The Beatles – “The Beatles” (White Album)
Label: Apple Records – SWBO-101
Format: 2 × Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Country: USA
Released: 1968 (Numbered U.S. First Issue)
Genre: Rock
Style: Classic Rock, Psychedelic Rock, Pop Rock
DESCRIPTION
This is an authentic first U.S. numbered pressing of “The Beatles” (commonly known as The White Album), released in late 1968 on Apple Records, under catalog number SWBO-101. The cover is embossed “The BEATLES” and machine-numbered A 3125131, placing it within the later portion of the original 1968–69 numbering sequence (up to approx. A3500000).
The sleeve is a U.S. side-loading version, manufactured by Capitol Records for Apple. It features the small “Stereo” print in the upper right corner of the back cover, matte white stock (unlaminated), and thin gray spine text reading “The BEATLES” and “Stereo SWBO 101”. These elements are hallmarks of the genuine 1968 Apple/Capitol first issue, not the later 1970s represses.
Most importantly, this copy remains sealed in its original factory shrink wrap, with early breath hole perforations visible — a strong indicator of genuine late-1960s packaging. The embossed text and serial number are clearly visible through the wrap, and the white surface has retained exceptional brightness with minimal aging.
CONDITION
Vinyl: SEALED (Unopened, presumed MINT)
Cover: Factory-sealed, never opened (shrink has small tear on corner, clean white tone, minimal corner pressure, no writing, no stains or ring wear)
NOTES
- Authentic numbered U.S. first-issue cover (Apple Records / Capitol, 1968).
- Serial number: A 3125131 — late 1968 range.
- Embossed “The BEATLES” on front; machine-stamped serial in gray/black ink.
- “Stereo SWBO 101” printed on spine in fine gray type.
- “Stereo” printed in upper-right corner of rear sleeve.
- Side-loading gatefold (not top-loading as on UK first issues).
- Retains original shrink wrap with visible breath hole — strong evidence of original 1968 packaging.
- An exceptional archival example; seldom encountered sealed.
- Collectors prize this pressing for its combination of early serial number, genuine Apple/Capitol manufacture, and preservation in unopened state.
MATRIX / LABELS
(Unopened; typical confirmed variants for this release)
- Labels: Apple Records, “MFD. BY APPLE RECORDS, INC.” perimeter text.
- Expected matrices for U.S. 1968 pressings:
- Side 1: SWBO-1-101-Jxx
- Side 2: SWBO-2-101-Jxx
- Side 3: SWBO-3-101-Jxx
- Side 4: SWBO-4-101-Jxx
(Plant indicators vary: = Los Angeles, 0 = Jacksonville, IAM = Scranton.)
Summary for Collectors:
This sealed copy represents an original 1968 Apple U.S. numbered cover (A 3.12M range), not a reissue. The shrink characteristics, typography, serial style, and spine text all align with the first production run distributed December 1968–early 1969. Extremely hard to find preserved in this state, this example is a genuine archival-grade collectible.
Discover the collectors' agenda!
Discover the agenda
