Vinyl pressings
by Der Bendersche Kinderchor · 1950
Stille Nacht / O Du Fröhliche was first pressed on vinyl in 1950. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
1 pressing came out in 1950, the album's first year. 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.
A-Side P44044 H, HA 3058 2, AA 44044A 1H2, 26.10.50, RH, Made in Germany
B-Side P44044 H, HA 3059 2, AA 44044A 2H2, 26.10.50, RM, Made in Germany
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1950 | Germany | Philips PH 4044First yearShellac, 10", 78 RPM | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM |
| 1953 | Germany | Philips P 84 009 F7", 45 RPM, Single, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Mono · Mono |
| 1953 | Germany | Philips P 84 009 F7", 45 RPM, Single, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Mono · Mono |
| 1958 | Germany | Philips 345 309 PF7", 45 RPM, Single, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Mono · Mono |
| 1958 | Germany | Philips 345 309 PF7", 45 RPM, Single, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Mono · Mono |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Unknown | Philips PH 4044Shellac, 10", 78 RPM | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM |
| ? | Austria | Philips P 44044 HShellac, 10", 78 RPM | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM |
| ? | Germany | Philips 384 009 PF7", 45 RPM, Single, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Mono · Mono |
| ? | Germany | Philips 384 009 PF / Philips P 84 009 F7", 45 RPM, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Mono · Mono |
| ? | Germany | Philips 384 009 PF7", 45 RPM, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Mono · Mono |
| ? | Italy | Philips P 44044 HShellac, 10", 78 RPM, Mono · Mono | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM, Mono · Mono |
11 vinyl pressings of Stille Nacht / O Du Fröhliche are listed here, from 3 countries, released between 1950 and 1958.
The earliest pressings are from 1950, in Germany. One of them is Philips PH 4044, released October 26, 1950.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use PH 4044) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, A-Side P44044 H, HA 3058 2, AA 44044A 1H2, 26.10.50, RH, Made in Germany and B-Side P44044 H, HA 3059 2, AA 44044A 2H2, 26.10.50, RM, Made in Germany. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
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.
