Vinyl pressings
by Johann Strauss Jr. · 1952
Die Fledermaus ∙ Der Zigeunerbaron 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.
3 pressings came out in 1952, 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.
24. 3. 52 FC 31427 SS II 45025A Made in GermanyRunout side A ['FC' rotated 90° left]
24. 3. 52 FA 31428 SS 45025B Made in GermanyRunout side B ['FA' rotated 90° left]
45 025 A 31427 SS Made in Germany 24.3.52 BIRunout side A, stamped
45 025 31427 SS Made in Germany 24.3.52 GIRunout side B, stamped
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 | Denmark | Polydor LPH 45025First yearLP, 10" | LP, 10" |
| 1952 | Germany | Polydor 45025 LPH / Polydor 45 025First yearLP, 10", Mono · Mono | LP, 10", Mono · Mono |
| 1952 | Germany | Polydor 45 025 LPHFirst yearLP, 10", Mono · Mono | LP, 10", Mono · Mono |
| 1954 | Germany | Polydor 45 025 LPH / Polydor 45 025LP, 10", Mono · Mono | LP, 10", Mono · Mono |
| 1955 | Germany | Polydor 45 025 LPH / Polydor 45 025LP, 10", Mono · Mono | LP, 10", Mono · Mono |
| 1955 | Germany | Polydor 45 025 LPHLP, 10", Mono · Mono | LP, 10", Mono · Mono |
| 1956 | Germany | Polydor 45 025 LPH / Polydor LPH 45 025LP, 10", Mono · Mono | LP, 10", Mono · Mono |
| 1956 | Australia | Polydor 45 025 LPHLP, 10", Mono · Mono | LP, 10", Mono · Mono |
| 1957 | Germany | Polydor 45 025 LPHLP, 10", Reissue, Mono · Mono | LP, 10", Reissue, Mono · Mono |
| 1959 | Germany | Polydor 45 025 LPH10", 33 ⅓ RPM, Mono · Mono | 10", 33 ⅓ RPM, Mono · Mono |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | Germany | Polydor 45 025 LPHLP, 10", Mono · Mono | LP, 10", Mono · Mono |
| 1961 | Germany | Polydor 45 025 LPH / Polydor 45 025LP, 10", Reissue, Mono · Mono | LP, 10", Reissue, Mono · Mono |
| 1963 | Germany | Atlas Record 82 008LP, 10" | LP, 10" |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Germany | Polydor 45 025 LPH10", 33 ⅓ RPM | 10", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| ? | Germany | Atlas Record 5222LP, 10", Club Edition, Mono · Mono, Club edition | LP, 10", Club Edition, Mono · Mono, Club edition |
15 vinyl pressings of Die Fledermaus ∙ Der Zigeunerbaron are listed here, from 3 countries, released between 1952 and 1963.
The earliest pressings are from 1952, in Germany, Denmark. One of them is Polydor 45 025 LPH, released September 24, 1952.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 45 025 LPH, 45025 LPH, LPH 45025) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 24. 3. 52 FC 31427 SS II 45025A Made in Germany and 24. 3. 52 FA 31428 SS 45025B 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.
