Beatles, The/Introducing . . .

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Expert: James Michael Anderson - 2/28/2010


Question

beatles intro 1
Hello James!
I know how much this album has been counterfeited over the years but I am trying to distinguish if my copy is a fake or not.  I have paid a lot of attention to the many websites that have lists of items to look for and I think the copy I have passes all of the tests except for one thing in my opinion.  I am hoping you can clear this up.  The issue that I am uncertain about is the warp around of the front photo art to the bottom margin on the back of the album.  Mine ends at the spine and does not warp around which leads me to believe it's a fake but I am no expert. I have seen some similar versions on the website ( http://www.fab4collectibles.com/vee-jay_lp_albums.htm ) which state this version is collectible and real!  Can you help clear up this issue?  Thank!  Photos attached.
Doug

Answer
Judging from the photo - I would say that your copy is a counterfeit as most of these records are.  The back cover appears flat/without gloss which is a sure sign.  That said, I wouldn't be able to confirm based on the photo alone.  Below are some additional characteristics indicating a fake cover.  This is an excerpt from a fairly comprehensive web page about this album which should help you.  http://www.eskimo.com/~bpentium/beatles/intro/intro.html


- Covers with a brown border around the front cover photo are fakes.
- Covers with a bright yellow tint and the word "STEREO" printed in black at the upper left are fakes.
- Covers without George Harrison's shadow-visible to his right of where he stands, near the edge are fakes.
- Covers with red, blue, and yellow dots, unmistakable under the top of the back cover, are fakes. The dots are used by the printers during the printing process. On originals, the dots are in a different area and are not normally visible. (This fake is of particular importance due to the high quality of the front cover photo. For that reason, this cover has fooled many a collector. Look for the dots! Fake covers are almost always accompanied by a fake disc.)
- Covers for the stereo issue that list Love Me Do and P. S. I Love You, among the two columns of tracks on the back, are almost always fakes. Only a couple of authentic copies of these versions are known to exist.
- If either the front or the back cover is flat (lacking gloss) it's is a counterfeit.

James Michael Anderson

Expertise

All questions relative to relationships and official and bootleg recordings. I am no longer answering questions on value of records.

Experience

I have been collecting all Beatle records since 1976. During these 30 years, I have amassed an incredible collection of recordings and read many many books about the history and demise of the Beatles as a group and as individuals

Education/Credentials
BA Seton Hall University MBA Sacred Heart University

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