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

	£		63
	$		83

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. This particular copy has the rarer mis-credited “CELEBRATION” song title text on the Side One label (rather than CELEBRATION DAY).

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 and barely any age discoloration. The spinning wheel is in perfect working order. There are some wrinkles to the laminate on the back cover. You can see from the photos that this one is a very well preserved example!

The solidly pressed Atlantic record retains a deep mirror-like shine and sits flat and true on the turntable. Side 1 is visually in EX condition. I would grade Side 2 visually as VG+ as there are a few noticeable sleeve removal type rub marks and hairlines. These are purely superficial and do not cause any audio problems (no repetitive clicks). The beautiful plum & orange labels are unmarked with only a few light spindle traces near the centres.

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 barely any discernable deterioration in sound quality (just occasional light surface sound which is never intrusive). A significantly better playing 1st press copy may be difficult to find!

The white poly-lined inner sleeve, with “British Patent No…” and “MADE IN ENGLAND” text in blue at the bottom, is in EX+ condition.

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.