The Auction at Graceland•January 8, 2020
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/8/2020
The offered red vinyl test pressing is for Elvis Presley’s 1977 album Moody Blue. The red vinyl is not purely red, as there are gentle wisps of a darker color mixed in. During the pressing of Moody Blue, RCA celebrated the 2 billionth Elvis Presley record sold, and Ernie Ruggeri, VP of manufacturing for RCA, is said to be responsible for pressing several different colored vinyl and picture disc examples as part of the celebrations. These pressings were done in extremely small numbers, some in white, green, gold, red and combinations of the colors. They are highly sought-after as some of the rarest Elvis Presley records in existence. The offered vinyl’s matrix numbers do indeed indicate that the record was made in the original year of release, 1977, and they align with the matrix numbers on other known red vinyl test pressings from this period. Side A’s matrix number is “AFL1-2428-A-1S Masterfonics GAM A7,” and Side B’s matrix number is “AFL1-2428 B-2S W.” Also in the dead wax on Side B is what appears to be a signature that is indecipherable. Some have said it reads “jmkles,” but that is just speculation. The disc is accompanied by a period outer sleeve for the record. The disc measures 12 inches (30.48 cm) in diameter and is accompanied by a letter of authenticity from Graceland Authenticated.
Vinyl presents with minimal distresses. Beautiful NM condition.