LED ZEPPELIN III A5 / B5 Atlantic 2401022 UK 1970 RED/PLUM Label
On offer here is a stunning genuine first pressing on the famous red/plum label.  It has the 'Peter Grant' credit as Executive producer on the labels which later copies do not.  The publishing credits are 'Warner Bros. Music Ltd'.
  It also has the famous Aleister Crowley quotes  'Do what thou wilt' and 'So mote it be' etched on the dead wax and the rotating wheel still works perfectly on the gatefold.
A5 / 11 8 // B5 / 12 5 // Cat  no 2401022
The audio on Side One is Near Mint (Many sections Mint-)
The audio on Side Two is  Near Mint  (Many sections Mint-)
The gatefold cover is Near Mint-
The labels are Near Mint
The original inner sleeve is Ex+
Visual grading
Visually this vinyl is in superb order with only a few very faint wispy hairlines on each side, no doubt caused by sleeve removal.  There are no heavier hairlines or scratches at all and it retains a beautiful glossy sheen.  There is some spindle wear but not a great deal so the record has definitely not been overplayed.  This is one reason why the audio (as detailed below) plays with such stunning quality.  This vinyl has been so carefully handled by the previous owner which is why it has remained in such immaculate condition for nearly 50 years now.  The gatefold is also in fantastic condition.
Play grading
There is very little lead in static and the 'Immigrant Song' proceeds to play with astounding quality and is without doubt one of the best versions I have ever heard.  So rare to find this on a genuine A5/B5 first press.  It plays with incredible power and with no interference whatsoever.  A stunning start!  'Friends' has approximately three faint clicks at the beginning but they are very much in the background and do not interfere.  The track plays with superb audio and with great clarity, there is just no other interference at all.  'Celebration Day' continues this quality with mind-blowing audio, I am running out of superlatives here and this vinyl has to be heard to be believed!  The bluesy 'Since I've Been Loving You' is another highlight and plays with astonishing power and separation.  If I'm being ultra-critical there is just a hint of distortion on the top end but in all honesty this is most probably the best version I have heard on a first pressing.  The quiet sections on this track are few and far between but they play with stunning quality and no background noise at all.  'Out On The Tiles' ends Side One with high end audio once again.  It 'rocks out' with great power again and no interference.  Perhaps there is slight distortion on the top end again but it in no way detracts from what is a fantastic listen.  The whole track plays with stunning depth and clarity.  Wow!!
'Gallows Pole' has a little faint crackle at the beginning but this is very common on the first tracks of any side.  It is only light and is very much in the background.  The remainder of the track plays with wonderful quality and I am just so impressed at the clarity here.  There is no muddiness to the sound, it plays so clearly and with great power.  The drums just play superbly on this version.  'Tangerine' has a little static here and there but hey this record is nearly 47 years old!  It still plays with incredible quality.  No loud crackle, clicks or pops whatsoever.  'That's The Way' is stunning and plays with almost Mint quality.  A bold statement to make but I grade honestly as my 100% feedback testifies and I can only write what I hear!  'Bron-y-aur Stomp' if anything plays to the same standard and is another stunning listen.  The final track 'Hats off to (Roy) Harper' ends this incredible first pressing with no interference and Mint audio once more.
In summary this is a final upgrade archive copy for certain.  I have never heard a better A5/B5 first pressing and the audio knocks spots off later pressings and the more recent reissues.  This is how vinyl should be heard!
Gatefold cover
The laminated E.J. Day gatefold is in overall superb condition and the wheel still rotates perfectly.  It is definitely one of the cleanest first press gatefolds I have seen.  The edges and spine have no rubbing and only the bottom corner of the opening edge has a little wear.  The laminate itself is in great condition with no lifting or splits and there are only a couple of minor creases.  The inside of the gatefold and the back cover are in near pristine condition accept for that tiny area of wear on the corner as stated.  There is a small amount of wear on the opening edge but it is only minor.  Rarely will you see such an immaculate gatefold with no obvious wear or staining.  A stunning example.
Poly-lined inner sleeve
Included is the original 'Plastic Bags Can Be Dangerous' inner with patents numbers printed on the left and 'Made In England 1/0170' on the right.  These numbers relate to when this first pressing was released in the UK - 5th October 1970.  It is in excellent condition with no rips or tears just some creasing mainly towards the bottom.
The labels
The red/plum labels are in superb shape with no marks or writing, just some spindle wear which isn't excessive.
Play tested on my Pro-Ject Essential III Turntable // B & W 684 Speakers

A5 / 11 8 // B5 / 12 5 // Cat  no 2401022

Any questions please feel free to ask

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