Vinyl pressings
by Visage · 1982
The Anvil was first pressed on vinyl in 1982. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
27 pressings came out in 1982, the album's first year, in 21 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.
POLD 5050 A // 2 ∇ 420 V 1 1 3Variant 1, A-side runout, stamped
POLD 5050 B // 2 ∇ 420 V 1 1 3Variant 1, B-side runout, stamped
POLD 5050 A // 3 ∇ 420 V 1 1 1Variant 2, A-side runout, stamped
POLD 5050 B // 2 ∇ 420 V 1 1 2Variant 2, B-side runout, stamped
STERLING A-1 <--> PD 1 6350 AS-HRMSide 1 runout Variant 1
STERLING A-2 <--> PD 1 6350 BS-HRMSide 2 runout Variant 1
STERLING A-2 <--> PD 1 6350 BS-HRMSide 1 runout Variant 2
STERLING A-1 <--> PD 1 6350 AS-HRMSide 2 runout Variant 2
STERLING –8– PD 1 6350 AS–PRC-C1-1-1Side A runout, variant 1
STERLING –7– PD·1·6350·BS–PRC-C1-1Side B runout, variant 1
PD16350 AS-PRC-C1-1 STERLING -2-Side A runout, variant 2
PD.1.6350-BS.PRC-C1-1 STERLING -7-Side B runout, variant 2
STERLING A2 <-> PD·1·6350·AS – HRMSide A runout
STERLING A1 <-> PD·1·6350·BS – HRMSide B runout
2391 541 S 1 320 1 ORunout side A, variant 1
2391 541 S 2 320 2 NRunout side B, variant 1
2391 541 S 1 320 2 A ARunout side A, variant 2
2391 541 S 2 320 6 D ARunout side B, variant 2
G MX205435 2391 541-1A runout
MX205436-C 2391541-2B runout
MX205435A label
MX205436B 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | Australasia | Polydor 2391 541First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1982 | Australasia | Polydor 2391 541First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1982 | Austria | Polydor 2391 541First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1982 | Brazil | Polydor 2391 541First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1982 | Canada | Polydor PD-1-6350First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1982 | France | Polydor 2391 541First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1982 | Germany | Polydor 2812 085First yearLP, Single Sided, Promo, Sampler · Promo | LP, Single Sided, Promo, Sampler · Promo |
| 1982 | Greece | Polydor 2391 541First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1982 | Greece | Polydor 2391 541LP, Album, Test Pressing · Test pressing | LP, Album, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1982 | Ireland | Polydor POLD 5050First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1982 | Israel | Polydor 239 1541First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1982 | Italy | Polydor 2391 541First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1982 | Japan | Polydor 28MM 0151First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1982 | Japan | Polydor 28MM 0151First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1982 | Netherlands | Polydor 2391 541First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
31 vinyl pressings of The Anvil are listed here, from 22 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1982, in UK, US, Germany, Australasia and more. One of them is Polydor POLD 5050, released March 1982.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use POLD 5050, PD-1-6350, 2391 541, 239 1541) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, POLD 5050 A // 2 ∇ 420 V 1 1 3 and POLD 5050 B // 2 ∇ 420 V 1 1 3. 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.
