Sold Date: March 1, 2015
Start Date: February 22, 2015
Final Price: £26.00 (GBP)
Bid Count: 12
Seller Feedback: 65
Buyer Feedback: 39

Ultra rare earliest 4th proof sleeve, complete with “Fool” inner sleeve and cutouts. The ultimate Pepper!

 The Beatles 

Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band

Complete UK First Pressing 

Side 1 Matrix: XEX 637-1
Stamper numbers: 3   HH

Side 2 Matrix: XEX 637-1
Stamper numbers: 3 5    HA

Fantastic first pressing of this iconic, epochal LP, featuring the frankly awesome bonus of a FOURTH PROOF sleeve. These would have been the final mock-up sleeves made for approval by The Beatles before the LP went into production in 1967. For some reason, a handful slipped past quality control with the “Fourth proof” text visible on the flap on the inner sleeve – perhaps an oversight due to the new design needed for the groundbreaking gatefold sleeve. The mistake was quickly rectified, meaning these original copies are seriously scarce. Estimates I’ve seen suggest no more than a few hundred exist.

 This particular copy is largely in good condition. There are a few light creases and some light shelf wear. The spine is split in the middle, although this is frequently a lot worse on this LP and the writing itself is essentially intact. The only real blemish is a small tear and the name of the original owner written in biro on the top right. Open it up, however, and bask in the vibrant, fully laminated glow of the inner gatefold – with the all-important additional text nestling at the top.

 The “Fool” custom inner sleeve is in one piece and reasonably flat, with a couple of three-inch splits at the seams. 

The “cutouts” insert is intact and in very good condition.

 The vinyl itself is in good condition. It’s certainly not mint, with a few scuffs and surface marks, but plays solidly all the way through. There’s a bit of surface crackle in places, but the music cuts through loud and clear and still sounds fab and gear.

Will combine postage for multiple items; please contact me and wait for updated invoice.