Decca - Biography

Biography - Decca

USA

U.S. label, started in 1934.

The original Decca “Sunburst” or 3D label was used October 1934-December 1937. From March 1936, the matrix numbers appear to the left of the spindle hole. From November 1936, labels list the phrase NOT LICENSED FOR RADIO BROADCAST in slightly larger fonts.

January 1938-July 1941: blue Decca block letter label with Decca in 2D letters and TRADE MARK REGISTERED above the manufacturing statement "Manufactured by Decca Records, Inc., New York, U.S.A."

In October 1940, the "Sepia Series" was introduced. The Sepia name was dropped at the end of 1942 (the last number seen so far is #8644), and the series was phased out in 1945 with #8673.

The “Serie Hispana”, originally limited to the 21000 series and on burgundy labels, was introduced in 1939 and discontinued in 1942. In early 1942, it switched to black labels, and represses on the earlier 10000 series were also issued with black “Serie Hispana” labels.

July 1941-January 1942: blue Decca block letter label with “REG. U.S. PAT.OFF.” above the manufacturing statement "Manufactured in U.S.A. by Decca Records, Inc."

January 1942-1945: blue Decca block letter label with “REG. U.S. PAT.OFF.” and “MARCA REGISTRADA" above the manufacturing statement ""Manufactured in U.S.A. by Decca Records, Inc."

April 1942-October 1946: black label, Decca in a script typeface. Personality series stayed on this label only until ca. August 1942 (ca. # 23255)

September 1942-December 1954 Decca Personality label with a star on top and DECCA in a thin serif font. Catalog numbers have A-B designators. From August 1949 to mid‐October 1949 there is no “hit side” designator on either side.

From mid-October 1949 to about August 1952, B side labels are marked with a star symbol ★ next to the matrix number.
Starting in August 1952, the Richmond plant switched to an outlined diamond shape (◈) instead.

1947 – ?: Decca label with three lines, in the middle a star, under the Decca logo (25000 and 45000 series).

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