THE BEATLES SECOND ALBUM ODEON ZTOX 5558 German Exp TELDEC HOLY GRAIL UBER RARE

$

400

WOW!!!  This is truly a Holy Grail of Beatles collecting!  This is most likely one of if not THE rarest German Beatles record ever!!  It is without a doubt one of the rarest and most desirable Beatles records on the highly collectible Odeon label and among the rarest Beatles records in existence! This is one for the serious collector!  Not only is this album a rarity in any condition, this example is one of the nicest I have ever seen!  If that weren't enough this is the even rarer Teldec (Telefunken-Decca) contract pressing as denoted by the Manufactured In Germany stamp in the dead wax and a circular groove depression on the labels. This makes this copy an even rarer variant of an already rare record!!! The sleeve is stunning only showing the slightest age related wear.   The gorgeous white, red and gold labels are unmarked and beautiful and are the GEMA variant as opposed to the BIEM / GEMA ones and the disc itself plays wonderfully!  See below for a detailed breakdown but first a little information about this pressing:

The Beatles Second Album / Odeon ZTOX 5558 STEREO Matrix numbers:  YBEX 50053-1                                 YBEX 50054-1
Manufactured In Germany boldly stamped into the dead wax
This is an original German pressing from July 1964 and was primarily for sale to members of the Allied Forces stationed in Germany & West Berlin and most likely Switzerland.  This very limited distribution makes any Odeon German export album quite rare but this one is the rarest of all!  The front album art is the same image of The Beatles on Ed Sullivan from that same year which was also used on the far more common American album Something New while the back cover is the same as the typical back cover for the "Second Album".  
 The all important rim text begins with the words 'Alle Rechte...' denoting this was a very 1st pressing though I do not believe there was a second pressing...from yokono.co.uk: The Original Odeon label (stereo) LP's appear in two slightly different styles. The first of these styles, features the "Alle Rechte..." rim text.  There is also a small raised ridge towards the outer edge that can be felt, one of the two ways to tell if it is a Teldec contract pressing...the other is the Manufactured In Germany stamped into the dead wax.  Normal pressings either say Made In Germany or nothing at all.  I have now included a photo of this text.
*EDIT: I have updated the photos - much clearer now!*
This Copy:
Sleeve:  EX to EX- : One of the nicest sleeves I have ever seen (though there aren't many out there to compare it to, this is definitely one of the best!)  The spine is uncrushed and perfectly legible. The sleeve is clean and free of writing or marks.  The front laminated cover is shiny and has small, inevitable laminate lifts and creases, though only along the spine and a couple of other spots.  Not bad at all!  The bottom right corner is slightly bumped but overall, the corners are crisp and sharp!  Only the tiniest amount of ring wear is visible when turned to the light which I have tried to photograph.  The back of the sleeve has no marks (save for a tiny "peel" spot and a few black marks along the upper right corner- see pics) and a small "bump" along the top.  Apart from that, it is beautifully clean and unmarked!  Easily grades EX to EX-.
Disc: VG to VG+ (Visually) VG++ to EX- (Audio)  This thick, well pressed vinyl still retains its first pressed sheen.  Under a bright light there are hairlines and several small, unfeelable scratches and scuffs but nothing major. In normal light it looks very clean!  There are some "skate marks" around the record on a couple of tracks on Side 2 but again, nothing serious or feelable.  I have play tested the record and it sounds GREAT!  Minimal crackling in quiet parts, no real pops or ticks and a loud, clear, crisp sound!  It was a joy to listen to!  Overall, a great playing copy with some superficial markings.
Labels: EX- There is no writing or marking on the labels save for some spindle traces when held to the light.  Beautifully unmarked white labels with red text and gold rings and highlights.  Some very nice labels indeed!  
Inner sleeve not present but will include a high quality MoFi replacement inner sleeve.
Overall, this is a remarkably well preserved copy of an extremely rare record!  Try to find another copy anywhere let alone a copy as nice as this!  This is your chance to own a beautiful example of one of the rarest and most desirable Beatles records on the Odeon label and probably the rarest German Beatles record in existence!!!   I have fairly listed the price at $450 (record pricing guides value a NM copy at $1,000)  but will definitely consider offers. Give me your best offer and you may be able to add this beauty to your collection!  I know there are collectors that have been waiting for years to own this so if that's you don't hesitate or it will be gone!!
Shipping varies by location- I will send it 1st class postage here in the U.S.A. with tracking.  If you are overseas it does get fairly expensive to ship but I will only send this album registered and tracked 1st Class International and NOT to every country- if you are outside the U.S.A. and do not live in the UK, Canada, Germany or Australia, please message me before buying. I will package this safely and securely in a sturdy cardboard LP mailer with the disc in a high quality MoFi inner sleeve outside of the jacket and placed into a high quality Japanese mylar resealable outer sleeve with cardboard stiffeners on either side.    
I strive for 100% customer satisfaction so in the highly unlikely event that there is a problem, please contact me and I will do everything possible to correct it.  I provide a no-quibble refund if you are not satisfied but I have provided a very thorough and conservative grading, detailed any flaws and provided pictures of any problems that I could spot so please refer to the photos and do not hesitate to ask any questions!  Please see my other listings as I am selling more rare Beatles records and will soon be selling some other very rare records as well!   Thanks for looking and good luck!