The Beatles, For Sale * FACTORY SAMPLE * STEREO * NEAR MINT * UK 1st Press *
  £   253
  $   335

 


£ 253 Sold For
Nov 19, 2023 Sold Date
Nov 9, 2023 Start Date
17   Number Of Bids
  Great Britain Country Of Seller
eBay Auctioned at
 
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Description

The Beatles - Beatles For Sale


I am pleased to offer for sale this superb, Factory Sample copy of The Beatles 4th studio album, Beatles For Sale.


The Beatles inspiration for the title: "Beatles For Sale" came from the sale of 1,250,000 ordinary shares in the Northern Songs publishing company in February of 1965. As with all early Beatles records, the vast majority of original copies were bought by teenagers whom had no concern for the condition of their vinyl. Consequently, finding clean, undamaged examples such as the one on offer in this listing is difficult.


As well as being a beautiful near mint example, the record is also an extremely rare 'Factory Sample'. EMI produced 'Factory Sample' records for promotional purposes and were generally sent to a journalist for review. Genuine factory samples can be discerned due to the presence of a sticker on one of the labels which reads: "FACTORY SAMPLE NOT FOR RESALE". Early stickers, such as that seen on this record, are rectangular with triangular ends.

This particular record, along with all others listed for sale in this set of listings, were part of the collection of one of the best known Beatles critics, William Mann. Mann was the music critic for the Times newspaper. His article "What Songs the Beatles Sang" was perhaps the first to critically review the Beatles as musicians rather than as a social phenomenon.  


As far as I am aware, Mann did not produce a review for Beatles For Sale. Please message me if you believe that he did.



Album Details:


Serial number: PCS 3062


Matrix number: YEX 142 - 1 / YEX 143 - 1


Stamper codes: 4 AA / 3 AH


Tax Codes: KT


Vinyl Weight: 165g


The -1/-1 matrix numbers confirm that the record is a true UK first pressing. The mother & stamper codes communicate that the record was produced early in the production run. Consequently, the audio reproduction is fantastic. Take a listen yourself below!


The labels are the first variant as is evident from the "Recording First Published ..." text present to both sides.


This copy comes with a front and rear laminated Garrod & Lofthouse gatefold sleeve with outline 'STEREO' text printed to the front side and a square spine with pinched ends.


The album is complete with the original polythene lined die-cut Emitex 'protect your records' inner sleeve.



Condition Report:


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 of this record yourself.



Disc: MINT -


Labels: EXCELLENT +


The labels are clean and retain rich, vibrant colours. The sticker shows no damage. Only a small collection of dull spindle trails can be seen around each unworn centre hole.


Visual: EXCELLENT +


Both playing surfaces of the record retain the superb original deep gloss shine and in bright daylight only show a single light surface mark to side 1 - none at all can be seen to side 2. The single mark cannot be felt. Underneath the glare of a halogen desk lamp a handful of barely visible wispy paper hairlines (usually present due to the record going in and out of the inner sleeve) can be seen alongside an iridescent rainbow shine. Very nice indeed.


Sound Quality: MINT -


Please note: the eBay app does not facilitate playback. Please use the internet site to enjoy the audio clips.


Side 1:

 


Side 2:



 

As can be heard in the recordings, this is a copy that has been played cautiously on good quality equipment. The lead ins are quiet. There is no noise in between tracks. Other than a single pop on T5S2, "I Don't Want To Spoil the Party" the audio is absolutely flawless. A truly superb listening experience which you would be extremely hard pressed to improve upon. 



Sleeve: EXCELLENT +


The sleeve is in fantastic condition. All four sides are bright and clean. The laminate to both the front and rear retains the original lustre. The cover art is vibrant. Unlike the vast majority of copies, the spine has not been squashed - it is still square with a beautiful crisp edge. The pinched ends show subtle softening but are much better than the majority of copies. The top and bottom edges are without wear.



Inner Sleeve: EXCELLENT


The original inner sleeve is in great condition. It is very clean and displays only mild creasing.

 


Additional Details:


Before the audio test, the vinyl was cleaned first by an Okki Nokki vacuum cleaner and then an Audio Desk ultrasonic cleaner.


After cleaning, the vinyl was placed 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 for more Beatles Factory Samply rarities.

Bidders with less than ten feedback please get in touch before bidding otherwise your bid will be removed.


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