LED ZEPPELIN III 3, ORIGINAL 1970 UK PLUM ATLANTIC

	£		90
	$		119

betsy50 Store

From my extensive Led Zeppelin collection I am pleased to offer a lovely example of the brilliant third studio album simply titled “LED ZEPPELIN III”, Catalogue Number 2401 002. This is a TRUE 1970 UK STEREO 1st PRESSING on the PLUM & ORANGE ATLANTIC RECORD LABEL, with a superb 1st issue fully-laminated E. J. DAY rotating wheel gatefold sleeve. Complete with the correct white poly-lined inner sleeve. [The matrix numbers are the earliest A-5/B-5 and “Do what thou wilt” and “So mote it be” is etched in the run-outs of Sides One and Two respectively. The record labels have the earliest “Executive Producer: Peter Grant” credits and the Catalogue Number does not have a hyphen in the middle].  

The sleeve is in EX condition with only the lightest of wear and a few minor creases. The front and back covers are unmarked with just a little age discoloration near the edges. The opening gatefold spread is pristine. The rotating novelty wheel is firmly located on its pivot and spins freely. The spine is square and solid with perfect text. Overall this is a superb example of probably the most iconic album sleeve ever made.   

The top quality Atlantic record is visually in close to EX condition. It’s a solid and inflexible pressing which retains its original deep shine and sits flat on the turntable. There are just a few very light surface marks evident under bright light. The plum & orange Atlantic labels are unmarked with only a few short spindle traces near the centres. The sound quality of these original Atlantic pressings is truly outstanding - very powerful and vibrant with wonderful driving bass. This is a very clean-playing copy and both sides play excellently throughout. There is no discernable deterioration in sound quality and barely any unwanted noise at all (just a few soft background ticks in a couple of places which are really not intrusive and do not interfere with the enjoyment of the brilliant music). Please don’t be put off by my strict visual grading – the record really does play almost perfectly. I think that it will be very difficult to find another copy of this standard.

The correct white poly-lined inner sleeve has no splits or tears - just a few creases and some age toning. The “01 71” date code is printed in blue text in the bottom corner.

Overall this is a lovely 1st press copy of Zeppelin's iconic third album which will grace any record collection.  

GRADINGS

The records that I offer for sale have been critically play-graded, at loud volume, on a Rega P5 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 but is still very presentable.

PACKAGING        

LPs are packaged with care and well protected to ensure that they arrive safely in the same condition as they leave me. Records are removed from both inner and outer sleeves in order to prevent seam-splits in transit.

INTERNATIONAL POSTAGE

LPs posted outside of the UK will only be sent International Signed-For with insurance at the following cost:   

Europe - £9.95

Worldwide - £13.30