THIRD STATE (PEELED COVER)
BUTCHER COVER
PLUS ACCOMPANYING RECORD
STEREO
ST-2553 (STEREO)
Factory #5 - Los Angeles, CA.

ITEM # BC099
COVER CONDITION : NEAR MINT MINUS
RECORD CONDITION : NEAR MINT
PRICE : $4,250

Butcher Covers do not follow the
general rule that a Beatles Mono album
on Capitol is more valuable than its Stereo equivalent.
This is because the initial 750,000 run of this album was
produced at a ratio of approximately 5:1 in favor of
Mono over Stereo. In the summer of 1966,
Mono still dominated Stereo In the teen market. Based upon
production figures, a STEREO Second or Third State
Butcher should be at least FIVE
times scarcer than a Mono Butcher.

Here, we are pleased to offer a most beautiful
Third State STEREO (Peeled) Butcher Cover
- an absolutely splendid example
of the "peel process", graded at a Near Mint Minus :

All edges are firm and solid, Spine is solid and legible.
Only minor "aging flaw" would be 'shelf wear' evident
along the bottom edge, and to the right bottom corner.

The removal of a trunk slick from the Los Angeles, CA. factory
(which this #5 Cover is) has always been a more difficult "peel"
than the Scranton Covers, due to the type of glue used on the West Coast.
This example of a peeled Los Angeles stereo Butcher is astounding.
It is just about flawless. The only sign of the process is two very faint
"glue rings" seen to the left side edge just above John's head.
That's it. The remainder of the Cover is gorgeous.
A close-up scanned image of this Cover
displays this fact, showing dark, rich, bold textures :

The Back Cover is wonderful -
clean of ringwear, and with just a hint of aging.
Also, there is that typical very faint thin line of yellowing
on the edge of the mouth opening, as evident in the photo below :

The matching West Coast stereo record accompanies the Cover,
and grades a stunning Near Mint vinyl with Near Mint labels.
The original 1966 Capitol orange inner sleeve is also included !

As an added attraction,
a "copy" of the Capitol Records original
"Recall Letter" that went out to all
distributors & promoters on
June 14, 1966 - is also included :