Vinyl pressings
by Fernando Lamas · 1952
The Merry Widow was first pressed on vinyl in 1952. 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 1952, 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.
52-MG-3014-FISide A runout
52-MG-3015-FISide B runout
52-MG-3014Side A label, parentheses
52-MG-3015Side B label, parentheses
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1952 | UK | MGM Records M-G-M D 107 / MGM Records MGM-D-107First yearLP, 10", Album, Mono · Mono | LP, 10", Album, Mono · Mono |
| 1953 | Canada | MGM Records K1577", 45 RPM, Album, Box Set | 7", 45 RPM, Album, Box Set |
| 1953 | US | MGM Records E157LP, 10" | LP, 10" |
| 1953 | US | MGM Records 3061710", 78 RPM | 10", 78 RPM |
| 1953 | US | MGM Records M-G-M 157Shellac, 10", 78 RPM, Album | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM, Album |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Argentina | MGM Records LEM 1432210", Album | 10", Album |
| ? | Canada | MGM Records 30617 / MGM Records MGM 157Shellac, 10", 78 RPM | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM |
| ? | Greece | CBS CBS 450231 1LP, Limited Edition · Limited | LP, Limited Edition · Limited |
| ? | UK | MGM Records M-G-M D 107 / MGM Records MGM-D-107LP, 10", Album, Reissue, Mono · Mono | LP, 10", Album, Reissue, Mono · Mono |
| ? | UK | MGM Records M-G-M D 107 / MGM Records MGM-D-107LP, 10", Album, Reissue, Mono · Mono | LP, 10", Album, Reissue, Mono · Mono |
| ? | UK | MGM Records M-G-M D 107 / MGM Records MGM-D-107LP, 10", Album, Reissue, Mono · Mono | LP, 10", Album, Reissue, Mono · Mono |
| ? | UK & Europe | CBS CBS 450231 1LP, Mono · Mono | LP, Mono · Mono |
| ? | UK & Europe | CBS CBS 450231 1LP, Mono · Mono | LP, Mono · Mono |
13 vinyl pressings of The Merry Widow are listed here, from 6 countries, released between 1952 and 1953.
The earliest pressings are from 1952, in UK. One of them is MGM Records M-G-M D 107, released November 1952.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use M-G-M D 107) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 52-MG-3014-FI and 52-MG-3015-FI. 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.
