THE BEATLES Help! Vinyl Record 7 Inch Parlophone 1965 UK Decca Contract Pressing 45rpm R 5305 Mono

The Beatles - Help!
(Original UK Decca Contract Pressing with Black/Silver Parlophone Label that has 'THE GRAMOPHONE CO.LTD.' rim text and 'SOLD IN U.K.' label text. 4-Pronged Label Design. -2/-2 Matrix)

Format: Vinyl Record - 7 Inch (45 rpm)
Country: UK
Year: 1965
Label: Parlophone
Catalogue No. R 5305

Matrix / Runout (Side A, runout, stamped): 7XCE 18280-2
Matrix / Runout (Side B, runout, stamped): 7XCE 18281-2

Condition: VG+ (The vinyl is in clean condition. It has a couple of surface marks)

Side A: Help!
Side B: I'm Down

This highly sought-after 1965 analogue curiosity presents a fascinating variation for dedicated Fab Four completeists: a genuine UK first pressing outsourced to Decca Records factories to meet massive retail demands. Distinguished by its telltale label typography, this seven-inch 45 rpm disc sports the legendary black and silver Parlophone layout but carries the specific "THE GRAMOPHONE CO. LTD." rim text statement paired alongside the standard "SOLD IN U.K." legislative marking. Complete with its original four-pronged push-out centre configuration intact, this fascinating contract pressing stands as an incredibly distinctive piece of mid-sixties pop manufacturing history.

True audio presentation is driven by the traditional early-generation -2/-2 matrix settings stamped cleanly into the dead wax surfaces. The runout markings display the mandatory machine-stamped codes 7XCE 18280-2 on the primary face and 7XCE 18281-2 on the flip, establishing its correct technological heritage. Collectors will love spinning the urgent Lennon and McCartney title track - which famously spearheaded their second feature-length cinematic film soundtrack - backed by the raw, energetic rock and roll flip side "I'm Down".

Physically inspected and graded under intense studio lighting, we have designated the condition of this vinyl archive specimen as a solid Very Good Plus (VG+). The record remains brilliantly bright and clean, showing merely a couple of insignificant surface marks that leave the underlying audio channels entirely undisturbed during playback. The centre labels remain remarkably fresh, crisp, and completely clear of any unwanted ink marks or storage sticker adhesive. Safely handled and expertly archived, this exceptional piece comes with our absolute grading guarantee.