For sale is a complete and original MONO UK 1st pressing of The Beatles eighth studio album, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.
This copy has a EXTREMELY rare 1st press fourth proof Garrod & Lofthouse laminated gatefold sleeve with the extremely rare 'PATENTS PENDING' notice on the rear. The vinyl has the 1st variation black and yellow Parlophone labels with KT tax code stamped in the centre. The album comes complete with the original red and white wavy inner sleeve designed by The Fool art collective and the cut-out insert sheet designed by Peter Blake.
Serial number: PMC 7027
Matrix number: XEX 637 - 1 / XEX 638 - 1
Stamper codes: RPT 2/ POR 3 8
Tax Codes: KT
Vinyl Weight: 170g
Black/yellow Parlophone label with silver print:
the name "THE GRAMOPHONE CO. LTD..." on the outer rim, the "SOLD IN U.K..." remark, and the "(P) 1967" statement.
The LP covers is laminated on both front and back, and is also laminated fully on the inside. The cover was one piece of material, with fold over flaps connecting across the top-inside cover.
The gatefold has two openings, the left one holding a sheet of Sgt. Pepper cutouts, and the right one holding the LP itself.
The first pressing of the album came with a psychedelic inner sleeve designed by a Dutch group, "The Fool," who also painted the side of the Apple Corps building, as well as John Lennon's limousine.
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 D13217(?)" which was probably the reference number for the prototype text that was used.
Printer name credit: "Printed and made by Garrod & Lofthouse Ltd. Patents pending"
These copies mistitled the track "With a little help from..." as "A little help from..." on back cover.
The phrase "© All lyrics copyright 1967 for the world by Northern Songs Ltd. England", Parlophone logo and EMI logo were printed at the lower right of the back cover.
Condition :
Vinyl: EXCELLENT
Visually the vinyl is glossy and clean. The record was rarely played. Several light surface marks are present. The labels are bright, clean and without writing.
Side 1: EXCELLENT +
Side 2: EXCELLENT
Sleeve: VERY GOOD +
The extremely rare sleeve looks great. All sides retain a glossy finish with bright colours. There is some sign of ring wear, readable but split spine, and corners with very mild wear.
Inner Sleeve: EXCELLENT
The original red and white wavy 'fools inner' sleeve looks great. It is with a lill discolouration and shows only minimal creasing VERY GOOD + . The cut-out insert is EXCELLENT +. Also included in the sale is an audiophile quality, anti-static inner sleeve to help protect and preserve the fantastic record.
This record will be sent via an insured courier in a padded vinyl mailer.
Please see my other listings. I am gradually selling some rarities from my collection.