1959 Phillips Microgroove UK
Phillips 1967 UK
Phillips runout: Type-faced machine stamp matrix codes
Matrix codes on Philips deadwax indicate country of origin, codes as follows:
- Austria – 720;
- Australia – 150;
- Belgium – 170;
- Brazil – 200;
- Canada – 230;
- Denmark – 300;
- Far East – 022;
- France – 380;
- Germany – 320;
- Great Britain – 420;
- Hungary – 450;
- Italy – 520;
- Luxembourg – 630;
- Norway – 710;
- Netherlands – 670;
- Portugal – 790;
- South Africa – 960;
- Spain – 850;
- Sweden – 970;
- Switzerland – 980;
- Rest of the World 000.
“The legend is invariably typefaced. The basic matrix number is at twelve o’clock: consisting of the catalogue number followed closely by a ’1F’ (for an ‘A’ side) or a ’2F’ (for a ‘B’ side). Then two forward slashes, a single number (usually a ’1′ or a ’2′), an inverted triangle and finally the country code as above”
(adapted from Matrix Numbers Website)
In addition to their own record labels, such as Fontana, Philips also pressed for some other labels, including some Riverside, (whose UK releases show either the Philips legend at 12 o’clock, or the Decca legend at 6 o’clock)
Philips UK pressing plant was located in Chingford on the outer north east London periphery served by London Underground’s Central Line. (best enjoyed with it’s spoof train stations)
