LED ZEPPELIN IV - 1st UK pressing - A3/B3 Porky/Pecko

	£		161
	$		214

LED ZEPPELIN IV

1st UK pressing on the red(orange) and plum Atlantic Label deluxe 2401012

earliest possible Stamper-Matrixes A3 and B3, Porky and Pecko in run-offs

"Kinney" Sticker on back of Sleeve and correct spelling of "Misty Mountain Hop" (see picture)

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Some general remarks: The real McCoy!!! It has the earliest possible stamper matrixes A3 and B3, the Porky and Pecko engravings in the run offs, Kinney and Superhype credits on the label and the Kinney sticker on the back of the Sleeve (see picture). When you search the net you will find a lot of statements from "Led Zeppelin" experts about which pressing has been the first. There are people who even say the A3/B4 was the first release having the "Top" mis-spell, others say the 1st issue mentioned Peter Grant on the label also having the "Top" mis-spell. Fact is that A3/B3 are the very first stamper Matrixes and when you think about it for a moment it does not make much sense to release an A3/B4 before an A3/B3 on the red(orange) and plum label. Like all of us I have no evidence whether the hen or the egg came first but logical-wise the copy on auction belonged to the very first batch. It is very funny that some collector left comments on the net that the red/plum issue with the correct "Misty Mountain Hop" was the last release before Atlantic changed the label design to green/orange. But at this time there were no releases any more carrying the first A3/B3 stamper Matrixes...... So if someone believes in this mysterious story following its obscure logic, my copy on auction has never been released.... Ooops? That brings me to maybe even more important things: The Vinyl is in unbelievable condition and sounds terrific. What else can you desire?         

I grade my records on top notch equipment, using the expensive Lyra Kleos MC-cartridge. It reveals everything from any Vinyl which sometimes can be a curse, especially with 40+ year old records. When I grade a record as Excellent, I am pretty sure many other sellers would not hestitate to call it Near Mint. When I give a record the "Near Mint" grading it is practically flawless. I am collecting Vinyl since 35+ years and own hundreds of records from the day they came into the shops. I clean all records on my Keith Monks RCM II and add the Nagaoka N102 protective sleeve to each record.

The Vinyl: NEAR MINT

Unbelievably clean with a sound 2die4. The Vinyl sits flat on the turntable.

The Labels: NEAR MINT

Original Gatefold-Sleeve: EXCELLENT

A minimum of edge rubbing only. Strong and clearly readable spine.  

Original Inner Sleeve: EXCELLENT-

We all know that 99% of the original inner Sleeves are beaten up or torn. This one survived nearly unblemished. It has a small seam-split (see picture) and a beginning very small split on one side (1,5 cm). No creases (!), no tears. Clean.    

If you ever intended to invest into a real first pressing of this landmark album in TOP condition GRAB IT BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE ! 

In case of any further questions please don't hesitate to mail me. I will answer promptly.

Due to the somehow weird eBay policies regarding postage please ignore the postage fee listed above. I decided to fix shipping at 7 GBP to anywhere in Europe and 9 GBP to the rest of the world. This includes the fees for "signed for/registered" and also Insurance to make sure the record arrives safely. It also allows to track it during its transit. The record ships from Germany.

Payment is required within 3 working days after auction ended.

I pack my records professionally in stiff record mailers leaving the Vinyl (housed in Nagaoka anti-static bags) outside the Sleeve.  

Good luck.