Vinyl pressings
by Mitch Miller · 1963
The Great Escape March was first pressed on vinyl in 1963. 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 1963, the album's first year, in 6 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.
ZSP-75264-10 2 1.2 02 xRunout side A, stamped [etched "2 1.2 02 x"]
e ZSP-75005-1AARunout side B, stamped [etched "e"]
CA 281.202 ALabel side A, 3 and 9 o'clock
CA 281.202 BLabel side B, 3 and 9 o'clock
AAG 158 // 1F 710Runout side A
AAG 158 // 2F 710Runout side B
BA-121-059/1 ÷ 20-9-63Runout side A
BA-121-059/2Runout side B
BA 121.059/1Label side A
BA 121.059/2Label side B
C-468-194Label A
C-468-179Label B
AAG 158 // 1F 710Runout side A
AAG 158 // 2F 710Runout 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1963 | Denmark | CBS AAG 158First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1963 | Italy | CBS BA 121.059First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1963 | Japan | CBS LL-453 / Columbia LL-453First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1963 | Netherlands | CBS CA 281.202 / CBS CA 281. 202First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1963 | Norway | CBS AAG 158First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1963 | UK | CBS AAG 158First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Germany | CBS CW 281 2027", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| ? | Italy | CBS BA 121.0597", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| ? | Netherlands | CBS 1.2027" | 7" |
| ? | UK | CBS AAG 1587" | 7" |
10 vinyl pressings of The Great Escape March are listed here, from 7 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1963, in Netherlands, UK, Denmark, Italy and more. One of them is CBS CA 281.202.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use CA 281.202, AAG 158, BA 121.059, LL-453) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, ZSP-75264-10 2 1.2 02 x and e ZSP-75005-1AA. 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.
