Nope, looks like you may have found the first print.  Could you e-mail me the details, specifically how it compares to the first print we currently list?



Foul

I too have just aquired a softback UK MM

No print version on the copyright page, just (c) 1977, but no "TM Reg Applied For" in small red letters under the main title ... a first UK print somwhere between first and second US print ??

Any idea on value - has anything like this ever been sold recently??

I've also got one of these.  One in a long line (OK, four) as I've tried to find one that isn't falling apart.  I remember friends going for this cheaper option in 1977.  £4.50 for the softback compared to the £6.95 for the hardback was a big difference back then.  Almost the price of a small house   Anyway, most of these UK versions started shedding covers and pages after a couple of years hard gaming.  Whereas my USA copy looked good in comparison.  And it still does.  Probably the main reason for it's apparent rarity is it's fragility.  I'm sure GW must have sold loads.  But I doubt that too many survived intact.

So, if you're buying one, it's worth checking that none of the pages have escaped.  But if they have, you could always insert a photcopy.  I'm sure there is a certain UK PowerSeller who wouldn't be averse to that  

As for the laminated cover, I believe that this is an after market addition.  I have seen laminated copies myself.  But these have only been since I started collecting.  I always remembered the covers as having a matt finish.

I would also say that the 1st print is in fact about 2mm taller than the USA version.  Later prints about 2mm smaller.  But I don't want to be too picky.