As far as I know, the "signed" thing is something else.
The music from tape will be scratched to a template for the press. This template is called (in DE) "Mother". The first run on this "Mother" is signed by the guy who is in charge for the press. These records get hand signed. "Highenders" go for these if they can, because they have the best quality. (as far as I know)
They really do have the best quality. The pressings get progressively worse until a new negative is cut if the record has enough success for a second run. They simply wear a little bit with every pressing. Not enough to notice over the first few hundred but after many 1000+ pressings you can definitely tell the difference. If you have access to an early copy and a late one compare the really high notes, that is where it will show up first.
Typically a set of dies lasts only 1500 pressings.
If you're into vinyl: halfspeed masters and Japanese pressings tend to be a step up.
I appreciate the replies. I went into the closet and found it. It is indeed Boston's debut album from 1976. There is some information inscribed into the center area on Side 1, including a (serial?) number and what looks like a signature. "Wey" or "Wly", most likely. No idea. Some quick internet searching didn't get any hits.
Oh yeah, the original shrink wrap is still there, just opened on one edge so the record can come in and out. The shrink wrap has a large sticker on it with a Rolling Stone blurb printed on it, letting me know that Boston is a great new band and reviews of a couple songs on the album.
None of it is in great shape, so I doubt that it is worth much of anything.
