UK
1932- Label and catalog number
- His Master's Voice D.B.1798
- Format
- Shellac, 12", 78 RPM
- Runout / matrix
32-3114Label side A
32-3115Label side B
Richard CrooksThe Holy City / The Star Of Bethlehem
Vinyl pressings
The Holy City / The Star Of Bethlehem
by Richard Crooks · 1932
14 pressings5 countriesReligiousOperaHolidayClassical
The Holy City / The Star Of Bethlehem was first pressed on vinyl in 1932. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
How to spot a first pressing of The Holy City / The Star Of Bethlehem
3 pressings came out in 1932, 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.
UK
1932- Label and catalog number
- His Master's Voice D.B.1798
- Format
- Shellac, 12", 78 RPM
- Runout / matrix
32-3114Label Side A
32-3115Label Side B
Australia
1932- Label and catalog number
- His Master's Voice D.B.1798
- Format
- Shellac, 12", 78 RPM
- Runout / matrix
2B3440 IRunout Side A
2B3441 IIRunout Side B
32-3114Label Side A
32-3115Label Side B
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 14 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1930s3 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1932 | Australia | His Master's Voice D.B.1798First yearShellac, 12", 78 RPM | Shellac, 12", 78 RPM |
| 1932 | UK | His Master's Voice D.B.1798First yearShellac, 12", 78 RPM | Shellac, 12", 78 RPM |
| 1932 | UK | His Master's Voice D.B.1798First yearShellac, 12", 78 RPM | Shellac, 12", 78 RPM |
1940s1 pressing
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1948 | UK | His Master's Voice D.B.1798Shellac, 12", 78 RPM, Repress | Shellac, 12", 78 RPM, Repress |
1950s2 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1959 | Ireland | His Master's Voice 7P (I) 2497", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1959 | UK | His Master's Voice 7P 2497", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
Year unknown8 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Australia | His Master's Voice 45-DB.17987", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| ? | Australia | His Master's Voice 7PO-1217", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| ? | Netherlands | His Master's Voice 7 PH 10037", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| ? | Netherlands | His Master's Voice 7 QH 1207", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| ? | Netherlands | His Master's Voice D.B. 1798Shellac, 12", 78 RPM | Shellac, 12", 78 RPM |
| ? | Netherlands | His Master's Voice D.B.1798Shellac, 12", 78 RPM | Shellac, 12", 78 RPM |
| ? | UK | His Master's Voice 7P 2497", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| ? | US | RCA Victor Red Seal 7854Shellac, 12", 78 RPM | Shellac, 12", 78 RPM |
Tracklist
- AThe Holy City
- BThe Star Of Bethlehem
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of The Holy City / The Star Of Bethlehem are there?
14 vinyl pressings of The Holy City / The Star Of Bethlehem are listed here, from 5 countries, released between 1932 and 1959.
When was The Holy City / The Star Of Bethlehem first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1932, in UK, Australia. One of them is His Master's Voice D.B.1798.
How do I tell if my copy of The Holy City / The Star Of Bethlehem is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use D.B.1798) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 32-3114 and 32-3115. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is The Holy City / The Star Of Bethlehem on vinyl worth?
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.