Led Zeppelin I -- "Marc Hulet" in the deadwax

[rshaw00000]

I just acquired an early pressing of Led Zeppelin. It has the usual markings--1841 Broadway address, ST-A-681461-A and ST-A-681462-A matrix codes and "LW," "AT," "W" and "RG" in the run out. What is really unsual, however, is that the name "MARC HULET" is clearly inscribed in the side 1 run out. I have never seen anything remotely similar to this and an internet search comes up completely dry. Does anyone know who Marc Hulet is and why his name would be etched in the run out? It certainly looks like it was something pressed into the vinyl from the original master and not something that someone added later but I suppose it could be an owner who somehow figured out how to add his own signature to the vinyl. I really don't think that is the case here. Any light anyone could shed on this mystery would be greatly appreciated.

Edited January 21, 2013 by rshaw00000

[Triplet Kick]

Perhaps this is the name of a former owner of your vinyl who wrote his name on the wax. I did this on some vinyl records when I was a teenager and had far too much time on my hands. Kinda like right now.

[Led Dirigible]

This is interesting. I can't seem to find "Marc Hulet" in any deadwax inscription abbreviation lists. I'm gonna go with Triplet Kick and say some kid who owned it etched his name onto the vinyl.

[rshaw00000]

Attached are 3 photos of the signature. It wasn't easy to capture and the 3rd image is probably the best. You will note that every line is perfectly straight and every corner is perfectly square. If some kid was doing this in 1969 he was pretty good at it. If either of you, or anyone else, has any further thoughts, I'd appreciate the input. Thanks.

[SteveAJones]

In my opinion it was not inscribed into the dead wax during production at the pressing plant but afterward and as such is worthless.

[joe (Liverpool)]

That's not an original pressing, the colours were red and plum in 1969

[Dallas Knebs]

no info on that name.

=======================

FYI

an outfit in LA is hawking "test press" and "early pressing" vinyl and they are neither. Buyer beware. For "test press" they have the correct parameters and presentation, the music is bogus. On the "early pressing" they are either Italian or alternate and very common pressings.

[rshaw00000]

Thanks for all of your comments. I am ready to conclude that it is just some oddity where someone etched their own name in the deadwax after purchase as a way to identify it. I paid $3.99 for it so it's not like I thought I was buying anything special but, since it could have been something unique, like a test pressing, I thought I'd draw on your collective wisdom. I appreciate your thoughtful responses.