BEATLES WHITE ALBUM RARE US 1978 PURPLE VINYL PRESSING! Start Price USD 3,500.00 Current Price USD 3,500.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Friday, October 24, 2008 End Time Sunday, November 23, 2008 Location Glendale, California See more about 'BEATLES WHITE ALBUM RARE US 1978 PURPLE VINYL PRESSING!' Description THE BEATLES WHITE ALBUM RARE US 1978 PURPLE VINYL PRESSING!Possibly one of the rarest records in the world being truly unique and one of a kind!This experimental/test/plant exclusive pressing was made by Capitol Records in 1978 (Capitol SEBX-11841).  The original 1968 and later pressings of the White Album were all on standard black vinyl.In 1978 Capitol Records produced a limited edition version pressed in pure white vinyl.During the process of developing and pressing the records on white vinyl, Capitol made a very few experimental and test copies on other colored vinyl (some suspected as being "souvenirs" made for/by plant employees or company executives).   We have seen a gray vinyl copy and heard of one additional.  We have also seen 2 copies of this LP variation pressed in red and white vinyl mixes (of which one set featured a creme/peach color in disc 2).However, this purple vinyl example is the only one we have ever seen or heard of!The existence of the very few 1978 experimental test pressings of The White Album is mentioned in the current "Price Guide for the Beatles American Records" (6th Edition by Perry Cox and Frank Daniels).  The entry code numbers for these items are CAP 11841.EX and  CAP 11841.UN.   It is noted that even when only one of the two discs is pressed on colored vinyl (as the few existing copies typically are) these rare albums command a very high value.  The book notes the confirmed existence of test pressings in either clear or gray marble color as well as additional experimental/"souvenir" pressings  featuring black/white or red/white splash color combination.  It also notes the possible existence of copies featuring red, white, blue, or black color combination.  This set has one disc which is purple vinyl with white streaks toward the center and a second disc which is primarily white with a small brown splash on one side near the center.  So both discs are technically colored vinyl and both discs feature a color that is previously undocumented.The cover is the standard 1978 issue featuring the shrink wrap bearing the limited edition sticker.  It is a fine example of this cover bearing only a few slight flaws: a discoloration at the mouth of the cover where the shrink wrap was opened, some very small creases at the upper left corner and near the center under the wrap, and small tear in the sticker (see image).  The shrink is almost completely intact, though slightly torn at the top near the mouth of the cover (visible from the back only).The discsDisc one is the purple splash vinyl disc.  Upon close inspection the purple disc also reveals a small number streaks and specks of red, blue as well as very faint waves of black.  It has a slight warp in it which did not affect the play with a tone arm weight of 2.5gm, and it shows a few slight scuffs on each side visible in the reflection of a bright light.  Some surface noise is audible, but we have made no attempt at cleaning which may result in a considerably better playback.  The play holes are clean on both sides and do not reveal any obvious spindle marks.Disc two is the white disc which features a small shot of brown splash vinyl.  It appears to be in excellent condition with no notable warping, scuffs, noise, nor non-factory label flaws.Matrix #'s are as follows: side A: SWBO-1-101 G11   side B: SWBO-2-101-H75   side C: SEBX-13-11841   side D: SEBX-4-11841 G9The insertsThis package features all of the bonus inserts with which it was originally issued.Included is one poster featuring a collage of images on one side and full song lyrics on the opposite side.  It also features the catalog number of the LP SEBX-1184 in the lower left corner of the image side.  Condition is excellent and unused.Also included are four images of each Beatle featuring the SEBX-11841 catalog number preceded by its own numerical prefix (1-4).  All four of these images are in excellent, unused condition.Overall, this record would be one of the pride pieces in any Beatles or colored vinyl record collection.  It is unlikely that you will ever see one like this again. Certainly another one exactly like this does not exist at all since no two splash pressings are ever identical!We accept bids, purchases, and offers from international buyers and we will ship to anywhere in the world after payment is fully confirmed. We don't list all of our Beatles items on eBay, but you can visit  our Vinyl Frontier store for more great Beatles items from our online catalog.Shipping:We will accommodate the buyer with shipping by the courier of their choice as long as it is possible for us to obtain the service of said shipper.  We typically use USPS (United States Postal Service) and have always found them to be reliable for domestic and international shipping.  Though international customers must consider that final delivery is in the hands of their local postal service (take note Italy).International rates are based on weight & destination (and in this case, the selected courier, so please inquire).All parcels shipping within the US include USPS tracking.  All USPS Express mail also features tracking for international parcels.We will also gladly allow the buyer to pick up this item in person.Insurance: We are requiring assured payment forms for this item before shipping, so we will not require insurance for our protection.  But we do strongly encourage you to select insured shipping for your own protection.  If it's worth buying, it's worth insuring.Payment:We accept all forms of payment, but payment for this item is restricted to assured payment forms (please inquire).  International payments must be in US dollars, and must be drawn on a US bank. Sales tax applies to all orders shipping within California.Email questions to vfinfo@vinylfrontier.comor phone (818) 244-3454Contact and standard mailing info:Vinyl Frontier MusicPO Box 5425Glendale, CA   91221Feedback: Please leave positive feedback when you receive your item. We will return the same.Bid on our other listings and save on shipping! Place a Bid!