Given the comments below plus my expansion of the release notes yesterday, there is now ample explanation on this release to help buyers differentiate between a '67 original, which is less common in its availability (thus more expensive), and the more readily available (cheaper) '73 reissue to cash in on Bowie's then new found fame. Per the general rule of buying not just vinyl but most other things, if something appears too good to be true that's because it is! Buyers if you ignore the proffered, friendly, advice on this and get burned then you can't blame anyone else. Not all sellers want to do you over but I'm afraid some do. Caveat emptor! :-)

This is a fake released with homemade cover , genuine vinyl record with homemade cover

I have a copy laughing gnome on both a and b dr 39798 is the any value

On the origial not only are the numbers DR 39798 upside down, as this was the norm for a Deram releases back in 1967. But another way to tell at a glance is the date 1967 is on the left not right on all the original copy's, the layout look's different without even needing a close inspection.

The upside down matrix comman in the sixties is the original 67 release and pressing

It doesn't seem like the picture above is the 1967 version but rather the 1973 version. http://www.bowie-singles.com/Early/The_Laughing_Gnome.htmlHas anybody heard of a 1967 version without the upside down "DR 39798" print?Dennis

Great! I'll try that. Thanx :)

How does one tell this one http://www.discogs.com/David-Bowie-The-Laughing-Gnome/release/966367 (the 1973 re-release) and the above apart?I should very much like to find out which version I have :)

The numbers DR 39798 and DR 39799 are both printed upside down on the original 1967 release.

How does one tell this one http://www.discogs.com/release/2559209 (the 1967 release) and the above apart and what does "On this version, the "DR 39798" code above the catalog number on the label is the correct way up." mean? What does 'correct way up' mean? If there's a correct way up, the must be a 'wrong way up' too..Do tell! :)

Above the DM 123 it says DR39798 written upside down on the original and correct on the 73 reissue 99,9% of all listed here are the 73 reissue look at the pictures on the 67 &73 copys and you will spot the difference ...Roeland

Hi,re your query about the catalog numbers,check out the Bowie discography then click on the 7 inch singles site all is shown in the pictures they have on the site,not sure whether they are, a misprint or not but have been told there worth more money,hope this helps in some way,cheers Alan