An auction has just concluded on eBay. It was for a very rare, early Beatle 45rpm vinyl single. 

This is a UK demonstration/promo 45 of their debut single ‘Love Me Do’/’Please Please Me’.

According to the listing, just 250 copies were pressed for distribution to radio DJs & reviewers prior to its October, 1962 release. Only a handful survive today.

The thing which distinguishes it is the white label with the large red ‘A’ on the ‘Love Me Do’ side. Both labels also have the ‘DEMONSTRATION RECORD – NOT FOR SALE’ wording, and ‘The Parlophone Co. Ltd..’ around the rims. Paul McCartney’s songwriting credit on both sides is misspelt as ‘McArtney’.

Listed by a Greek eBayer, the record sold for a sensational US$12,100.00 (A$14,699).