[78-L] Dating American Columbias

[Mason Aric Vander Lugt]

Thanks for the suggestions, Dave.

I've been primarily using the Rust & Brooks Columbia Master Book Discography for series with straightforward matrix numbers (A-prefix, D-suffix, 35,000 - 40,000), but have come across many where I don't know where to start looking.

I apologize if this question is elementary to many members of this list, but where can I find a guide to the prefixes and suffixes Columbia used for catalog and matrix numbers? Specifically, I've had some problems finding information about records with the M suffix (CL prefix in matrix), V suffix (CO prefix in matrix), and post 'race-record' D suffix recordings, among others.

Thanks again,
Mason