which pressing plant is ''CT'' (Atlantic)

I have a record which has the same labels as this here:
http://s.discogss.com/image/R-2820770-1309712697.jpeg
but after the matrix number at the bottom the letters ''CT'' are inserted.
Also the runout stamp shows ''CT''.
Does anyone know which plant this refers to? Thanks...!

It might be the Columbia plant in Bridgeport

http://discogs.programascracks.com/label/Columbia+Records+Pressing+Plant%2C+Bridgeport

Yes, it probably is Columbia Records Pressing Plant, Bridgeport.. You can check dewax for more detail as described in the link provided by richmox. Let me know what you find. Thanks

Isn't that easy. Though I can't contribute to this thread much, I'd strongly recommend this stevehoffman thread - I stumbled about it a long time ago. Some of the guys seem to know their vinyl and there are some suggestions, why the 'CT' still appears, when the plant has been officially defunct (since 1964).

thanks all, I'll check it out and report here...

Report:
The link provided in the history of Columbia Records Pressing Plant, Bridgeport states that the the plant folded in 1964.
The alleged attribution of CT to that plant is not confirmed there.
See here: http://www.anorakscorner.com/PressingPlantInfo.html
The Steve Hoffman site has a table for all abbreviations here:
http://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/atlantic-atco-vinyl-labels-and-deadwax-what-do-the-codes-mean.285080/page-4#post-7878702
It's stated there that CT would belong to this plant here:
Columbia Records Pressing Plant, Terre Haute
Is that trustworthy? Looks to me it is...

+1

Kaptain_Kopter
Isn't that easy. Though I can't contribute to this thread much, I'd strongly recommend this stevehoffman thread - I stumbled about it a long time ago. Some of the guys seem to know their vinyl and there are some suggestions, why the 'CT' still appears, when the plant has been officially defunct (since 1964)

I forgot about checking that thread (I have it bookmarked, too). I find that the majority of the posters on that forum are very knowledgeable when it comes to this sort of information. I would trust what they say.

marcelrecords Nice work... more reserach/editing of profile for Bridgeport is required.. I updated the Bridgeport profile and will look into to this as I last updated it.There is an abundance of historical information on the Bridgeport, Ct. facility so some tweaks can be made.. I am curious why Terre Haute used both CTH and CT. I will look into both.. Good Post!

marcelrecords
The alleged attribution of CT to that plant is not confirmed there.

marcelrecords
The Steve Hoffman site has a table for all abbreviations here:
http://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/atlantic-atco-vinyl-labels-and-deadwax-what-do-the-codes-mean.285080/page-4#post-7878702

Bookmarked. Thanks! This looks super useful

Do also have a read of the 2nd grey horizontal bar of text here;
http://45-sleeves.com/USA/atco/atco-us.htm
where it lists CT: Columbia; Bridgeport, Connecticut...

swagski
Do also have a read of the 2nd grey horizontal bar of text here;
http://45-sleeves.com/USA/atco/atco-us.htm
where it lists CT: Columbia; Bridgeport, Connecticut...

That site has quite some errors. Furthermore: the plant folded in 1964.
How can they press records in 1968/9 ?

Let's slow down abit, nothing says the plant "folded", Bridgeport was the home for Columbia for decades and they did press there as well as other things..Now, I dont know what happened in 1964 but it's doubtful they trashed all the facilities etc overnight. I've changed the Bridgeport profile to remove the CT piece for now. But i have stuff on Atlantic, Buffalo Springfield - Last Time Around, that is ive of the Atlantic link.. Just need to do abit more work and due diligence.

marcelrecords
Furthermore: the plant folded in 1964.
How can they press records in 1968/9 ?

Mmm, read the second comment here after the article:
http://www.preservationsound.com/?p=5357
I left a question there for confirmation.

Thanks, i couldnt "re-find " that link!

swagski
Do also have a read of the 2nd grey horizontal bar of text here;
http://45-sleeves.com/USA/atco/atco-us.htm
where it lists CT: Columbia; Bridgeport, Connecticut...

haiyai2u
Thanks, i couldnt "re-find " that link!

 swagski
Do also have a read of the 2nd grey horizontal bar of text here;
http://45-sleeves.com/USA/atco/atco-us.htm
where it lists CT: Columbia; Bridgeport, Connecticut...

...some Oracles can also have knickers in a twist, or be wearing new ones.

marcelrecords
That site has quite some errors. Furthermore: the plant folded in 1964.
How can they press records in 1968/9 ?

haiyai2u
Let's slow down abit, nothing says the plant "folded", Bridgeport was the home for Columbia for decades and they did press there as well as other things..Now, I dont know what happened in 1964 but it's doubtful they trashed all the facilities etc overnight...

Edit;
'C' logical for Columbia (or default Terre Haute)
'T' logical for Terre Haute
So why combine 2 characters when one will suffice?
Although logic would equally suggest
'B' or 'CB' for Bridgeport...
But http://www.preservationsound.com/?p=5357
does look pretty authoritative on 'CT' being Bridgeport

marcelrecords many thanks for the Preservation Audio link! What great magizine and, with recent comments.. A similiar link is on the Bridgeport profile.
Let us know if you get a response so appropriate adjustments to profiles can be made. I believe we'll all be cross checking. Columbia was an Icon, although a troubled one, & big plants and their inventories would be made useful in everyway profitable. I remain very curious what occured mid 60's. LP sales would have to have been going to an uptick. Likely Columbia required bigger, less centralized, more cost effective and state of the art facilities and this was their approach. Any insight into this?
As i said there is a treasure trove of "data" available out there, including a lenghtly research document in the library of congress; ; need to focus abit and get to it. You know we are talking of a half century ago.. Thanks for the topic!

Diognes_The_Fox
 marcelrecords
The Steve Hoffman site has a table for all abbreviations here:
http://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/atlantic-atco-vinyl-labels-and-deadwax-what-do-the-codes-mean.285080/page-4#post-7878702

Bookmarked. Thanks! This looks super useful

Here's another thread from that forum that can be of some use as well:

http://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/who-wants-to-compile-a-list-of-pressing-plant-initials.37991/

swagski
does look pretty authoritative on 'CT' being Bridgeport

I read this article and the thread four times now and I don't know, what you are at. AFAICS, there is not a single sentence confirming 'CT' as being the pressing plant suffix for the Bridgeport plant, it just says that the respective Bridgeport is located in Connecticut (CT)?

swagski
But http://www.preservationsound.com/?p=5357
does look pretty authoritative on 'CT' being Bridgeport

Exactly the comments on that article confirm that Bridgeport was laid down in march 1964.

Kaptain_Kopter
there is not a single sentence confirming 'CT' as being the pressing plant suffix for the Bridgeport plant

I couldn't find this either, could you please point us to it?

swagski
'C' logical for Columbia (or default Terre Haute)
'T' logical for Terre Haute
So why combine 2 characters when one will suffice?

According to the thread richmox and myself provided, there are two more combinations: CTH and T. Makes four in all: CT, CTH, TH, T.

marcelrecords
comments on that article confirm that Bridgeport was laid down in march 1964.

I have to put my 2 cents in here. A comment on another thread by an unknown is not proof of anything. People from this thread are already making changes based on this thread. I have serious questions about this "proof".

This is the article: http://www.preservationsound.com/?p=5357

Please notice the subject: "Making Records"; then notice the date: Circa 1964; then notice the pics, and the plant used in the article...Bridgeport Plant. The only evidence being obtained here is from other forums? I see misinformation in forums spiral out of control all the time. Even Steve Hoffman, himself, has itted he was wrong at times. I just think we should slow down, until more viable info is found. Thank you

(P.S edit) marcelrecords is trying to get to the bottom of the issue, but others on this forum are running away with unverified tid-bits of info, because it sounds good to them. I implore you to wait until an exact and precise consensus is determined based upon facts. Thank you

Here is another source, which is just as reliable as any I've witnessed here.

January 1967, the Atlantic family of labels (all of them!) had their pressing plant codes added to the master numbers. Also, at the same time, the various pressing plants would have their labels printed up at different sources, and invariably the perimeter print would be different from one to the other. This lasted until the end of 1968 at which point the company established a set perimeter print standard and all plants fell in line - except one: LY.
The pressing plants and their codes:
AR: Allied Record Company; Los Angeles, California PL: Plastic Products; Memphis, Tennessee
BW: Bestway Plastics; Mountainside, New Jersey PR: Presswell Company; Ancora, New Jersey
CL- or no code: Columbia; Terre Haute, Indiana RI: PRC Recording Inddustry Prod.; Richmond Indiana
CT: Columbia; Bridgeport, Connecticut SP: Specialty Products; Olyphant: Pennsylvania
LY: Shelly Products; Huntington Station, New York WM: Midwest Record Pressings, Chicago, Illinois
MO: Monarch Records; Los Angeles, California (Briefly during the summer of 1968)
Info by John Villanova, New York http://45-sleeves.com/USA/atco/atco-us.htm

Why would ATCO add Bridgeport to their list if it didn't exist? Just asking

mossinterest
A comment on another thread by an unknown is not proof of anything.

As I have stated before: the relevant thread in this discussion is the 2004 stevehoffman thread cited by marcelrecords provided. I know that it's a bit boring to read through 18 pages, but I'm sure that you should not speak of 'a comment', when there was consent and not a single doubt about the 'CT' suffix within the whole 18 page thread.

mossinterest
People from this thread are already making changes based on this thread

As I am the 'people': in your release, you made a 'CTH'/'CTH'+'T' suffix a Bridgeport press. I don't know why - I know not a single webpage or book that doubts that 'CTH' means: Terre Haute. As you pointed out, you would have preferred a hint and would have liked to do the edit yourself - I can understand this, but I've experienced that 80% of my comments are ignored and usually, I have to do the edits myself some months later. This is more than annoying, as it consumes my (precious) time - my today's attitude towards this question: I don't mind, if Oggers edit 'my' releases and I usually even vote c or c&c on correct edits. Please feel free to improve 'my' releases as well.

mossinterest
Please notice the subject: "Making Records"; then notice the date: Circa 1964; then notice the pics, and the plant used in the article...Bridgeport Plant. The only evidence being obtained here is from other forums?

I think that marcelrecords referred to the following age:

"It was in late March, 1964, that Columbia shut down its Bridgeport plant, transferring all East Coast pressing activities (and manufacture of styrene 45′s) to their newer Pitman, NJ plant that first went into operation in May 1961 (and, sadly, closed in March 1981); the label typesetting associated with Bridgeport would also go to Pitman, though on Columbia, Epic and subsidiary releases, the Linotype fonts would not really reappear on a regular basis until summer 1965. Can anyone who knows anyone who once worked at the Bridgeport plant apprise as to what was the deal with the typesetting that was on the labels?" (posted by W.B.)

mossinterest
I see misinformation in forums spiral out of control all the time.

Yep - that's right; it's completely out of control, but even excellent contributors like you catch their information from unreliable sources and claim that Bridgeport plant has pressed 'CTH' releases.

mossinterest
I just think we should slow down

Agreed - I sent a message to Bridgeport, CT, Public Library and I hope that they can finish this ordeal on the 'CT' question.

edit: typo

Kaptain_Kopter
I think that  marcelrecords referred to the following age:

"It was in late March, 1964, that Columbia shut down its Bridgeport plant, transferring all East Coast pressing activities (and manufacture of styrene 45′s) to their newer Pitman, NJ plant that first went into operation in May 1961 (and, sadly, closed in March 1981); the label typesetting associated with Bridgeport would also go to Pitman, though on Columbia, Epic and subsidiary releases, the Linotype fonts would not really reappear on a regular basis until summer 1965. Can anyone who knows anyone who once worked at the Bridgeport plant apprise as to what was the deal with the typesetting that was on the labels?" (posted by W.B.)

I know this...that's the age I referred to in my previous post. It's a random comment left in a forum, by an unknown individual, on an article about making records, at a plant we are to believe didn't exist anymore. This, IMO, is not proof, and doesn't even deserve mention. If the CT Library can help you, please let me know. Thank you

i'm from Connecticut and will add a few links here as to locals who might be able to help.
I've always heard that the plant was shut down in the mid 60's, but who's to say who re what, the mid 60's to some might be 1968 at this point.
My knowledge of the plant is mostly from working in stores and the local lore of rarities that have shown up around here because the plant was located in Bridgeport.
Bridgeport is sort of a mess, so not saying the local library won't help out, but I'd be surprised.
There is a local CT record club (http://www.ctrecordclub.com/) of which I'm pretty sure Diognes_The_Fox is a part of, there may have specific info or may know people who worked there.
I know old timers that worked there that used to come into the stores I worked at with things to trade. I have no way of ing them though.
Another resource would be the owner of Replay Records.
http://www.replayrecordsct.com/
Doug is certainly an expert on many things and I'm sure he might be able to shed some light on this. At least he might know when the plant closed for sure.
Also, Gerosa Records may be able to shed similar light:
http://www.gerosarecords.com/
also, http://www.brasscityrecords.com/ is one other place that might have some leads.
These are all stores that have been around quite a while and are in the know.
It might be worth looking into if all else fails.

also marcelrecords, if you have any with Jerome Tomko, he grew up around here and might also have some knowledge or leads about this plant. You guys seem like you would know each other.

discosanddragons - great links, thanks a lot!

discosanddragons
also  marcelrecords, if you have any with Jerome Tomko

I do! Will send him a mail....

mossinterest
t's a random comment left in a forum, by an unknown individual, on an article about making records, at a plant we are to believe didn't exist anymore. This, IMO, is not proof

Of course it's not ''proof'', but it surely deserves mention.
We'll await what the other resources will bring us.
Thanks to all for the participation so far!

I just received a reply from Jerome Tomko.
As far as he knows ''CT'' is only used for Terre Haute and is not associated with Bridgeport.
He is too young, though, to know when the plant folded.
He has provided some more addresses where I can ask questions, and I will do so.
Will report back as soon as something turns up.

I figured he'd be to young to , just figured he might know some of the same old timers I used to run into.
Maybe his other leads will work out.

Kaptain_Kopter
 swagski
'C' logical for Columbia (or default Terre Haute)
'T' logical for Terre Haute
So why combine 2 characters when one will suffice?

According to the thread  richmox and myself provided, there are two more combinations: CTH and T. Makes four in all: CT, CTH, TH, T.

Yes, but I did not include
CTH = which undoubtedly symbolizes Columbia Terre Haute, or
TH = which symbolizes Terre Haute
So, I 'homed in' on the 2 critical characters...
1) a 'T' (which we know is also Terre Haute)
2) and 'C' (which we know is Columbia's default & Terre Haute)
Meanwhile.... The thought that 'CT" could be both a 'C' prefix for Columbia and in the same breath a top-n-tail of ConnecticuT for the Bridgeport plant is a concept worth checking out...? Address; Bridgeport, CT...

swagski
Bridgeport, CT

It now occurred to me that perhaps the author who combined Bridgeport with ''CT'' may have thought it meant Connecticut?!
Why (as swagski already offered) wouldn't it be CB, if there is any abbreviation belonging to that plant?

Well, regarding CB, was a distribution code for CBS at one point. I've seen it on rear cover occasionally.

haiyai2u
Well, regarding CB, was a distribution code for CBS at one point.

And also shorthand for Captain Beefheart ;)

Ok, again, taking this topic slowly as i do not believe it is totally straight forward;

i've found a several good references & although they don't answer the question of what happened to Bridgeport Pressing in, or around, 1964 or what activities may or may not have been provided with inventory after that date.(( In full disclosure i must say that if a label has suffix of CT and CT is stamped, i believe that it is connected in some fashion to Bridgeport on those ATCO releases))

Now the document; (additionally, i've a PM to the library of congrress on this topic as well)
http://lcweb2.loc.gov/mbrs/ebrs/eadpdfmbrsrs/2005/rs005002.pdf

There is an authoritive statement on Columbia Matrix information and that the information contained came mostly from Bridgeport.

"Scope and Content Note
The Columbia Records Paperwork Collection spans the years 1923 to 1964 and contains
materials such as record label orders, record label copy sheets, press release information,
recording studio job sheets, and cut-out project information (describing records to be cut out of
the catalog). Many of the papers, if not the whole collection, appear to have come from the
Columbia Records pressing plant in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

Matrix Numbers: The concept of the matrix number is important in understanding the
arrangement and contents of the collection. A matrix number is assigned by the recording
company to identify each side of a disc recording. Often but not always unique, it may consist of
letters, numbers, or both and may include a prefix and/or one or more suffixes. It is usually
etched or stamped on the inside margin of the disc between the playing surface and the label.
The matrix number can be useful in dating a recording and may indicate the take of the
performance featured on the recording. Additional information may be included as well.
Matrix Number Prefixes Found in the Columbia Records Paperwork Collection: The
following list of matrix number prefixes identifies the majority of the discs referenced in this
collection. The first letter of the prefix represents the diameter of the disc: Z is the 7-inch
diameter indicator, and X is the 12-inch diameter indicator. The default size is always 10 inches,
which is why there is no special 10-inch indicator.
Additional information on matrix numbers can be found in the Columbia Matrix Number file
located in the Recorded Sound Reference Center in the Library of Congress.

XTNY 12-inch experiments or commercials, New York
XTV 12-inch mono (monophonic) LP master
ZLP 7-inch stereo single master
ZSP 7-inch mono single master
ZSV 7-inch stereo master
ZTS 7-inch mono single master
ZTSP 7-inch mono single master
ZTV 7-inch mono single master
Let's research some more...regards

^^ lovely
I have ed Mark Markesich, he should know (they say)
Perhaps soon :-)

marcelrecords
Mark Markesich

Mike Markesich???? another friend we have in common...small, small world.
Mike might know. He's a world of info!!!

swagski
And also shorthand for Captain Beefheart ;)

:)

marcelrecords
Why (as  swagski already offered) wouldn't it be CB, if there is any abbreviation belonging to that plant?

Have you ever seen a CB? All are trying to determine what is NOT Bridgeport...what does anyone advise WOULD BE Bridgeport, the main pressing plant through the 60's, if not CT. Any wild ideas? I've never seen an alternative. Just sayin'

Hi mossinterest The "CB"'s i've seen were mastering engineers, Chris Bellman etc and they were Etched so i'm with you. As posted previously, I'm of the "opinion" that a CT Stamp with a CT Label (which i have clear evidence of) was in some definable way associated with Bridgeport. (Which I dont have clear evidence of!)
I can't speak for all, but i'm researching;

1. What did the Bridgeport facility, after "closing" (whatever that may mean) continue using their Bridgeport Manufacturing Inventory (equipment, labeling stamping/printing process and stock/lacquer stock/vynil stock) to extend profitability for their investment.
Any by that I mean in Bridgeport or somewhere else.

2.. Find ing information for the ATCO link which i believe to be accurate, (I believe it is) http://www.anorakscorner.com/PressingPlantInfo.html

3. To confirm when the plant was closed and what led to that decision.

I have a theory which I am pursuing that related to "inventory" and ROI, but no confirming information as of yet.. However we have good information up on Columbia info 1964 with most of it "coming from the Bridgeport Plant." In fact Anorakscorner quotes some of the information from this document.

http://lcweb2.loc.gov/mbrs/ebrs/eadpdfmbrsrs/2005/rs005002.pdf .

mossinterest
Have you ever seen a CB? All are trying to determine what is NOT Bridgeport...what does anyone advise WOULD BE Bridgeport, the main pressing plant through the 60's, if not CT. Any wild ideas? I've never seen an alternative. Just sayin'

Sorry - sent the mail to Public Library Bridgeport, West Virginia... wish, they would have been a bit more imaginative back in the 17th cent. We'll have to wait for the answer a couple of days, I suppose.

Just a note to show activity: Awaiting response for Lib. Of Congress submitted more than a week ago .. Also looking for someone on the business side of Columbia.. Actually not making much progress at the moment.. stalled abit.

No answer from Mike as of yet. We'll hold on...

edit: posted in wrong thread - doH!

Well, for what it may prove worth, i've just found a gentleman who worked for Atlantic as engineer and maintenance engineer 1963-1967 and Columbia Records as recording engineer, manufacturing maintenance engineer etc 1969 to 1973.. And Yes, he still alive, in the industry and working. email sent and let's see if he can help.

_kerry It could have worked on this thread as well!

Update:
While i am leaving the profile header .". being researched.." I've added some new information related to a Columbia announcement in Sept 1963 that they intended to reduce work force of 650 people to about half of that in 1964. Reductions would mainly be in manufacturing personnel but the business part was expected to continue for several years.
So,, I'm still looking for what the 'business part' and the remaining 350 people did..

haiyai2u
So,, I'm still looking for what the 'business part' and the remaining 350 people did..

No confirming or substantiating information obtained, either way, and still searching.

Hi, marcelrecords .. Would you your etch and describe all your baoi information of your disc Thanks and regards

marcelrecords
I have a record which has the same labels as this here:
http://s.discogss.com/image/R-2820770-1309712697.jpeg
but after the matrix number at the bottom the letters ''CT'' are inserted.
Also the runout stamp shows ''CT''.
Does anyone know which plant this refers to? Thanks...!

That's ATCO...Atco used CT for Bridgeport

Hi, marcelrecords the topic originator to provide more detail..thanks

haiyai2u
I asked that  marcelrecords the topic originator to provide more detail

I will sub this record soon....
In the meantime I have posed the question in the appropriate Hoffman forum.
Will keep you posted.

Hi marcelrecords, "CT" for Terre Haute is all over the Hoffman forum so the result will predictably be Terre Haute, but more details may surface so I'm interested. What is the topic heading for your Hoffman post? I'd like to follow.
I hold the Hoffman forums especially the consistant contributors in high regard. However,you have to read alot of them to get the whole picture. I believe we are near a better understanding, I know I am.
Regards

marcelrecords
I will sub this record soon....
In the meantime I have posed the question in the appropriate Hoffman forum.
Will keep you posted.

haiyai2u
What is the topic heading for your Hoffman post? I'd like to follow.

http://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/atlantic-atco-vinyl-labels-and-deadwax-what-do-the-codes-mean.285080/page-5
there you are, including the answer
the last poster takes it up with 45-sleeves to set this straight...

I see other mistakes that have been made on that thread by the same poster, which some are calling genius. It appears he is applying common sense, as are we all, but I find many geniuses lack in common sense. e claims to have found ONE record with CLB on it and determines/speculates its Bridgeport? We need to wait for hard proof. Just my 2¢

Thanks marcelrecords i'll check later today. thanks and regards..
Hi mossinterest I agree that from time to time, in this becoming archiac process of pressing etc mistakes are made.. thats what makes it fun? Concerning CLB, I had an email from someone I was researching this with that also says, "One other thing: I once saw a Bridgeport-pressed LP on United Artists from the early '60's, where written on the deadwax was "CLB."

marcelrecords
http://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/atlantic-atco-vinyl-labels-and-deadwax-what-do-the-codes-mean.285080/page-5
there you are, including the answer
the last poster takes it up with 45-sleeves to set this straight...

Hi again marcelrecords. Good post.. I have been communicating with the same gentlemen (W.B.) on another site and he has quoted almost verbatim what he shared with me. He's shed light on many of my questions in an authoritive manner and had answers to some questions i've been puzzled by. I have one additional point he is assisting me with and that should clear any hurdle. thanks

Hi to all. During my researching of Columbia Bridgeport, which has been tedious, I've found several errors in other discogs profiles based upon incorrect information in various web forums.
It's difficult to determine what is accurate and what is not unless we research each for ourselves which is not practical for most...

Given the size, history and length of time Bridgeport was in operation, Discogs has only 4 entries under this profile. Those entries are the ones that are being discussed here and when the topic is resolved, there may be "none",

marcelrecords
the last poster takes it up with 45-sleeves to set this straight..

I don't understand. So now there exists no records pressed at Bridgeport? The biggest plant in its time? Amazing

What the heck were they doing for their paychecks?

haiyai2u
Those entries are the ones that are being discussed here and when the topic is resolved, there may be "none",

None of this makes any sense to me. Bridgeport was one of, if not the biggest record pressing plant in the world, but there are no documented records pressed there, in all of Discogs, except a few which are speculated to be removed? Does this make sense to anyone, or is it just me? Bridgeport even pressed records for overseas, until they opened plants in paris, then London. But, nobody can suredly produce a record pressed there?

I have read a lot about its history lately (scandals, ops, etc.). I've yet to find any clear evidence of when it closed, but I will. Meanwhile, the whole "CT" thing bothers me. "WB" is quite adamant it was code for Terre Haute. But he contradicted himself by saying Terre Haute never pressed anything for ATCO. Then why would ATCO use "CT" over and over? Maybe for Bridgeport, CT. ?

You may read his comments and mine here http://www.45cat.com/record/7217&rc=160442#160442

I'm sorry, it just makes no sense to me.

Hi moss well' it's a continous journey of adventure.. Good topic and good will come from it.. Regards

I realize this is no proof, but I live 15 minutes from Bridgeport. I've met people that worked at this plant. I used to work in stores where some of these guys would come in with stuff to trade.
We never once got an Atco record from them.
Considering the primary focus of the stores I worked at, if something like Disraeli Gears or the Buffalo Springfield were pressed there....I'm sure we would've heard about it from these guys or seen a promo or two float through. I worked in stores for 15 years and all I ever heard about being pressed in Bridgeport was Columbia.

EDIT: I'm sorry for not being more help on this, but I've been caught up with life the last few weeks.
I'll try to post on some local community forums and if I can find the time during working hours, make a few phone calls and try and track someone down in Bridgeport that may have the answers or a better lead. It may not solve what CT means, but might shed some final light into the Bridgeport plant. Thanks.

discosanddragons
for 15 years and all I ever heard about being pressed in Bridgeport was Columbia.

I understand what you're saying, but, as stated above, Bridgeport pressed records for many record companies. That's a given. Companies in England and even shipped there for pressing and the inventory was shipped back, until they opened plants in Paris and London. When a company is contracted for other's inventory it is meticulously tracked and monitored and shipped back. Unlike Columbia inventory which would be stored there for however long periods of time.

However, the timeline of which you refer could be of great help. Approximately what year was this that you are aware of people working there? Some are claiming the plant didn't exist anymore in early 1964. Thank you.

p.s. That's my problem as well. I have to work around my job schedule. It's tough!

mossinterest
Bridgeport pressed records for many record companies

for the sake of having one more avenue to pursue....could you point some of these out?
i'm not meaning to be argumentative, but would like to see what else was made there and when.

I have calls into the Chamber of Commerce, the Historical society and a local planning and development guy who I was told was a wealth of information about the city.
As you may have already seen on the web, the building itself is now apartments.
Hopefully someone will get back to me soon.

here is something else sighting the company, it's proper name and moving it's operations in 1964:
http://www.bridgeporthistory.org/

You'll need to look for American Graphophone Company under companies. I can't get it to link directly.

From earlier in this topic; http://lcweb2.loc.gov/mbrs/ebrs/eadpdfmbrsrs/2005/rs005002.pdf

discosanddragons
i'm not meaning to be argumentative, but would like to see what else was made there and when.

mossinterest
what year was this that you are aware of people working there?

Most of the stuff I seeing was early to mid 60's at the latest. Usually things I wasn't particularly interested in. Certainly not Cream, Buffalo Springfield or the Eddy Jacobs Exchange (oh how I wished!!!!) Some jazz records, singers etc. Nothing specific is jumping out. I worked in stores in the late 80's until the early 2000's, so it's been a while. Most of the things brought in were promotional records and most, if not all of it were Columbia pressings.
I have another call into someone from the historical society who I was told knows the history of the building and company.
I'm hoping they can one, get me more info on dates of operation and two, put me in touch with somone who worked there.
The guy who put me in touch said he grew up with someone who worked there, but he has since lost touch. oh well.

CT=Columbia Records Pressing Plant, Terre Haute
also T, TH & CTH.
See [http://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/atlantic-atco-vinyl-labels-and-deadwax-what-do-the-codes-mean.285080/page-5#post-8504762 ]

Still no further leads on Bridgeport. I'll remind some of the people I called next week.
More than disappointed that some of the local people have expressed no interest in helping or even being cordial about finding other leads.
Bridgeport is a city trying to make a new image for itself. You would think people involved in the community would be more helpful.
Any interest about anything in a place very few are interested in should be taken as a compliment.
Over the years, I've met dozens of people who either worked there or had relatives that worked there.....just can't find them when you need one.

discosanddragons thanks for following up...

Something just occurred to me. Everybody's trying to find confirmation from anyone connected to Bridgeport. Why not attempt to confirm from someone at Atlantic/ATCO what THEIR "CT" code was intended for. After all, they seemed to have used it before Terre Haute ever pressed their records. BTW, if CT is presumed to be wrong, then should we presume ALL codes used by Atlantic/ATCO are wrong? Maybe "RI" doesn't really stand for PRC Recording Company, Richmond, IN. How far does it go? My opinion would be the best bet to confirm Atlantic/ATCO codes from Atlantic/ATCO. Just sayin'

I'm trying to confirm with Bridgeport because I have had actual with people from there in the past and the plant was 15 minutes from me, just seemed like it would be the easiest lead for me to follow as I am so close to it.
If I had a way of getting in touch with someone from Atco, I would.
You're right that trying Atco might be a better angle.
Feel free to try to jump in and find someone as well.
I don't think all Atco/Atlantic codes are wrong, just this one.
Like I said, none of the people I've met who worked at the plant ever talked about pressing Atco Records or brought an Atco Record into any of the stores I worked in.
Not to mention, all evidence points to the plant being shut down in 1964.
Even if they continued beyond that, Columbia Records Pressing Plant, Bridgeport is probably the wrong company name as it clearly wasn't Columbia doing pressings past 1964, that is if anything was even pressed there past that point.

mossinterest
confirm Atlantic/ATCO codes from Atlantic/ATCO

That would be excellent. We have not given up yet...

mossinterest
After all, they seemed to have used it before Terre Haute ever pressed their records.

On which record is that?
Atco Records which are presumably pressed at Terre Haute and released in the period under scutiny are mentioned for example here:
http://www.melodig.com/search/?q=Gris%20Gris%2C%20The
http://www.vinylrecords.ch/Labels/index.html

Another snippet found here:
The LOC has a large box with ''Columbia paperworks'', which seems to originate from Bridgeport. It spans the years 1923 up till (you guessed it) 1964...
See:
http://lcweb2.loc.gov/mbrs/ebrs/eadpdfmbrsrs/2005/rs005002.pdf
scroll to page 4.

Hi, mossinterest previous posts). I believe w.b. made good on his data and ed them. "CT" no longer makes reference to Bridgeport, in fact Bridgeport is no longer mentioned at all..
More tomorrow and for now, i would rather not make any changes to the Columbia Profiles, just leave it as being researched... regards

mossinterest
Here is another source, which is just as reliable as any I've witnessed here.

January 1967, the Atlantic family of labels (all of them!) had their pressing plant codes added to the master numbers. Also, at the same time, the various pressing plants would have their labels printed up at different sources, and invariably the perimeter print would be different from one to the other. This lasted until the end of 1968 at which point the company established a set perimeter print standard and all plants fell in line - except one: LY.
The pressing plants and their codes:
AR: Allied Record Company; Los Angeles, California PL: Plastic Products; Memphis, Tennessee
BW: Bestway Plastics; Mountainside, New Jersey PR: Presswell Company; Ancora, New Jersey
CL- or no code: Columbia; Terre Haute, Indiana RI: PRC Recording Inddustry Prod.; Richmond Indiana
CT: Columbia; Bridgeport, Connecticut SP: Specialty Products; Olyphant: Pennsylvania
LY: Shelly Products; Huntington Station, New York WM: Midwest Record Pressings, Chicago, Illinois
MO: Monarch Records; Los Angeles, California (Briefly during the summer of 1968)
Info by John Villanova, New York http://45-sleeves.com/USA/atco/atco-us.htm

Why would ATCO add Bridgeport to their list if it didn't exist? Just asking

mossinterest
Why would ATCO add Bridgeport to their list if it didn't exist?

^^ the link you add there has removed ''Bridgeport'' from the list! It now states that CT = Terre Haute. It looks as if 45-sleeves has adapted the list
could you point us to the instance where it still figures?

marcelrecords
Atco Records which are presumably pressed at Terre Haute and released in the period under scutiny are mentioned for example here:
http://www.melodig.com/search/?q=Gris%20Gris%2C%20The

melodig.com are Discogs copycats.
It seems that it's Dr. John, The Night Tripper - Gris-Gris. Note how they even copy the ANV asterisk.

Hi marcelrecords IMO
With the change in the
a) 45sleeves information (they were the conflict in information on CT and Bridgeport) and
b) I've found no other opposing information that suggests CT doesn't mean Terre Haute,
I propose the following;
-Accept Hoffman forum, 45 sleeves and of course "w.b.", who is the primary source of input to these blogs as being sound reasoning for Bridgeport.
-Continue to research and identify the pressing codes used for Bridgeport such as those referenced in the Columbia Records Paper Collection and Anorakscorner. http://lcweb2.loc.gov/mbrs/ebrs/eadpdfmbrsrs/2005/rs005002.pdf and add them to the profile when confirmed.
-Continue research on Pitman and Terre Haute. When I reviewed the submissions in these profiles, "very" infrequently do you find "CT" or a "CTH" label press. However there are lots of "T"s etched and many conflicts in the data. I'm not sure what this all may suggest other than there is more reseach and culling of these profiles needed.

I've added the 45sleeves link to the Columbia Bridgeport, Terre Haute, Pitman profiles and I will move my one submission in Bridgeport to Terre Haute.

Comments?

Hi, _kerry FYI to all:
i've made updates to Columbia Records Pressing Plant, Hollywood I am making somehead way in the confirmations of date and some etching/print label areas.. regards

Minor edits to Columbia Records Pressing, Bridgeport profile.. Research ongoing!

Hi & FYI mossinterest... i've ed a gentleman who worked for CBS Records and Sony Music from 1970 to 2005.. He was in manufacturing for 18 years and distribution for another 17 years.. We played telephone tag but expect to connect soon and try to get more information on the Columbia Plants (Bridgeport) in particuliar.
regards

Hi & FYI.. I've made some general information updates to the Bridgeport profile based upon what I've been able to substantiate to date and will continue the research on this profile..

[quote=mossinterest][/quote]
At the time when the Columbia Bridgeport plant was in operation, the abbreviation for the state of Connecticut was "Conn."; "CT" didn't become the main state abbreviation until after the 1970's. And it wasn't just on late 1960's Atlantic, Atco etc., LP's where 'CT' was used to signify Columbia / Terre Haute; on the deadwax of many post-1972 Mercury LP's and 45's pressed there (and, later in the decade, on other PolyGram labels such as Polydor, RSO, Casabanca et al.), mastering engineers writing lacquer numbers in the deadwax incorporated 'CT' within the identifying markers - just as, on pressings for Columbia's Santa Maria, CA plant, 'CS' was seen within the lacquer numbers in the deadwax (an alternate to 'CSM' on Warner labels').

W.B.
At the time

I beg your forgiveness. Please understand, I was a lot younger when this controversy began. I am still baffled as to why there are so few Bridgeport discs out there, and so little archived information, given the capacity of their production globally. Its crazy

Morning mossinterest. I'm glad to see the activity here and additional input to the Bridgeport profile.. The long and short of this appears to me to be nothing more than the way Columbia evolved their pressing/inventory schemes.. You've noted that after 64' its much easier to identify the pressing plants. Have a good weekend

There'd be plenty of 78's from Bridgeport, if you look. I caution, however, that in the 1946-48 period, there was another Columbia plant, in Kings Mills, Ohio (on the outskirts of Cincinnati) that also pressed 78's - and had many (but not all) of the same typefaces as Bridgeport. Kings Mills typesettings tended to be a bit sloppier in layout than what Bridgeport had. (Kings Mills also closed not long before Columbia's introduction of the LP; by 1949 its presses were moved to Bridgeport.)

But the reason there seems to be so few Bridgeport pressings catalogued is all in who examined the pressings, what fonts are on the label (as much a valid measure for determining a pressing as matrix/runout info), etc. Many of the fonts used at the in-house print shop of the Bridgeport plant, after it ceased pressing vinyl in 1964, moved over to Pitman and that plant's print shop.

Here are some examples of Bridgeport label typesetting (and pressing) over the years:
Brunswick 8185 (1938)
Columbia 35269 (1939)
Columbia 36604 (1942)
Columbia 37967 (1947)
Columbia 4-39159 (1951)
Columbia 4-39708 (1952)
Columbia 39944 & 4-39944 (1953)
Columbia CL 681 (1955)
Columbia 4-41490 (1959)
Columbia CS 8533 (1961)
United Artists UA 274 (1960)
Colpix -726 (1964)

Here, on the other hand, are some choice samples of the ill-fated Kings Mills plant (for which I would recommend the creation of a new entity - Columbia Records Pressing Plant, Kings Mills, Ohio):
Columbia 37885 (1947)
Columbia 38039 (1947)
Columbia 38047 (1947)

Columbia Records Pressing Plant, Kings Mills Done! If someone can vote the entry correct I will give a shot at a profile.

W.B.
I would recommend the creation of a new entity - Columbia Records Pressing Plant, Kings Mills, Ohio):

Columbia Records Pressing Plant, Kings Mills Done!

W.B.
I would recommend the creation of a new entity - Columbia Records Pressing Plant, Kings Mills, Ohio):

Nice diligent work folks. Thanks btw for everyone's tireless efforts on pinning things down.
Typography, fonts, galleys & 'hot metal' tripesetting is a very overlooked facet of early label ID'ing. A very worthwhile thread.

One can check old Billboards in Google Books from the 1946-49 period to gauge the Kings Mills plant's history. Keep in mind, however, there is no way one can get the links directly, one would have to peck and paw through each issue in this period and type in 'Kings Mills' in the search area.

Also . . . here's a page on this Buddy Clark release from 1947 to show the difference between Bridgeport and Kings Mills as far as label type layout is concerned. Bridgeport used 14 point Gothic Condensed No. 1 for catalogue numbers, as opposed to 14 point Erbar Bold Condensed at Kings Mills; the orchestra credit was set in 8 point Erbar Condensed at Bridgeport and 7 point Gothic No. 4 at Kings Mills. This page has the Bridgeport label variant first, the Kings Mills second.

Thanks...

W.B.
difference between Bridgeport and Kings Mills

To bring this back to life . . . the closest Columbia Bridgeport (which was referred to as 'BP' in the deadwax of Cadence LP's and 45's in the last few years of that label's existence) had for signature markings was a set of dots (either a period . or small dot · ), each one signifying a new mother or mold, as per late 1950's / early '60's protocols. A few examples:
The Everly Brothers* - ('Til) I Kissed You / Oh, What A Feeling - B side deadwax: ZTSP 60664 ....

But viz Atlantic 45's, any Terre Haute pressings would have had T111 (or so) markings, which there were none on any of the 45's on Atlantic, Atco and subsidiary and distributed labels pressed between spring 1966 and early 1969. Every such 45 was Pitman-pressed. If you check the pressing plants in question, you'll see a pattern with fonts on the labels.

Thanks again W.B. Your sharing of information is helping to improve the accuracy of the discogs d/b. regards

A Summary, complements of W.B. for condensing this.!

"The print fonts on labels are but one identifier - however, some 1950's and early '60's Columbia 45's pressed by the Hollywood plant had labels printed by Bridgeport (with a few having one Bridgeport-printed label and the other label printed by Bert-Co Press of Los Angeles), so that muddies the waters up a little. What I know about what fonts were used by Columbia Bridgeport, and when (based on such factors as checking against release dates from Sony Music archives, Linotype specimen books from between 1915 and 1958, and so on), are as follows (with the most frequently used first):
- 6 point No. 11 (serif) with Gothic Condensed No. 4 (sans serif). First used c.1924; around March 1952 new 's' matrices were added amongst the alphabet, and a steel beam 'I' replaced the old stick figure type on Gothic Condensed No. 4. Semicolons ( : ) on both fonts shifted way to the right, touching the second number (shown as, say, 2 :38). Transferred to Pitman after Bridgeport closed in 1964; finally retired mid-February 1968. Serif font rarely, if ever, used (but one of the more common occurrences being in the early 1940's, spelling out the instrumentalists' names on many a Jazz Masterwork or Hot Jazz Classic release).
- 7 point No. 1 (serif) with Gothic No. 4 (serif). An early version of the latter font, with super condensed looking capital letters, was placed into service during the 1910's; as early as 1921 wider capital letters of the sans serif font were being used. Throughout the 1930's (the ARC era) there was a mix-and-match with capital letters from each variant being intermixed, creating a weird effect in any case. The situation shaped up after CBS acquired American Recording Corp. in Dec 1938, but they still had the old 'E' as late as late 1947, and a condensed-looking 'Z' well into 1952 (as evidenced on copies of Rosemary Clooney's "Blues In The Night" 4-39813). Up to later 1947, the serif font was used for matrix numbers, and the sans-serif for vocal chorus credit, tempo, songwriter credits and, in some cases, where the song originated; afterwards, the sans-serif was used on all the above. The only one of the old-style fonts to remain right up to the end of Columbia's use of hot-metal type (at Pitman, in Nov 1974).
- 10 point Gothic Condensed No. 1. Its use dated to probably early 1910's; from the moment of Columbia's introduction of the LP in June 1948 to late 1967, was used for the catalogue number at left (above "NONBREAKABLE" prior to early 1967, see below for info on that font) and the side designation at right. Used for catalogue numbers throughout much of the 1930's, and on Special Editions releases issued in 1948. Frequently also used for song titles and artists. Moved to Pitman after Bridgeport closed.
- Erbar Light Condensed with Bold Condensed. History of font introduction thus:
a) 14 point - Introduced to Bridgeport print shop in 1937. On Columbia 45's, used for '45 RPM' and catalogue number. 78's used the 14 point size (light to 1953, then bold from 1954 to the 78's demise in 1958) for song titles all throughout. Transferred to Pitman in 1964, retired in April 1970.
b) 12 and 10 point - Introduced in 1939, with 12 point showing up earlier in the year and 10 point later. The former size was used for artist names on 78's, the latter used for album titles on 78 RPM album sets to the mid-'40's. On 45's released through Jul 1957, 10 point size was used for song titles. On 1957-59 45's, 12 point size used for orchestra credit on single artist releases. Both fonts went to Pitman in 1964, and used right up to Nov 1974.
c) 8 point - Introduced around 1945, used on 78's for "Orchestra under the direction of..." credits, and on 1950-57 45's for artist name. On LP's, the bold weight was used to spell out "NONBREAKABLE" below catalogue number at left (or right, depending on the release). Went to Pitman in 1964; retired in late 1970, with the 'W' intermixed with 8 point Spartan Book Condensed with Heavy Condensed from c.April 1970 to spring 1971.
d) 18 point (Light only) - Side numbers at right end of right side of mono LP releases from 1948 to 1963; a layout first attempted on 78 RPM Masterworks sets.
- 14 point Gothic Condensed No. 1 (numbers only) - Introduced late September 1939 for 78 releases on Columbia and Vocalion (cat. # series later switched to Okeh). Used until the 78's demise in 1958.
- 12 point No. 2 (serif) with Gothic No. 3 (sans serif). First used in mid-1910's, the serif type was omnipresent on many Columbia 78's in the 1920's. The last known use of the latter font was on a Columbia Bridgeport pressing of a Tops 45 from around 1954.
- 12 point Gothic No. 15 (sans serif) with Bold Face No. 4 (serif). The sans serif font was used on 78's pressed right up to the mid-1910's; replaced by the above set of fonts.
- 10 point Gothic No. 13 with Cheltenham Bold Condensed. Former first used in 1924, and both used briefly in 1936.
- 10 point Bodoni Bold with Italic. Latter font used in 1920's for Spanish subtitles.
- 8 point Bodoni with Italic. Latter font used starting later in that decade for same reasons; by 1960, was being used for "THE UNTOUCHABLE SOUND" line in Bill Black's Combo 45's on Hi.
- 18 point Gothic No. 13 with 12 point Gothic No. 16, and 24 point Gothic No. 13 with 14 point Gothic No. 16. Both sets and respective sizes were introduced to Columbia Bridgeport in the summer of 1957, with the earliest releases with either of the fonts being 05 Aug 1957 (per Sony Music Archives, the earliest date to bear the new yellow Columbia 45 label which would be used to early 1959). Gothic No. 13 was generally used for label names on top, or for cases where the song and songwriter were on top and the artist name at bottom; Gothic No. 16 used generally for song titles, artists, and (on LP's) LP titles. Gothic No. 16's shape resembles Franklin Gothic, only with a hook-like "J" to match what Gothic No. 13 had. The 24 point size of Gothic No. 13 has a computer typesetting equivalent today in LTC Tourist Gothic. Both sets/sizes made the switch to Pitman in 1964; both were used right up to the end in Nov 1974. The smaller sizes of both fonts would be adopted starting in fall 1957 by Los Angeles-based Bert-Co Press, as would 14 point Erbar Light Condensed with Bold Condensed.
A few cold-type foundry fonts were also used, including:
- Bodoni Bold (24 and 36 point)
- Futura Demi Bold (16, 24, 30 and 36 point)

The outer edges of styrene 45's from late 1955 to mid-1960 were angled about 30 degrees or so like < at left and > at right; they had been straightened out like [ ] before then, and again after 1960. Bridgeport pressed 45's in both styrene and vinyl from 1950 until about 1954, then switched mainly to the former thereafter (though promos would be vinyl).

Bridgeport-pressed 45's from the late 1950's to the early 1960's had varying numbers of dots ( · ) or periods ( . ) after a lacquer number in the deadwax, each one signifying a new mold from a master - i.e. ZSP48483-1AC ..... In 1962-63 there was an inverted dot embossed upwards on the surface · to the left of the lacquer number, sometimes along with the dot(s), sometimes not. Some lacquer cutters, by the early '60's, would etch either 'CLB' or 'BP' in the deadwax; both those indicated Bridgeport (just as some lacquer cutters indicating Pitman would write 'PIT').

The deep grooves, if I haven't said this before, on Bridgeport LP's and 78's were generally at 2.6875" on the inner part of the DG, and 2.78125" on the outer end. After 1955 there was a raised area for both the labels and the outer edge of the LP records. About 1961-62 Bridgeport-pressed LP's began to show 2.703125" pressing rings (no DG's), following the opening of the Pitman plant."

To follow up, here are fonts introduced after Columbia moved all their pressing to Pitman in 1964:
- 12 point Garamond No. 3 with Italic. Earliest known use 1965, for title of original Broadway cast LP Do I Hear A Waltz? (Columbia Masterworks KOL 6370 / KOS 2770). Mostly used on LP's for titles and artist names on some releases on different labels; one notable 45 RPM use was on the Pitman pressing of Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass - Zazueira from 1969.
- 10 point (Linotype) Baskerville with Bold. Introduced to Pitman print shop around 1966 or 1967; lighter weight used up to 1968 for label copy on Atlantic/Atco/Stax/Volt etc. LP's pressed by Columbia, then in 1970's bold weight used for LP's issued on Vanguard's Bach Guild label.
- 7 point (Intertype) Baskerville - First known appearance 1972, used on some Vanguard and most Bach Guild LP's.
- Spartan Book Condensed with Heavy Condensed. Differing introductions require separate descriptions:
a) 6 point - First introduced mid-February 1968, the earliest release dates of records in any configuration to feature one or both of these fonts was 20 Feb (the most famous issued on that date being Donovan - Poor Cow / Jennifer Juniper). Through Nov 1969, the 'S' character in the bold type leaned slightly left, and the lower case 'a' had two shapes. Two updates to this font were made: the first in Nov 1969, and again in Oct 1972. Up to 1972, on records with music publishing credits ending in "Inc.", the 'c' was more to the right, away from the 'n' and towards the '.'; ditto for the 'e' on the line indicating song times (between 'm' and ':'). After the switch, alignments of the 'c' and 'e' characters differed. Used to the end of hot metal Linotype typesetting in Nov 1974.
- 8 and 14 point - Both introduced in Apr 1970 (with the earliest release dates for any record bearing either or both fonts being 15 Apr), intended to replace the 8 and 14 point sizes of Erbar Bold Condensed (though the 8 point lasted more to the year's end). The 14 point size was the most prevalent, used for catalogue numbers (mostly 45's), song titles, artists, album titles, etc. The 8 point size had limited but definite use: for side, catalogue number and STEREO on Elektra LP's from 1970 to 1974; for song titles on releases such as Albert Hammond - It Never Rains In Southern California.
- Trade Gothic with Bold. Introduction of different sizes differed and are noted accordingly:
a) 8 point - Introduced mid-to-late Nov 1968; until mid-1969 the numerals were super-condensed, afterwards they used wider numerals, but the old '2' continued to show up every now and then. Initially used for titles and artists on 45's with huge credits at the bottom, later extended to STEREO markings (lighter weight) and matrix number (heavier weight) on Columbia, Epic etc. LP's in mid-1970; by later 1971, the lighter weight would come to be used for catalogue number, STEREO, side number and matrix number on all CBS label LP's.
b) 7 point - Not known exactly when first introduced, but the earliest this contributor has seen of releases with this size would have been from Feb 1969 on. Like (initially) the 8 point size, condensed numerals were used; unlike the 8 point size, these condensed numerals remained.
- Franklin Gothic with Italic (Intertype). Introductions varied, thus:
a) 10 point - First used late Jan 1969. Like 8 point Trade Gothic Bold, came in handy for typing artist names, song titles and sometimes LP titles. The 'STEREO' from this font was ubiquitous on many a stereo 45 beginning 1970 and through the end of hot metal typesetting in Nov 1974. The italic font was used from mid-1970 to late 1971 for catalogue number and side number on CBS label LP's.
b) 8 and 12 point - First known use around Feb 1969. The 12 point size would be used on an alternating basis with 12 point Gothic No. 16 from here on out.
- 6, 7, 8, 9 and 12 point Trade Gothic Light with Italic. Introduced in spates in 1970-71. The 6 point size would become prevalent on many CBS label LP's for song details on each side, as well as for the phonographic copyright ℗ notice. The only known use of the 12 point size was for the catalogue number on Columbia pressings of Emerson, Lake & Palmer's Tarkus LP (Cotillion SD 9900).
- Even the ℗ symbol's shape changed over the years. During late 1971, and up to early March 1972, they effectively used an ® and took out the "leg" standing out on right, per such releases as O'Jays* - Back Stabbers. By Sep 1972 that symbol had totally taken over and would be used right up to the end.
- 6 point Permanent Condensed with Bold Condensed. The earliest known use of this super-condensed font was on releases issued 30 Mar 1972, most notably on Bobby Goldsboro - Marlena.

In another post, I will mention the phototypesetting fonts from Mergenthaler Linotype's V-I-P system that were first introduced to the Pitman print shop in mid-June 1974 (and fully replaced the old Linotype and Intertype fonts by mid-November), spread soon after to Terre Haute and then to Santa Maria by Sep 1977.

Excellent! Thanks a lot - great research!

Amazing info! Many thanks!

I also wish to add that 99.99% of the labels on Bridgeport pressings were printed in letterpress, meaning sunken indentations wherever typesetting is situated; while after the type moved to Pitman, it was virtually all offset printed. (One notable exception was Prince Buster's "Ten Commandments" on Philips in 1967, some copies of which had the type letterpressed.)

FYI... I have added this forum link to the profiles for Columbia Records Pressing Plant, Hollywood and will add to the other profiles as information becomes available.

In mid-June 1974, Manhattans - Summertime In The City - http://discogs.programascracks.com/viewimages?release=3819303
Notice while the Epic finale had the phonographic copyright ℗ symbol in its original size, from the hot-metal version, Columbia's reduced the size a tad and, unfortunately, had it at something of an angle. This would continue through early 1976.
The original group of typefaces, from what I've gathered, consisted of:
- Franklin Gothic (referred to in one type specimen book as Franklin Gothic No. 16)
- Trade Gothic Light with Italic (Italic almost never used by Pitman)
- Trade Gothic Bold
- Helvetica Medium (used in lieu of 7 point Gothic No. 4 on Epic 45's, also to be used on CBS-distributed labels such as Philadelphia International)
- Helvetica Regular (used in very special cases)
- Helvetica Bold with Italic (regular bold font hardly used by Pitman, but Italic sure was, for Side 1 and Side 2 designations on CBS label LP's)
- Helvetica Bold Condensed (used in place of 18 / 24 point Gothic No. 13 for some label names)
- Baskerville with Bold (used on Bach Guild releases)
- Spartan Book
- Spartan Book Condensed
- Spartan Medium Condensed
- Spartan Bold Condensed (referred to in one book as Spartan Semi Demi Condensed - whatever is that?!
(Many of these alternate names came from a probably now-defunct printing company called Black Dot which had all these fonts in their library - and then some).

Over the next few months, there was an alternating between hot-metal type and the new phototypesetting fonts introduced until, by mid-November 1974, the gallery of hot metal Linotype and Intertype fonts were finally phased out. Among the last of the "old" type labels included:
Michael Holm - When A Child Is Born / Other Way Round - http://discogs.programascracks.com/viewimages?release=5086892

It was in early 1976 that a new ℗ began to show up on Pitman phototypesetting jobs, one example being:
Manhattans - Kiss And Say Goodbye / Wonderful World Of Love - http://discogs.programascracks.com/viewimages?release=1574305

Meanwhile, the other two plants Columbia owned would get the same package of Mergenthaler Linotype VIP fonts, but not at the same time. First would be Rita Fortune - Sisters And Brothers - http://discogs.programascracks.com/viewimages?release=2163423
One prime example of the differences between Pitman and Terre Haute pressings, typesetting- and layout-wise, with the VIP fonts, can be found in this entry:
Ohio Players - Love Rollercoaster / It's All Over - http://discogs.programascracks.com/viewimages?release=577952
(A side Pitman, B side Terre Haute - notice the latter had the cutout of a hot-metal ℗ straight, unlike Pitman)
Generally, while Pitman had two, three or four fonts used on a typical 45 label (Franklin Gothic, Spartan Bold Condensed, Trade Gothic Bold, and Spartan Book Condensed or Trade Gothic Light), Terre Haute only used two - usually, Franklin Gothic and Helvetica Medium.

The next plant to be "Pitmanized" in of label typesetting was Gordon Lightfoot - The Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald - http://discogs.programascracks.com/viewimages?release=5084795
(Again, the specifics will be mentioned in a future post here.)
After the switch, Santa Maria tended to follow the formula of Franklin Gothic and Trade Gothic Light that had been used by Columbia since the label design change of Feb 1973. This was most notable on the singles of Casablanca, not to mention other West Coast labels:
Barry White - Your Sweetness Is My Weakness - http://discogs.programascracks.com/viewimages?release=1532604
Notice that, despite the change in label fonts out West, they still held to no space between the phonographic copyright and year (i.e. ℗1977 rather than ℗ 1977).

One difference in this regard was in this Santa Maria variation of:
Bruce Springsteen - Darkness On The Edge Of Town - http://discogs.programascracks.com/viewimages?release=3012371
Notice the left-right spacing farther than most Columbia LP's of the period (never mind the ℗ quirk which gave it away as Santa Maria), which typically looked like this:
Billy Joel - 52nd Street - http://discogs.programascracks.com/viewimages?release=1222134

So did they remain until Santa Maria's closure in 1981, and Terre Haute's in 1982 (prior to Sony purchasing the latter and converting it to a CD factory). Pitman's fonts kept on keepin' on, even into the early years of the Run-D.M.C.* - You Be Illin' - http://discogs.programascracks.com/viewimages?release=674793

The end of the line for these venerable fonts came in late 1986/early 1987, when CBS decided to wind down vinyl manufacture at Pitman and convert it to a CD factory. Thereafter, the fonts used by Carrollton were of a completely different stripe and, to this contributor's opinion, didn't have the "oomph" of the other typefaces:
Bruce Springsteen - Brilliant Disguise - http://discogs.programascracks.com/viewimages?release=1508296