One of the earliest and most sought-after numbered versions of the Beatles' 'White Album' has sold for £19,201 on auction website eBay.

The album – no. 0000005 – was given by John Lennon to a close friend before it entered the public domain.

Number's 1-4 of the album, which went 19 times platinum, were given to the four members of the Beatles.

The limited 0000005 edition album, voted the rarest record of all time by Record Collector magazine, was sold to a private Austrian buyer after furious last minute bidding.

Originally self-titled, the album came to be known as the 'White Album' because of its minimalist artwork, which was created by pop artist Richard Hamilton.

Julia Hutton-Potts, spokesperson for eBay in the UK, described the lot as “a unique piece of memorabilia for any Beatles fan.”

(by Jason Gregory)