Expert: Pattie - 9/17/2008

Question
Hi Patty,
I have a question in regards to my copy of the White Album. I have the album cover with the embossed "The Beatles" and a serial number beginning with A 0317447. I have seen several versions with serial numbers online that don't start with the letter A. What is the significance of the 'A' as opposed to an album that has 'No.0000000' or doesn't have anything at all before the serial number? I appreciate your feedback. Thank you!

Answer
Hi Alison!

Well, there are more versions of the serial numbers for "The Beatles" LP than you can imagine. According to author Bruce Spizer, in his book 'The Beatles On Apple Records', when the LP was being readied for it's initial release in the United States, three different companies were contracted to print the covers for Capitol Records, the largest being a company called "Queens Litho". The letters used, such as 'A' or sometimes 'No.' preceding the number sequence indicated which of the three companies actually printed that particular cover, each company also using their own number sequence. I believe that the LP's with the 'A' are covers printed by Queens Litho. I hope this answered your question. If you need any further help, don't hesitate to ask. Thanks so much for your question!

Peace,
Pattie
8^)