I have collected records for over 50 years, mainly The Beatles and related and other classic artists from the 60s and 70s mainly. It is now time to think out my collection and I will be doing this exclusively via auction through Catawiki over the next few months so keep an eye out for these, this collection has taken nearly a lifetime to put together. I was always careful as I only wanted a minimum of EX condition with the odd exception when the rarity of the record was such that I had to compromise and was obsessed as a completist to ensure that all inserts were present along with the correct contents and inners. So it’s therefore appropriate I start at the beginning with the single that peaked Brian Epstein’s curiosity when asked for the single in his Liverpool record store NEMS, following which he visited the cavern to see the group for himself and well….the rest as they say is history. This is the original single My Bonnie/The Saints released on January 5th 1962 from a session with Tony Sheridan on lead vocals who, on this version the introduction line is sung in English, backed by The Beatles (then known as The Beat Boys) with Pete pressed on orange polydor company scroll labels, this being the second variant version with the thinner title text, bearing the earliest matrix numbers A-1/B-1 complete with its original Polydor orange and white company die cut paper sleeve, and while the record has clearly been played many times still has a great sound, it is after all well over 60 years old. Orange with white and gold labels. In white and orange paper sleeve. Differs from the first press and repress. This copy has the same matrix numbers as the first press and has the same labels as the repress. Compared to the first pressing, it has a different typeface with artist name and song title in narrower print. Made in England Recording first published 1961 Matrix / Runout (SIDE A): NH66833 ∇ A // 1 Matrix / Runout (SIDE B): NH66833 B ∇ 1 VINYL VISUAL - VG Numerous surface sleeve removal surface marks, none feelable or serious. VINYL PLAY - G(+) Lovely play to both sides with the inevitable background static crackle and audible light clicks mainly noticeable to run in and outs, but is audible though less so through both sides of play, clearly as stated been played many times but has preserved well. LABELS - EX Very well preserved with some spindle marks to centre hole and minor wear to both sides all text remains clear and sharp with no writing or other damage. SLEEVE - VG Original and correct Polydor company paper die cut sleeve, general light wear and creasing with a sticker removal mark to one top corner no splits or tears, has seared well despite being over 60 years old. A rare opportunity to own a unique and iconic piece of early Beatles history.