Hi all,

Bought an UK (almost mint) copy of Stage yesterday. UK pressing.
The labels are identical, same orange (not the later more red labels), but the first LP has a "ring" (see pic) like the later releases. The matrix numbers are the same like the first release, except for side A:
PL 02193 (striked out) A-1 02913 a1 au
My first reaction was a mix up of two sets, but then the labels would have a different colour I think (the one with the ring more red).
The set was unplayed.

I think this is a release between the original 1st and the later more red.
Any experts here who could help me out a bit

The problem with all releases is that there can be mismatches in production with piles of labels they will just use up the old stock unless someone physically takes them out and maintains a check.

Then you have a pile of record sleeves and records coming from different Stampers that have to be put together and again at the end of a run (crossover) checking if new matrix with right labels go in the latest sleeves is of little importance.
With a double LP the chance of any mismatch is greater.

Different newer matrix on just one side shows a crossover period.

So the answer is yes the Album you have could be in crossover period or it could be someone found some old stock and added to pile. Its hard to know with any certainty if you don't know if both discs were produced in the same factory and when and where they were put into sleeves.

So don't necessarily jump to the conclusion that actually they were originally sold, 38 years ago, in different sleeves and have been changed over at some point by an owner.

Out of interest is the weight of the vinyl the same?

Looks nice so play and enjoy!

Another posibility. 30 years ago... Some record shops had covers on shelves and vinyls stocked in the back-shop to fight against theft. Seller gave discs and extra ( Poster, insert ) when buyer go to the checkout . So, sometimes there were errors.