MADE IN | | JAPAN (a), it is a JVC pressing

MADE IN | | JAPAN (b), it is a JVC pressing.
There are two minor variations of this disc. On one, variation (a), all the squares of the
target design are the same bright blue color, as opposed to the dark matte
blue used for the Sire logo and lettering. On the other variation (b), the inner
squares are the same dark matte blue as the Sire logo and lettering, while the
outer squares are a bright blue color.
                    Known matrix numbers:          (a) 9 25305 2 M1E2   (note: no dashes between character blocks)
(a) 9 25305 2 M1E21
(b) 9 25305 2 M1E21
(b) 9 25305 2 M1E22
(b) 9 25305 2 M1E23
(b) 9 25305 2 M1E24
(b) 9 25305 2 M1E25
(b) 9 25305 2 M1E26
                                                                                                     (b) 9-25305-2-S2E0   (note: this and the following have dashes between character blocks)
(b) 9-25305-2-S2E01
(b) 9-25305-2-S2E02
(b) 9-25305-2-S2E05
(b) 9-25305-2-S2E06
(b) 9-25305-2-S2E07
(b) 9-25305-2-T3E12
(b) 9-25305-2-T3E13
(b) 9-25305-2-T3E15
(b) 9-25305-2-T3E18
  (b) 9-25305-2-T3E110
  (b) 9-25305-2-T3E112
(b) 9-25305-2-V4E11
There are probably others.

Front cover of the sixteen-page booklet
Page 14 states "Printed in U.S.A."

Rear tray insert "Printed in U.S.A." with barcode.
I have yet to find a back inlay that was printed in Japan, and there probably isn't one.
This same back inlay was used for all early pressings, including the West German target
and non-target, Japanese non-target, and US non-target pressings. It is impossible
to tell which disc you are getting without opening the jewel case. Of course, if you
spot one in an old smooth-edged jewel case, you will probably find a Japanese or
West German target pressing. Nothing is printed on the reverse.

Notes: This disc is one of the easier targets to obtain. Chances are it will be one
of the first target CDs in your collection.

Jewel case info: (S2E06) smooth clear, two long stopper bars, "2" is embossed on the back,
and on the front.

(??) smooth clear, two long stopper bars, "1" is embossed on the back and on the front.

(T3E18) smooth frosted case with two long stopper bars and nothing embossed on the back.
"3" is embossed on one tab.

(M1E21) smooth frosted case with two side dimples and nothing embossed on the back.
"34" is embossed on one tab and "31" is embossed on the back portion, inside bottom center.
Eight-prong disc tray embossed "Patents pending 5.1"

(M1E22) smooth frosted case with two side dimples and nothing embossed on the back.
"33" is embossed on one tab and "32" is embossed on the back portion, inside bottom center.
Eight-prong disc tray embossed "Patents pending 33"

(M1E26) smooth frosted-top case with two side dimples and nothing embossed on the back.
"34" is embossed on one tab and "31" is embossed on the back portion, inside bottom center.
Eight-prong disc tray embossed "Patents pending 31"

(T3E110) smooth frosted case with two long stopper bars and nothing embossed on the back.
"2" is embossed on one tab. Twelve-prong disc tray, with only one "Compact Disc" logo, embossed "6"

10/07/20