LED ZEPPELIN - LED ZEPPELIN III

1971 UK 1st press Led Zep classic on Atlantic cherished red & plum labels

Year/Label : 1971 UK ATLANTIC Label number : STEREO 2401002 Matrix numbers : 2401002 A-5, 2401002 B7  (all hand etched with "do what thou wilt" and "so mote it be" also hand etched on sides 1 and 2 dead wax respectively)) Stampers :  15 2  /  12 6
An excellent (EX) condition vinyl - flat and weighty vinyl with beautiful jet black sheen. On each side there are just a couple of extremely faint paper scuffs (only detectable with close inspection under a bright light) - apart from that side 1 is flawless and side 2 is similar except for a small scuff mark at the very beginning of side 2 which results in x9 noticeable clicks followed a few seconds later by another x3 low level clicks. No sticks, repeats, or jumps. To be precise, and because of this small but noticeable side 2 blemish, I should grade the condition of side 1 of the vinyl as "excellent plus" and side 2 as "very good plus", so I suppose an overall condition grade of "excellent" is just about right.  Each label is excellent with all black text upon the iconic red, maroon and white Atlantic label backgrounds remaining perfectly intact, the only blemishes being a few very faint spindle trails adjacent to the centre hole on each label. Note the Peter Grant credit on each label - a 1st UK press identifier, later versions omitting this credit.  The condition of the original fully laminated E.J Day outer sleeve is excellent plus (EX+) - difficult to fault in fact, with firm and unscuffed edges, perfect corners with no rubbing, gorgeous rigid spine with all spine text perfectly intact, a fully functioning rotating wheel, perfect interior with no handling marks or age discolouration or unwanted writing, and all of the iconic art work, photos and text remaining beautifully intact. If I'm being really picky I could point out just the merest hint of a touch of age discolouration on the reverse side next to the opening edge, but even this is negligible. Not even any laminate creasing, although as I take another close look I can see a few diagonal 1-3 cm very, very light score marks on the front side towards the bottom edge - you will need to look closely and have the sleeve tilted to the right angle in a good light.  Remarkable condition, and difficult to believe that this sleeve is now 53 years of age.  The audio quality is excellent (EX) with no skips, jumps, repeats, sticks, interference or distortion. Side 1 is simply terrific - hard to fault with great tone and clarity from start to finish. Side 2 has the aforementioned x9 clicks at the beginning of B1 followed by x3 further low level clicks after that. Any background crackle is at an absolute minimum on both sides - very occasional (during a couple of the intermissions and two or three of the quieter moments), very light and background, and not intrusive. Great tone and great clarity. Timeless, with every track a brilliant listen still. Comes with original and excellent condition poly-lined "PLASTIC BAGS CAN BE DANGEROUS" outer sleeve with just a single crease in one corner, no seam splits, no edge fraying, no age discolouration and remaining fully functional. Note that I always insert the vinyl into a new poly-lined plain white inner sleeve for shipping purposes in order to protect the original.
An overall excellent condition copy of this timeless Led Zep masterpiece, and you won't find many UK 1st press outer sleeves in better condition than this!
POSTAGE COSTS :  

For the UK £4 using Royal Mail tracked 48 hour; 

for continental Europe £12 using Royal Mail 1st class tracked and signed for, 

and for the rest of the world £18 using Royal Mail 1st class tracked and signed for. 

I do provide posting and packaging discounts for multiple purchases. I make no profit from postage.

Note that I always insert the vinyl into a new plain white poly-lined inner sleeve in order to protect the original during postage, and separate this from the outer sleeve to prevent seam splits. I use thick cardboard stiffeners and take great care in my packaging to ensure as far as possible that these precious records reach their destination in exactly the same condition as when they leave me.

 If you require any further information, including photos, then let me know and I'll do my best to oblige. 

If this record interests you then take a look at my other listings for more 60's and 70's classic vinyl.

A bit about myself : I have been collecting UK vinyl for over 55 years from a variety of sources : my own collection, friends and family, car boot and garage sales, door-to-door leaflets, and even through placing an advert in my wife's shop window! My ebay feedback speaks for itself so rest assured that you are buying from a trusted seller and in the very unlikely event that you are unhappy with your purchase just e-mail me and I will sort out the problem. I offer a "no questions asked" refund policy. If you require any further information, including photos, then let me know and I'll do my best to oblige. There is NO RESERVE on this item. Richard

Descriptions of any records I sell comply with the Rare Record Price Guide grading guidelines.