 track 2 ight ticks and crackle here and there, not greatly impacting a fantastic listen though; ........side two better, a few light crackles only, ADITL sounds awesome - all round a fantastic listen for such an early pressing! - - - XEX 637-1, XEX 638-1 (9 0'CLOCK's = , 4/2, - - 3 O'CLOCK's = , RTP/RAM,)

PLEASE BEAR IN MIND THAT THIS LP IS AN AGED, USED ITEM, AND WILL NOT LOOK OR PLAY LIKE NEW. I always try to give a fair overview of condition and a selection of photos, which give an indication of what you are buying/bidding on.

I always play test and give a fair appraisal of how the LP sounds on my system; this is always a subjective thing, and so may vary on others - If there are any flaws or jumps detected I will mention this and it will be reflected in the price/starting bid; NB: sometimes items may benefit from further cleaning etc.

Postage is as stated, usually, UK, 2nd class signed for and internationally through GSP

My gradings are through the recognised Goldmine standard, and as accurate as I can make them (although please bear in mind it is still subjective and mistakes can occur ) :) - please let me know if there are any issues

Thanks for your interest