Vinyl pressings
by Liberace · 1954
Beer Barrel Polka / 12th Street Rag 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.
6 pressings came out in 1954, the album's first year, in 3 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.
RHCO10600-1FA side stamped variant 1
RHCO10601-1BB side stamped variant 1
RHCO10600-1CA side stamped variant 2
RHCO10601-1CB side stamped variant 2
RZSP 10600A side label
RZSP 10601B side label
RHCO 10600Label side A
RHCO 10601Label side B
RHCO10600-1FA side stamped variant 1
RHCO10601-1BB side stamped variant 1
RHCO10600-1CA side stamped variant 2
RHCO10601-1CB side stamped variant 2
RHCO10600-1BA side - runout stamped
RHCO10601-1CB side - runout stamped
RHCO 10600A side - label
RHCO 10601B side - label
AA21305 1HSide A runout
AA21305 2HSide B runout
AA21305.1HSide A label
AA21305.2HSide B label
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 | Canada | Columbia C-2432First yearShellac, 10", 78 RPM, Single | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM, Single |
| 1954 | US | Columbia 40217First yearShellac, 10", 78 RPM | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM |
| 1954 | US | Columbia 4-40217First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1954 | US | Columbia 40217First year10", 78 RPM, Promo · Promo | 10", 78 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1954 | US | Columbia 40217First yearShellac, 10", 78 RPM | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM |
| 1954 | Australia | Philips B 21305 HFirst yearShellac, 10", 78 RPM | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM |
| 1954 | US | Columbia 4-500617", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue |
| 1954 | US | Columbia 50061Shellac, 10", 78 RPM, Single, Reissue | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM, Single, Reissue |
| 1955 | UK | Philips P.B.384Shellac, 10", 78 RPM | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM |
| 1955 | UK | Philips P.B.384Shellac, 10", 78 RPM | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Canada | Columbia C-2432Shellac, 10", 78 RPM, Reissue | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM, Reissue |
11 vinyl pressings of Beer Barrel Polka / 12th Street Rag are listed here, from 4 countries, released between 1954 and 1955.
The earliest pressings are from 1954, in US, Canada, Australia. One of them is Columbia 40217, released April 5, 1954.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 40217, 4-40217, C-2432, B 21305 H) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, RHCO10600-1F and RHCO10601-1B. 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.
