LED ZEPPELIN III 3, EXCEPTIONAL 1970 UK PLUM ATLANTIC

	£		170
	$		225

betsy50 Store

From my own personal collection I am pleased to offer an exceptional example of the brilliant third studio album by LED ZEPPELIN simply titled “LED ZEPPELIN III”, Catalogue Number 2401002. This is an ORIGINAL 1970 UK STEREO 1st PRESSING on the PLUM & ORANGE ATLANTIC RECORD LABEL, with a superb E. J. Day gatefold sleeve. [The matrix numbers are the earliest A-5, B-5 and “Do what thou wilt” and “So mote it be” are etched in the run-outs of Sides One and Two respectively]. 

It is important to explain the differences between a genuine 1st issue from 1970 and later plum & orange pressings. The 1st issue record labels do not have a hyphen in the middle of the catalogue number as do all later plum & orange pressings. The 1st issue record labels have the text “Produced by Jimmy Page & Executive Producer: Peter Grant” printed at the top of the labels underneath “LED ZEPPELIN III” - later plum & orange pressings do not credit Peter Grant. All genuine 1st pressings came with a top quality E. J. Day made sleeve - many later plum & orange pressings were supplied with inferior German-made sleeves (which are very prone to the problem of the spinning wheel in the front of the gatefold coming off its spindle). Lastly, the lowest 1st press matrix numbers are A-5/B-5. The LP for sale here has all of these 1st press credentials and is therefore a very important album indeed.   

The fully-laminated single sleeve, printed and made by the E. J. Day Group, London & Bedford, is in EX+ condition with only very light wear and minor creasing. The front and back covers are unmarked with only minimal age discoloration. The opening gatefold spread is pristine. The spine is square and solid with perfect text. There are two wrinkles in the laminate on the back cover which is quite common on this particular sleeve. The spinning wheel inside the front cover is firmly located on its spindle and works perfectly. You can see from the photos that this is a truly excellent sleeve which should please even the most discerning collector.

The top quality Atlantic record is solidly pressed with a thick square-cut rim edge. It sits flat and true on the turntable and retains a deep mirror-like shine. 

The Matrix Numbers and stampers are:

Side One – 2401002  A-5   1  1   8  “Do what thou wilt”

Side Two – 2401002  B-5   1  2   5  “So mote it be”

Visually both sides are in EX+/MINT- condition with only a few wispy sleeve-removal type surface marks evident under bright light. These are of course only superficial and of no audio significance whatsoever. The beautiful plum & orange Atlantic labels are unmarked with only a few short spindle traces near the centres. I can confirm that the record has only been played a few times on top quality equipment.

PLAYGRADE ASSESSMENT:

This superb Atlantic pressing plays with outstanding sound quality. The stereo playback is particularly loud-cut and vibrant and the bass in particular is very impressive. Both sides play essentially as new. There is no discernable deterioration in sound quality and barely any unwanted noise at all. You simply will not find a significantly better-playing example of this essential blues/rock album – I guarantee it!

GRADINGS

The records that I offer for sale have been critically play-graded, at loud volume, on a Rega Planar 3 turntable fitted with an Elys 2 cartridge. I will only sell records that play to a high standard. My gradings are strict and in accordance with the following descriptions:

·         MINT- Record is superb, almost like new, with just a few sleeve removal type surface marks and no deterioration in sound quality. Sleeve is near perfect in all respects.

·         EX Record is a top quality example, with just a few very light surface marks which do not sound, and barely any discernable deterioration in sound quality. Sleeve has slight wear and/or creasing.

·         VG Record has some visual surface marks, but still plays to a high standard without any major deterioration in sound quality – just a few clicks or light surface sound in places. Sleeve has normal wear and tear without any major defects. Still a very presentable sleeve.

PACKAGING

Records are sent out in new “Wrapro” record mailers. These are rectangular and strong, providing excellent protection to the edges and corners. Records are removed from both inner and outer sleeves in order to prevent seam-splits in transit.

INTERNATIONAL POSTAGE

Due to PayPal’s Buyer Protection Policy, LPs posted outside of the UK (paid for by PayPal) will only be sent International Signed-For with insurance at the following cost:   

Europe up to £41 value - £9.95

Europe over £41 value - £12.45

Worldwide up to £41 value - £13.30

Worldwide over £41 value - £15.80

A postage discount will be given for multiple LPs

I do not make a profit on international postage – Royal Mail international postage charges went up significantly on 6th April 2010. If you are not happy with the International postage costs above – please do not bid.