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

	£		64
	$		85

From my extensive Led Zeppelin collection I am pleased to offer an exceptional example of the iconic fourth studio album by LED ZEPPELIN simply titled “LED ZEPPELIN IV”, Catalogue Number 2401 012 DELUXE. This is a 1971 UK STEREO 1st PRESSING on the PLUM & ORANGE ATLANTIC RECORD LABEL, with a near perfect 1st ISSUE MATT FINISH GATEFOLD SLEEVE. Complete with the correct 1st issue lyric/credits inner sleeve. [The record labels are the earliest possible design with “Executive Producer: Peter Grant” credits at the bottom which have been covered up with colour-coded factory-fitted stickers. The stickers were hurriedly applied to the 1st issue labels as a temporary measure due to legal problems with the band’s management. The stickered labelled copies were only available for a very brief period of time until the more familiar plum & orange labels were printed which omitted the Peter Grant reference. They are the rarest plum & orange label variant. The matrix numbers and stampers are: Side One – 2401012## A//3  1 1 1 0  “PECKO DUCK” and Side Two – 2401012 B//3  1 1 1  “PORKY”. The grey soft card lyric/credits inner sleeve is the correct 1st issue which does not have the catalogue number text printed on it].  

The sleeve is in EX+ condition with only the lightest signs of wear and a few minor creases. The front and back covers are simply stunning - totally unmarked with virtually no age discoloration. The opening gatefold spread is pristine. The spine is square and solid and perfect. This is probably the best 1st issue sleeve that you will find. It will be almost impossible to improve upon!

The top quality Atlantic record is visually in between VG and EX condition although this visual grade does not do it justice. It’s a nice solid pressing with a square-cut rim edge. Both sides retain a lovely deep shine and the disc sits flat on the turntable. There are just a few very light surface marks evident under bright light. These are only superficial and do not have any audio significance whatsoever (no clicks). The beautiful plum & orange Atlantic labels are unmarked with only a few short spindle traces near the centres. The colour-coded factory labels are perfectly stuck down and fully intact. The sound quality of these George “PORKY” Peckham cut original Atlantic pressings is truly sensational - very powerful and vibrant with wonderful driving bass. Both sides of this cherished vinyl play EX+ throughout. There is barely any discernable deterioration in sound quality and virtually no unwanted noise at all. Please don’t be put off by my visual grading – the record really does play almost perfectly.  I think that it will be almost impossible to find another stickered labelled 1st pressing which plays to such a high standard.

The grey soft card lyric/credits inner sleeve is unmarked with no significant creases. It does however have splits to the bottom and one side edge.  

Overall this is a beautiful 1st press copy of Zeppelin's iconic masterpiece 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