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The Beatles Yesterday and Today mono ‘first state' butcher cover (Capitol, T2553, 1966). This ‘first state' version features the notorious 'butcher' cover in which the Beatles are seen in butcher smocks draped with meat and plastic doll parts; 'first state' signifies that this is an original example that never had the 'trunk cover' pasteover applied. Complete with the record (a Los Angeles pressing) and inner sleeve. In fine to very fine condition, with radio station call letters ("KISN") inked to the back cover and a small, quarter-inch edge fracture at the lower left corner. Accompanied by a photocopy of Capitol's recall notice for the controversial cover.
Within days of releasing this miscellany of previous hits, Capitol recalled all copies in response to retailers' negative reactions to the original macabre cover image. The recalled copies were 'retrofitted' with a new pictorial flat, pasted over the first, featuring an innocuous image of the boys posed around a steamer trunk; these have frequently been peeled away by collectors to reveal the infamous butcher image below. First-state versions are among the most desirable and elusive of all Beatles collectibles.
