US
1947- Label and catalog number
- Decca 24279
- Format
- Shellac, 10", 78 RPM
- Runout / matrix
WL4541T11AA side stamped variant 1
WL4542T14AB side stamped variant 1
WL4541T96A 8 14 ②A side stamped variant 2
WL4542T131A 13 ②B side stamped variant 2
Vinyl pressings
Now Is The Hour / Silver Threads Among The Gold
by Bing Crosby · 1947
17 pressings6 countriesVocalPop
Now Is The Hour was first pressed on vinyl in 1947. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
How to spot a first pressing of Now Is The Hour
4 pressings came out in 1947, the album's first year, in 3 countries. Compare the label and catalog number on your copy, then the codes etched or stamped in the runout groove (the dead wax around the label): they are the surest sign of an early pressing.
US
1947- Label and catalog number
- Decca 24279
- Format
- Shellac, 10", 78 RPM
- Runout / matrix
WL4541T2A 3A side stamped
WL4542T11A 3B side stamped
L 4541A side label
L 4542B side label
UK
1947- Label and catalog number
- Brunswick 03839
- Format
- Shellac, 10", 78 RPM
- Runout / matrix
C/ WL4541CI NPLT 15A etched, variant 1
WL 4542 UA NPLT 1B etched, variant 1
CA WL4541CC NPLT 15A stamped, variant 2 - 'WL4541' etched, '5' is back to fron
CA WL4542 CC NPLT 14B stamped, variant 2 - 'WL4542' etched, '4' is back to front
Canada
1947- Label and catalog number
- Decca 24279
- Format
- Shellac, 10", 78 RPM
- Runout / matrix
WL4541T11A 1 24279AA side runout stamped
WL4542T17A 1 24279BB side runout stamped
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 17 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1940s6 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1947 | Canada | Decca 24279First yearShellac, 10", 78 RPM | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM |
| 1947 | UK | Brunswick 03839First yearShellac, 10", 78 RPM | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM |
| 1947 | US | Decca 24279First yearShellac, 10", 78 RPM | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM |
| 1947 | US | Decca 24279First yearShellac, 10", 78 RPM | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM |
| 1948 | Netherlands | Decca M 32396Shellac, 10", 78 RPM | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM |
| 1948 | Spain | Decca RD 40017Shellac, 10", 78 RPM, Mono · Mono | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM, Mono · Mono |
1950s3 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1950 | Canada | Decca 9-242797", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1950 | US | Decca 9-242797", 45 RPM, Reissue | 7", 45 RPM, Reissue |
| 1957 | US | Decca 9-242797", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue, Repress | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue, Repress |
Year unknown8 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Denmark | Decca 45-BM 038397", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| ? | Netherlands | Decca M 32396Shellac, 10", 78 RPM | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM |
| ? | Netherlands | Brunswick 0 550217", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue |
| ? | Netherlands | Brunswick 0 550217", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| ? | UK | Decca BM 03839Shellac, 10", 78 RPM | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM |
| ? | UK | Brunswick 03839Shellac, 10", 78 RPM | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM |
| ? | UK | Decca FM 5419Shellac, 10", 78 RPM | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM |
| ? | US | Decca 242797", 45 RPM, Reissue | 7", 45 RPM, Reissue |
Tracklist
- ANow Is The Hour (Maori Farewell Song)
- BSilver Threads Among The Gold
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of Now Is The Hour are there?
17 vinyl pressings of Now Is The Hour are listed here, from 6 countries, released between 1947 and 1957.
When was Now Is The Hour first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1947, in US, UK, Canada. One of them is Decca 24279.
How do I tell if my copy of Now Is The Hour is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 24279, 03839) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, WL4541T11A and WL4542T14A. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is Now Is The Hour on vinyl worth?
It depends on which pressing you have and on the condition of the record and its sleeve. Early pressings from the album's home country in near mint condition are usually worth the most; common later reissues are worth far less. Scan your copy with VinylLens to see its value for every grade.
