Pink Floyd - The Dark Side Of The Moon SMAS 11163 Wally/Gene hybrid 1st Pressing

$

235

NOTE: This copy is an original 1973 U.S. pressing from Capitol’s Winchester plant. The rim text on the labels does read “Capitol Marca Reg” at about the 5 o’clock position, but it does not have the patent number at the very end of the rim text. That detail only appeared on the very earliest U.S. label variation.

What makes this copy desirable is that it’s still a true early first-pressing run — Side 1 is mastered by Wally Traugott (“Wally”), Side 2 by Gene Thompson (“Gene”), both confirmed in the deadwax along with the Winchester “—◁” plant symbol. It also comes complete with both original posters and both sticker sheets, which are often missing.

So while this isn’t the absolute earliest patent-rim label, it is still a sought-after 1973 U.S. original pressing with excellent mastering and complete packaging.

• Artist: Pink Floyd

• Album: The Dark Side of the Moon

• Label: Harvest / Capitol Records (U.S.)

• Catalog Number: SMAS-11163

• Format: 12-inch Vinyl LP, 33⅓ RPM, Stereo, Gatefold Sleeve

• Country: United States

• Year of Pressing: 1973 (Original U.S. First Pressing, Winchester Plant)

• Cover Art: Iconic prism design by Hipgnosis / George Hardie

• Packaging:

• Original gatefold with heartbeat graphic and printed lyrics

• Includes both original posters:

• Green pyramid/landscape

• Red band photo montage

• Includes both original prism/pyramid sticker sheets

• All inserts appear in excellent condition

• Vinyl Label: Black Harvest label with prism graphic; “MFD. BY CAPITOL RECORDS, INC., U.S.A. – CAPITOL MARCA REG.” rim text (typical of earliest U.S. issues)

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Matrix / Deadwax Details

• Side 1: SMAS-1-11163 F67 – hand-etched “Wally” (Wally Traugott, Capitol mastering engineer) + Winchester “broomstick” symbol (—◁) + “MASTERED BY CAPITOL” (machine-stamped).

• Side 2: SMAS-2-11163 G64 – hand-etched “Gene” (Gene Thompson, Capitol mastering engineer) + Winchester “broomstick” symbol (—◁) + “MASTERED BY CAPITOL” (machine-stamped).

Significance:

This is a Winchester, Virginia plant first pressing with a hybrid mastering — Side 1 cut by Wally Traugott (famed for his warm, dynamic EQ) and Side 2 cut by Gene Thompson (Capitol mastering). These Wally/Gene hybrids are highly regarded and appear only in the earliest U.S. pressing runs.

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Pressing Notes

• Earliest U.S. pressings came from multiple Capitol plants to meet massive demand in 1973.

• Winchester pressings are identifiable by the “broomstick” (—◁) symbol.

• “Wally” sides are especially collectible; a hybrid like this still carries premium value.

• The complete set of original inserts significantly boosts desirability — many copies lost these over the decades.

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Condition Assessment (based on provided images)

• Sleeve: VG+ — minor surface wear and light ringwear, spine intact.

• Vinyl: VG+ to EX — light sleeve scuffs, no major scratches visible, labels clean.

• Inserts: EX — bright colors, no tears, folds only from original packaging.

Historical Context

• Released March 1, 1973, The Dark Side of the Moon became one of the most influential albums in rock history, spending 741 consecutive weeks on the Billboard 200.

• Early U.S. pressings like this brought the album to the American mainstream, with Capitol pressing plants running around the clock to meet demand.

• The original posters and stickers were only included in the very first production runs in 1973–74, making complete sets increasingly rare.

• Wally Traugott’s mastering is prized for its balanced soundstage and clarity, while Gene Thompson’s cut on Side 2 remains faithful to the UK original tone.

Complete original 1973 U.S. first pressing of The Dark Side of the Moon from Capitol’s Winchester plant, with Side 1 mastered by Wally Traugott and Side 2 by Gene Thompson. Its completeness, early hybrid mastering, and solid condition make it a desirable collector’s piece and a strong player’s copy.