This remarkable disc was the first of the Beatles' singles to be issued on 78 in India on the red Parlophone label: R.4949

Both sides of this disc have the earliest label design with the short 'The Parlophone Co. Ltd.' rim text.

The version of 'Love Me Do' is the same as the UK 1st 45 issue, with Ringo on drums and not the LP remake.

Like the UK 45, the songwriting credit is 'Lennon - McCartney', however the 'Recording First Published' date is wrongly printed as '1964'.

Matrices: CE 17144-1NT1T1 & CE 17145-1NT1T1

Earliest possible Stamper code: -/G

The disc is housed within a contemporary 10" brown paper die-cut sleeve.

CONDITION

Labels: EXCELLENT +

Both are clean, bright & unfaded with no writing or missing paper. There are two light spindle scuffs on the 'P.S. I Love You' label, together with a small handful of faint spindle trails around the 'Love Me Do' centre hole.

Disc: EXCELLENT +

Given the usual state these discs are found in, this disc is a very rare find. Both playing surfaces are clean (we haven't cleaned them) with just two of three very light scuffs on the Love Me Do' side, but the 'P.S. I Love You' playing surface is flawless. There are no chips, cracks or any missing material. The best we have ever seen, anywhere.

Audio: EXCELLENT +

The sound quality both sides is of surprisingly good fidelity with no groove/playwear, jumps, repeats or any audible issues whatsoever. Aside from the regular light 78 background normally associated with these discs, there is nothing to fault here.

You won't find a better sounding of looking copy.