*David Bowie, Golden Years LP, 1983, RCA PL 14792 / BOWLP4, Original Italian Pressing with Piero Mannucci Dated Matrices*
An original 1983 Italian pressing of Golden Years, the RCA compilation album by David Bowie, issued under catalogue number PL 14792 / BOWLP4. This example is pressed on black vinyl and housed in its original picture sleeve, complete with the correct RCA translucent paper inner sleeve.
The record features the distinctive dark brown RCA labels with silver text and BIEM/SIAE rights box. Both sides display clearly hand-etched matrices, including the name “PIERO”, identifying the respected RCA Rome cutting engineer Piero Mannucci, along with precise July 1983 lacquer cutting dates. Vinyl, labels, sleeve, and matrices are fully consistent and correctly matched.
Side A:PIERO 18-7-83 MKAY 32210 35-1F L Side B:PIERO 11-7-83 MKAY 38811 15-1A
(Hand-etched; Italian RCA mastering, July 1983)
Historical Note: Golden Years was released by RCA Records in August 1983 as a retrospective compilation drawing on David Bowie’s RCA-era recordings from 1973 to 1980. Compiled and issued without Bowie’s direct involvement, the album formed part of RCA’s final wave of catalogue exploitation following his departure from the label.
Italian pressings from this period are particularly well regarded for their high manufacturing standards, and many were cut locally at RCA Studios, Rome. The presence of Piero Mannucci’s hand-etched signature and dated lacquers is a well-documented characteristic of authentic early Italian RCA pressings, offering collectors clear, tangible evidence of production provenance and originality.
*Condition* Sleeve: The original picture sleeve shows noticeable edge wear, rubbing, and scuffing, particularly along the bottom edge and corners, consistent with age and storage. There is some loss to the black surface finish in places, but the artwork remains intact and visually strong overall. Vinyl: The record displays light surface marks and faint sleeve scuffs visible under strong light. No deep scratches or feelable marks observed. Labels are clean and well centred. A visually respectable example of an early-1980s Italian pressing. Inner Sleeve: Original RCA translucent paper inner sleeve present, with expected age toning. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
A correctly identified Italian first-period 1983 pressing of Golden Years, distinguished by its Piero Mannucci cut, dated matrices, and complete with original inner sleeve. A solid, well-documented example for Bowie collectors seeking authenticated European RCA pressings.
