Sold Date: December 18, 2023
Start Date: December 11, 2023
Final Price: £1,550.00 (GBP)
Bid Count: 41
Seller Feedback: 1510
Buyer Feedback: 516

The Beatles – Please Please Me

I am pleased to offer for sale this one-of-a-kind UK 1st pressing of The Beatles debut album, Please Please Me, which is signed by Paul McCartney to the reverse of the sleeve.

After several messages from members of the public during the last auction I double-checked the provenance with the previous owner. I was mistaken in my previous recollection that the album was signed on the day of purchase by Paul. Instead, the previous owner stated that:

They purchased the album on the day of release from Brian Epstein's NEMS store in Liverpool. The original owner then attended a Beatles concert at the Imperial Ballroom in Nelson, Lancashire on the 11th of May 1963 where they met Paul and asked him to sign it. 

Although perhaps undesirable to some, the usage wear evident to both the sleeve and vinyl, in my humble opinion, adds to its character and authenticity. (As an aside, I think that fact that the original owner played and enjoyed their signed copy so much is fantastic! They obviously loved the record). The first variant sleeve, ‘Dick James’ black and gold 1st variant labels, 1A/1T early stampers, 'patents applied for' EMITEX inner sleeve and the original ‘NEMS Liverpool’ plastic outer slip all combine to provide what I believe is the complete authentic package.

Album Details:

Serial number: PMC 1202

Matrix number: XEX 421 – 1N / XEX 422 – 1N 

Stamper codes: 1 A / 1 T

Tax Codes: ZT

Vinyl Weight: 170g

The -1N / -1N matrix numbers confirm that the record is a true UK first pressing. Side 1 was produced using the 3rd production stamper; side 2 the 8th which suggest the record was one of the first few hundred produced.

The black labels with gold Parlophone logo and gold text are the first variant as is evident from the Dick James publishers credit for songs A1, A2, A6 A7, B4 & B6. This was replaced by Northern Songs for all subsequent variants.

The front-side laminated, Ernest J. Day & Co. sleeve is the first variant as is evident from the cut-out flip-backs to the reverse and the positions of the Angus McBean photo credit to the bottom right hand corner of the front side. On the first variant the ‘P’ of ‘photo’ was placed under the ‘G’ of ‘songs’. On all subsequent variants it was underneath the second ‘S’.

The album is complete with the original polythene lined, die-cut EMItex ‘protect your records’ inner sleeve as well as the NEMS LIVERPOOL polythene outer slip.

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.

Signature: EXCELLENT

The signature is as clear today as it was the day it was written. There is no smudging, no rubbing and no discolouration. The blue biro stands out well against the white background and black printed text. As mentioned above, variations in pressure are clearly visible and are consistent with other signatures from the period.

Disc: VERY GOOD

Labels: VERY GOOD

The labels are clean and retain rich, vibrant colours. Rubbing to both centre holes is evident.

Visual: VERY GOOD

The vinyl surfaces display signs of use. Although a number of surface marks are visible only two can be felt. One short mark on T4S1, “Chains” and another on T3S2, “Baby It’s You”.

Sound Quality: VERY GOOD

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 the audio is great. Light static can be heard during the dead wax between songs which during quieter moments bleeds into the main body of the music.  There are five pops during T4S1 and four during T3S2. Overall a characterful record that has been played and enjoyed and that still has plenty of life left in it.

Sleeve: VERY GOOD

The sleeve looks great – displaying. The front is bright and clean. The cover art still vibrant. A couple of laminate ripples are visible. The rear has some handling discolouration as well as a name written in biro (haha!). All four corners are softened. Visibly well used but fantastic for it!

Inner Sleeve: VERY GOOD +

The original inner sleeve is in great condition. It is very clean with only mild discolouration and minor 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 vinyl rarities.

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