Vinyl pressings
by Roy C. Hammond · 1966
Shotgun Wedding was first pressed on vinyl in 1966. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
5 pressings came out in 1966, the album's first year, in 4 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.
WI 273 1 A 1 1 1 6A side runout, variant 1
WI 273 B 1 1 1 1B side runout, variant 1
WI 273 A 1 1 112A side runout, variant 2
WI 273 B ▽ 11 1B side runout, variant 2
WI 273 1 A 1 1 1 7A side runout groove, variant 1
WI 273 B 1 1 1 1 6B side runout groove, variant 1
WI 273 A 1 1 1 9A side runout groove, variant 2
WI 273 B ▽ 1 1 1 7B side runout groove, variant 2
G 18942 A-1 Made in AustriaRunout side A, stamped
G 18942 B-1 Made in AustriaRunout side B, stamped
18 942 L oLabel side A
18 942 K bLabel side B
6 18942 A-2 Made in GermanyRunout side A, stamped
6 18942 B-2 Made in GermanyRunout side B, stamped
18 942 L aLabel side A
18 942 K bLabel side B
WI 273 1F-1A Side Runout Groove
WI 273 2F-1B Side Runout Groove
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1966 | Austria | Hansa 18 942 ATFirst year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1966 | Germany | Hansa 18 942 ATFirst year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1966 | Nigeria | Fontana WI-273First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1966 | UK | Island Records WI-273First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1966 | UK | Island Records WI-273First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | UK | Decca F 139027", 45 RPM, Reissue, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Reissue, Mono · Mono |
| 1981 | UK | Decca F 139027", Reissue, Stereo | 7", Reissue, Stereo |
| 1981 | UK | Decca F 139027", 45 RPM, Reissue, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Reissue, Mono · Mono |
| 1981 | UK & Europe | Decca F 139027", Reissue | 7", Reissue |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | New Zealand | London Records NZL.9407", Single, Reissue | 7", Single, Reissue |
| ? | Sweden | Fontana 271 258 TF7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| ? | US | Uptown 7317", Promo · Promo | 7", Promo · Promo |
| ? | US | Uptown 7317" | 7" |
13 vinyl pressings of Shotgun Wedding are listed here, from 8 countries, released between 1966 and 1981.
The earliest pressings are from 1966, in UK, Austria, Germany, Nigeria. One of them is Island Records WI-273.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use WI-273, 18 942 AT) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, WI 273 1 A 1 1 1 6 and WI 273 B 1 1 1 1. 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.
