1957 First Pressing of Elvis Presley’s RCA LP Elvis’ Christmas Album with Rare Original “Gift” Sticker

Elvis’ Christmas Album is one of the most sought-after records from Elvis Presley’s 1950s LP catalog. The record’s outer sleeve is condition-sensitive, with its faux “leather” binding that is prone to cracking. But the truly tough aspect of the album is the gold foil “gift” sticker that was applied to the cellophane wrapping. These stickers were almost instantly thrown away by fans as they ripped open the record to get it on their record players. The offered example of the sticker has a tear near the bottom and, importantly, has the deeply yellowed cellophane still adhered to its reverse. Later plastic wrapping does not age in this fashion—cellophane has an organic makeup that makes it age in this manner. There has always been a discussion among collectors about the authenticity of these stickers, but examples like this one, with the cellophane still attached, are above reproach.

The vinyl’s matrix numbers and RCA labels indicate that the record was made in the original year of release, 1957. Side 1: H2 PP6526-1S B0 and Side 2: H2 PP6527-1S C5. It is likely an Indianapolis pressing, as well, where the first copies were pressed. The inner sleeve dates from 1957, though it actually seems to be from a slightly earlier part of the year than sleeves normally seen with original copies of this album, because Elvis’ album Loving You does not appear in the list of “Current Best-Selling” albums in the “Popular” category. An extremely tough record with the nearly impossible gold foil “gift” sticker included. The disc measures 12 inches in diameter. The vinyl is extremely clean, technically Very Good + (but an argument could be made for Near Mint), and the sleeve presents with moderate scuffing on the front (with some colored areas to fix this, done in red pen) and extensive residue from poor storage next to some sort of cellophane (see images). Because of this the sleeve is GOOD+ condition.