LED ZEPPELIN IV 4, 1971 UK PLUM ATLANTIC 1st PRESS

	£		80
	$		106

Here for auction is a superb example of the iconic fourth album by LED ZEPPELIN simply titled “LED ZEPPELIN IV” (FOUR SYMBOLS), Catalogue Number 2401 012. This is an ORIGINAL 1971 UK *1st PRESSING* on the PLUM & ORANGE ATLANTIC RECORD LABEL, with 1st issue matt finish gatefold sleeve. The record has the earliest corrected A//3, B//3 Matrix Numbers and “PECKO DUCK” and “PORKY” etched in the run-outs of Sides One and Two respectively (which indicates the work of the master cutting engineer George Peckham).  

The 1st issue matt finish gatefold sleeve is in EX condition with just light storage wear and only minor creasing. The front and back covers and opening gatefold spread are unmarked. The original ‘Sold by Boots The Chemists, Chester’ sticker is still present on the bottom corner of the back cover. You can see from the photos that this is a lovely 1st issue sleeve which should please most collectors.

The top quality Atlantic record retains a deep mirror-like shine and sits flat and true on the turntable. 

The matrix numbers and stampers are:

Side One – 2401012 ##A//3   1  3     9    PECKO DUCK

Side Two – 2401012    B//3   1  2     1  0     PORKY

Visually the record is in EX condition with just a few very light sleeve-removal type rub marks evident under bright light. These are of course purely superficial and do not cause any audio problems whatsoever. The plum & orange Atlantic labels are unmarked apart from some minor foxing/storage spots (see close-up photo).

PLAYGRADE ASSESSMENT:

Atlantic plum & orange 1st pressings are very special. Playback is particularly loud and vibrant and the bass is a revelation. Both sides play perfectly with all frequencies crystal clear. There is no discernable deterioration in sound quality and barely any unwanted noise at all (just occasional very light surface sound which is never intrusive and only mentioned for complete accuracy). You simply will not find a significantly better playing copy of Zeppelin’s masterpiece.

Complete with the correct 1st issue soft card inner sleeve, which has the song credits on one side and the “Stairway To Heaven” lyrics on the other. This has some foxing from storage and splits to the bottom and one side edge.

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 & POSTAGE

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   

Europe up to £39 value - £8.95

Europe over £39 value - £11.15

Worldwide up to £39 value - £12.45

Worldwide over £39 value - £14.65

A postage discount will be given for multiple LPs

The UK postage cost includes insurance up to a value of £39. If the final sale price is more than this, your invoice will include a Special Delivery Next Day insurance option.