First-year pressing

The Empress 1971 US Pressing (G 30818)

The Empress by Bessie Smith

Mono

Artist: Bessie Smith
Title: The Empress
Label: Columbia G 30818
Country: US
Released: 1971
Format: LP, Compilation, Mono · 2 records
Format notes: Gatefold

Runout and matrix codes

Etched or stamped in the dead wax between the last track and the label. If yours match, you have this pressing.

AL 30819Side A label
AL 30820Side B label
BL 30820Side C label
BL 30819Side D label
o P AL 30819-1B ᴘ⸪ Ƨ A 4Side A runout, stamped ["Ƨ" & "4" are etched]
o P AL 30820-1A ᴘ∷ S A S4Side B runout, stamped ["S" & "S4" are etched]
o P BL 30819 -1A S ᴘ⸪ Ƨ A S6Side C runout, stamped ["Ƨ" & "S6" are etched]
o P BL 30819-1A ᴘ∷ S B 6Side D runout, stamped ["S" & "6" are etched]

All 13 pressings of The Empress