LED ZEPPELIN III 3, 1970 UK *1st PRESS* EARLIEST A5/B5

	£		54
	$		71

Here for auction is an exceptional example of the third album by LED ZEPPELIN simply titled “LED ZEPPELIN III”, Catalogue Number 2401002. This is an ORIGINAL 1970 *UK FIRST PRESSING* on the RED & MAROON ATLANTIC LABEL, with THE EARLIEST A-5, B-5 MATRIX NUMBERS, and 1st issue E. J. Day gatefold sleeve. “Do what thou wilt” and “So mote it be” are etched in the wax run-outs of Side One and Two respectively.

It is important to explain the differences between a genuine 1st issue from 1970 and later plum & orange pressings. Firstly, the 1st issue record labels do not have a hyphen in the middle of the catalogue number as do all later plum & orange pressings. Secondly, only 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. Thirdly, all genuine 1st issues come 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). Fourthly, the lowest 1st press matrix numbers are A-5/B-5, and lastly the 1st issue inner sleeve will carry the date code for 1970. The LP for sale here has all of these 1st press credentials.    

The *1st issue* fully-laminated gatefold sleeve, printed and made in England by E. J. Day, is in EX+ condition, with only the lightest signs of wear. The spinning wheel is in perfect working order. You can see from the photos that this one is an absolute beauty!

The top quality Atlantic record is very solidly pressed. It retains a deep mirror-like shine and sits flat and true on the turntable. I would grade Side 1 visually as EX, and Side 2 as VG+ as this side has a few noticeable hairline marks (typically caused by taking the record in and out of the inner sleeve). There are only a few very light spindle traces around the spindle hole.

PLAYGRADE ASSESSMENT:

Atlantic plum & orange 1st pressings are very special. This is a particularly vibrant and loud-cut pressing which sounds truly amazing played at loud volume. All frequencies are crystal clear and there is no discernable deterioration in sound quality. Both sides play to a very high standard with only very low levels of unwanted surface sound (never intrusive). A significantly better playing 1st press copy may be very difficult to find!!

Complete with the correct 1st issue white poly-lined inner sleeve, with “MADE IN ENGLAND 0670” and “British Patent No…” text in blue at the bottom. This is in very good condition with no splits or tears, just a few light creases and some tiny nicks to the opening edges. There is a collection number stamped on one top corner.

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 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 COSTS: Europe £5.50, Worldwide £7.95

INTERNATIONAL BUYERS: PAYMENT BY PAYPAL ONLY 

A note about insurance:

The international postage costs listed above do not include insurance. Your invoice will include an insured option. I strongly recommend that you take up this option, but it is entirely up to you. I will not hassle you about it. You either add the required insurance or you don’t. If you do add the required insurance and your record is lost or damaged, you will get a refund. If you don't add the required insurance and your record is lost or damaged, you will not get a refund. I can’t make it any clearer than that!

The UK postage cost includes insurance up to a value of £32. If the final sale price is more than this, your invoice will include an insurance option. The same applies as specified in the above paragraph.