The Beatles “Yesterday” Original U.K. First MONO Pressing 4-Track E.P. 7”. 1965 Parlophone Records GEP 8948. Made in Great Britain. Includes the original and extremely rare “Fran The Fan” original Parlophone inner sleeve.
I acquired this from another private Beatles collector some years ago and it has remained unplayed, safely stored in a smoke-free environment.
Amazing “Time capsule” piece of musical history in absolutely, unbelievable unplayed vinyl and “As New” laminated flipback sleeve. Nearly 60 years after this was originally released, here is what is likely the best preserved copy of this vinyl/sleeve you are ever likely to encounter. You can search an entire lifetime for a copy in this top condition and still fall short. Stunningly preserved white back cover, laminate fully attached, and immaculate unplayed vinyl surface.
To top this off one step further is the fact that it also includes the extremely rare, original “Parlophone” green & white paper inner sleeve with the Morphy Richards “Fran The Fan” comic strip advertising on the other side which came with original, first issues of this record. Incredibly rare to find since most were either discarded by the original owners or were damaged beyond use. Here is one that has survived nearly 60 years and is in astonishing condition.
- Side 1 Matrix and Stamps: 7TCE 894-1, “C” stamp on the left side of the runout groove and “P” stamped on the right side of the runout groove. “KT” stamped on the top rim of the runout groove.
- Side 2 Matrix and Stamps: 7TCE 895-1, “3” stamp on the left side of the runout groove and “G O” stamped on the right side of the runout groove. “KT” stamped on the top rim of the runout groove.
VINYL:
- Stunning, unplayed condition. The playing surfaces are gorgeously deep and rich black with a silky mirror-like sheen that is an absolute feast for the eyes. When tilting the vinyl at various angles against direct sunlight, there are no indications of use or wear whatsoever on the actual playing surface. It looks as if it just came off the factory press. Simply amazing. A true rarity to find in this unplayed condition.
- Side 1 runout groove has two very faint hairline marks. These are within the runout groove and not on the play surface. These are very faint and difficult to see unless you are inspecting it very closely under optimal lighting conditions. These faint lines were most likely the result of the vinyl being housed in the original inner sleeve and rubbing up against the paper, as was quite common.
- The only other marks on the vinyl are two small, very faint fingerprints of mine along the outer rim. This actually occurred while I was inspecting the vinyl and taking pictures for this listing. Please look at the close-up pictures of these minor fingerprints within the vinyl collage photos in this listing. I have made no attempts at cleaning the fingerprints in the interest of preserving the integrity of the vinyl condition.
- The delicate center small hole spindle piece is still securely attached within the larger outer circle and has the raised “K T” letter stamp on Side 1 and no “KT” stamped on Side 2 spindle hole.
- The labels have the “Gramophone Co LTD” text around the perimeter and the “Sold in The U.K….” Text across the bottom portion of the circle.
PICTURE SLEEVE:
- Jaw-dropping, time capsule “just arrived in the shop in 1965” condition. This is easily an mint sleeve, but conservatively I will deem it “Near Mint”.
- The corners have crisp 90 degree angles with no signs of crinkling.
- The laminated on the front is completely intact with no “lifting”.
- The opening side slot is as razor sharp as you’re ever going to find.
- No rips, tears, or seam-splits.
- The un-laminated back cover is nothing short of stunning. Flawless after nearly 60 years, it has retained its original glorious white color. Upon very close and intense scrutiny, I cannot detect any signs of aging or discoloration, or any vinyl “ringwear” impressions.
- The laminated flipback tabs that adhere to the outer rim of the back cover are firmly attached and are as shiny as the day this left the factory.
- There is not one single crease of any significance anywhere on the sleeve. Just a few extremely tiny hairline stress marks along the edges that are basically impossibly difficult to photograph, so small are they.
- “Photo: Robert Whitaker” credit on lower right corner of the front of the sleeve.
- If you were to tilt the front of the sleeve against intense light, only the very faintest hint of circular “ringwear” is detectable, otherwise invisible. Please see the picture of this very faint and difficult to photograph portion within the collage photo (the close up of John Lennon’s face).
INNER “Fran The Fan” SLEEVE:
- Some very light, small nicks along the inside perimeter of the center hole
- Slight tear (about 1/4” of an inch) on bottom portion of center hole. The tear is not really noticeable because it still flaps down nicely to the adjacent paper. The tear only reveals itself if you were to gently pull the paper up along that area.
- Some other small bits of wrinkling and minor creasing.
- Small seam-split along bottom edge (see pic within collage)
- Rather miraculously, there is barely any noticeable signs of discoloration. Just some extremely lite hints of yellowing to the edges. Other than that, it has retained its original color.
- Overall, it’s extremely to rare to even find one of these sleeves. After all, this record was released nearly 60 years ago. Also considering the extremely delicate nature in which these were made, it’s in miraculous shape.
PLEASE CHECK OUT MY OTHER RARE BEATLES VINYL AUCTIONS.
Feel free to message me with any questions or photograph requests and I’ll be happy to oblige
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