What Are Vinyle Record Vintage Table Numbers and Names
Vinyle record vintage table numbers and names refer to catalog identifiers, matrix numbers, and label names printed or etched on vintage vinyl records. These markings help collectors identify pressings, plants, and editions. They often include company names, country codes, and serial or catalog numbers that change between releases and countries.
Major labels such as Columbia Records, RCA Victor, Decca, and EMI used distinct table numbering systems that evolved from the 1940s through the 1980s. Prefixes, suffixes, and catalog prefixes like "CL," "CS," "LSP," and "PMC" indicate format, series, and territory. Matching the exact table number and name to a known pressing database can confirm authenticity and approximate pressing year.
How Vintage Table Numbers and Names Affect Value
Records with rare or early table numbers, correct label names, and matching matrix etchings often command higher prices than later reissues. First pressings from original plants, such as those in Terre Haute or Scranton for RCA, are identified by specific number ranges and plant codes. Grading services like Goldmine and Record Collector reference these identifiers when valuing records.
Online databases and price guides now compile vintage table numbers and names alongside sales data, helping investors compare recent auction results. Platforms that track recent sales show how specific catalog prefixes and matrix details influence final hammer prices more than generic "vinyl" tags alone.
Where to Research Vinyle Record Vintage Table Numbers and Names
Primary Label Archives and Discographies
Discogs and the 45cat database maintain searchable tables of vintage catalog numbers, label names, and matrix details for thousands of releases. These resources cross-reference label credits, pressing plants, and country variants to help users verify the exact table number and name for a specific record.
Marketplaces and Auction Records
eBay, Heritage Auctions, and Paddle8 list recent realized prices for records grouped by catalog number and label name, providing current market benchmarks. Collectors use these sales logs to confirm whether a specific vintage table number and name combination is trending up or stable in value.
Pressing Plant Codes and Country Variants
Many vinyle records include plant identifiers and country suffixes embedded in their table numbers, such as "A" or "B" suffixes for specific pressing plants. These details are documented in specialized discographies and label guides that track name changes, mergers, and plant closures over time.
How to Read Matrix Numbers and Etchings
Matrix numbers, often found in the runout groove, include table-like sequences that correspond to specific stamper cuts and pressings. Matching these etchings to the label name and catalog table number can distinguish an original pressing from a later reissue.
Key Companies and Catalog Systems
Major companies including Columbia Records, RCA Victor, Decca, and EMI maintained distinct catalog table systems with unique prefixes and name formats. These systems are documented in label guides and industry references that help collectors and investors verify the provenance of vinyle records.
For deeper context on vintage label structures and catalog numbering, the discography resources at Discogs and the auction price records at Heritage Auctions provide searchable data on table numbers, label names, and pressing variants.