Vinyl pressings
by Georges Bizet · 1955
Les Pêcheurs De Perles was first pressed on vinyl in 1955. 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 1955, 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.
XLX 285 21B GA M6 157245 F2"Side A Etching Stamp
XLS 286 21B A M6 157247Side B Etching Stamp
XLS 287 21D A M6 194748Side C Etching Stamp
XLX 288 21 GA M6 167269Side D Etching Stamp
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1955 | UK | Angel Records ANG. 35174First yearLP, Box Set | LP, Box Set |
| 1955 | US | Angel Records 3524 BFirst yearLP, Box Set | LP, Box Set |
| 1957 | France | Columbia FCX 344, FCX 345LP, Mono, Box Set · Mono | LP, Mono, Box Set · Mono |
| 1958 | France | Columbia FCX 30.168 / Columbia 33 FCX 30.168LP, Mono · Mono | LP, Mono · Mono |
| 1958 | France | Columbia 33 FCX 30.168 / Columbia FCX 30168LP, Mono · Mono | LP, Mono · Mono |
| 1958 | France | Columbia FCX PM 30168 / Columbia 33 FCX PM 30.168 ⒶLP, Mono · Mono | LP, Mono · Mono |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1972 | France | Pathé 2C 153-12057/8LP | LP |
| 1973 | France | Trianon 2 C 045-12550 / Pathé 2 C 045-12550LP | LP |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | France | Columbia FCX 35.004 / Columbia FCX 35.005LP | LP |
| ? | France | EMI 2 C 153-12057/8 / EMI 2 C 153-12057/8 PLP, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Reissue, Stereo |
| ? | France | Columbia 33 FCX 344, 33 FCX 345LP, Mono, Box Set · Mono | LP, Mono, Box Set · Mono |
| ? | UK | Columbia 33 CX 1232LP | LP |
| ? | UK | Columbia 33 CX 1233LP | LP |
13 vinyl pressings of Les Pêcheurs De Perles are listed here, from 3 countries, released between 1955 and 1973.
The earliest pressings are from 1955, in UK, US. One of them is Angel Records ANG. 35174.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use ANG. 35174, 3524 B) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, XLX 285 21B GA M6 157245 F2" and XLS 286 21B A M6 157247. 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.
