Germany
November 1954- Label and catalog number
- Polydor 20 040 EPH
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, EP, Mono · Sewn Sleeve
- Runout / matrix
2 0 0 4 0 A Made in Germany 51335 KS 15. 1. 54Runout side A
2 0 0 4 0 B Made in Germany 51336 KS 15. 1. 54Runout side B
Vinyl pressings
by Franz Lehár · 1954
Die Lustige Witwe was first pressed on vinyl in 1954. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
2 pressings came out in 1954, the album's first year, in 2 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.
2 0 0 4 0 A Made in Germany 51335 KS 15. 1. 54Runout side A
2 0 0 4 0 B Made in Germany 51336 KS 15. 1. 54Runout side B
15. 1. 54 51335 KSRunout side A
15. 1. 54 51336 KSRunout side B
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1954 | Scandinavia | Polydor 20040 / Polydor EP 20040First year7", 45 RPM, EP, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, EP, Mono · Mono |
| 1954 | Germany | Polydor 20 040 EPHFirst year7", 45 RPM, EP, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, EP, Mono · Mono |
| 1955 | Germany | Polydor 20 040 EPH / Polydor EPH 20 0407", 45 RPM, EP, Reissue, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, EP, Reissue, Mono · Mono |
| 1956 | Germany | Polydor 20 040 EPH / Polydor EPH 20 0407", 45 RPM, EP, Reissue, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, EP, Reissue, Mono · Mono |
| 1956 | Germany | Polydor 20 040 EPH7", 45 RPM, EP, Reissue, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, EP, Reissue, Mono · Mono |
| 1956 | Germany | Polydor 20 040 EPH7", 45 RPM, EP, Reissue, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, EP, Reissue, Mono · Mono |
| 1956 | Germany | Polydor 20 040 EPH7", 45 RPM, EP, Reissue, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, EP, Reissue, Mono · Mono |
| 1957 | Germany | Polydor EPH 20 040 / Polydor 20 040 EPH7", 45 RPM, EP, Reissue, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, EP, Reissue, Mono · Mono |
| 1957 | Germany | Polydor 20 040 EPH7", 45 RPM, EP, Reissue, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, EP, Reissue, Mono · Mono |
| 1958 | German Democratic Republic (GDR) | AMIGA 5 40 024 / AMIGA 5-40-0247", 45 RPM, EP, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, EP, Mono · Mono |
| 1958 | Germany | Polydor EPH 20 040 / Polydor 20 040 EPH7", 45 RPM, EP, Reissue, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, EP, Reissue, Mono · Mono |
| 1958 | Germany | Polydor 20 040 EPH / Polydor 20 0407", 45 RPM, EP, Reissue, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, EP, Reissue, Mono · Mono |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1962 | German Democratic Republic (GDR) | AMIGA 5 40 0247", 45 RPM, EP, Reissue, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, EP, Reissue, Mono · Mono |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Australia | Polydor 20040 EPH7", 45 RPM, EP, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, EP, Mono · Mono |
14 vinyl pressings of Die Lustige Witwe are listed here, from 4 countries, released between 1954 and 1962.
The earliest pressings are from 1954, in Germany, Scandinavia. One of them is Polydor 20 040 EPH, released November 1954.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 20 040 EPH, 20040) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 2 0 0 4 0 A Made in Germany 51335 KS 15. 1. 54 and 2 0 0 4 0 B Made in Germany 51336 KS 15. 1. 54. 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.

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