This 100% complete UK 1968 1st mono pressing dates from initial November 1968 release on the dark green Apple Records label: PMC 7067/8

All labels have the 'Sold in UK...' text and the 'An EMI Recording' statement.

Matrices: XEX 709-1, 710-1 & XEX 711-1, 712-1

Stamper codes: 1/GP, 7/RT & 1/HT, 5/MD

Vinyl wights: 138g & 139g

Housed in a fully laminated, top-opening 'Garrod & Lofthouse' printed cover numbered: No.0210632

The set is fully loaded with all its original UK printed components:

• Factory-folded poster
• 4 colour portrait photos
• Photo protector sheet
• Die-cut matt-black inners.

CONDITION

Labels: EXCELLENT

All are bright & unfaded with just a handful of spindle trails around each centre hole. There are some faint age spots to labels 2 & 4 along with a small scratch on the upper part of label 3.

Both Discs: EXCELLENT

All sides are clean and retain their deep-gloss factory shine. Disc 1 has a light/non-feelable 1cm scuff on side 1 but is otherwise unmarked in strong daylight. Disc 2 has a fainter scuff on side 2 but again is otherwise unmarked. Close examination directly beneath halogen light reveals only some faint harmless marks from inner-sleeve storage.

Both discs: EXCELLENT +

Both discs have received very little play and consequently all tracks play cleanly and clearly with no trace of any groove/playwear or distortion. Aside from the usual touch of low-level background on the run-ins and between tracks, there is nothing to fault on this sweet sounding copy.

Cover: EXCELLENT

A respectable example which is clean & fully intact throughout. The front panel has some moderate storagewear rubbing to its high-gloss laminate but it is still intact over the raised wording and the unique number is clear and very readable. There is some shelfwear bruising to the lower right corner and minor wear to the top-opening edges, but no tears or missing paper. Both panels inside are immaculate and the rear panel is blemish-free. The spine laminate has split in a few places but both sets of wording are clean & readable.

Photos: EXCELLENT +

A little foxing to the right borders.

Poster: EXCELLENT

Factory-folded & unhung but with some foxing.

Photo Spacer Sheet: VERY GOOD

Significant foxing.

Inner-sleeves: VERY GOOD +

Both are clean & flat with a small tear to the top edge of one, but no damage to the central windows or seam splits.