Led Zeppelin II, 2, 11 Original Rare First Press

	£		87
	$		115

I have been a collector of vinyl now for over 20 years and have put together an extensive collection spanning the decades. During this time I have acquired several duplicates, but have as yet not attempted to sell too many of them.

In describing this album, I will give detailed information and an honest, in depth evaluation of the condition and quality throughout, so forgive me if my summation appears particularly meticulous! I will gladly answer any questions or queries should there be any.

Album Particulars

       Year of print - 1969

       588 198 (stereo)

       Orange / Plum Atlantic label

       Label states "Made In Great Britain" and mis credits the track “Livin' Lovin' Wreck” on side 2, "Lemon Song" credit on side 1.

       Matrix no's  A-2 and B-2

       R.H. side opening light brown gatefold sleeve printed by E.J.Day & Co.

      Original die cut poly lined inner stating "British Patent No...." and "Made In England"

The Sleeve

Front surface - The light brown front shows no signs of ring wear at all which given the nature of the finish is pretty exceptional. There is a small scuff to the top right hand corner (about 8mm x 2mm). The blue / green edge of the spine encroaches onto the front edge by about 5mm which appears to coincide with  a similar 'mis alignment' of the inner / outer sleeve surface by about the same amount. Top and bottom edges are pretty clean and are only slightly scuffed. The right hand edge shows the slight protrusion from the inner edge (due to the mis alignment of the outer and inner surfaces during pressing)  and shows some slight feathering / wear. No stains, markings or writing of any kind!

Rear Surface - This mirrors the front cover in terms of general condition, near perfect. There are no 'slide' markings, visible. There is only a very, very slight impression of the record edging towards the top and bottom, hardly worth mentioning. The top and bottom edges and corners again are pretty good with only slight wear and the opening is not feathered at all. Again there is the slight mis alignment of inner / outer sleeve. There are no stains, markings or writing of any kind.

The Spine – The spine is blue / green in colour. ( as stated in the "Rare Record Collectors Guide"). There is some wear along the folded edges and on the top and bottom corners (more so top corner) but really only minor. The writing is clear and legible.

Inner Surfaces – The left hand edge shows some minor creasing at the bottom corner and along the edge, minimal really.The mis alignment is noticeable by about 5mm to the left (as I have already mentioned) and shows the inner surface of the front cover by the same amount. Although I have mentioned this a number of times I must stress that it is not hugely noticeable (as the pictures will hopefully show) and I just wanted to give the most honest description that I could. Once again there are no stains, markings or writing of any kind.

 The Vinyl

Side 1 - The label is absolutely perfect in every detail - no markings, no spindle wear, tears or scuffs. The vinyl is lightly marked when held in strong lighting but plays very well. There is the occasional light crackle and a few light clicks (three or four times on track 2 and again towards the end of track 4. Right at the end of "Thank you" there is a small scratch about 3 -4mm in length that does make a few light 'clicks' and 1 scuffing sound. Barring that the side plays really nicely and definately does not stick or jump at all or indeed has any nasty moments.

 Side 2 - The label is equally as good as that of side 1, the vinyl shows very light marking again when viewed in good light. On play the side is Excellent. There is only the very slightest light crackling very occasionally and the very odd light click. There is only one time between the end of  "Ramble on" and the begining of " Moby Dick" that there is any really noticeable light 'clicks' but this only lasts for a few seconds at most.

In general, the audible and visual qualities of both sides are very decent to say the least and really have to be seen and heard to be truly appreciated.

The Inner

This original inner is in very nice shape indeed. So many inners are torn or badly creased  but this particular one is in as good a shape as I've seen. No tears, splits, markings or nasty folds / creases.

Summary

Given the age of this original genuine first press and generally respectable condition, I would say that this is a very decent copy of a much sought after and increasingly rare recording that would grace any serious collectors cabinet. The "Livin' Lovin' Wreck" mis credit press is now becoming harder and harder to find in decent condition. Don't miss this opportunity to grab this classic Zeppelin album!

This summation is as genuine and as detailed as I could possibly have made it. I know if I was buying that this is the kind of information that I would like to see. I have played this album only once, LOUDLY, on good quality audio equipment since acquiring it a several months ago after which it has been sealed up.

Serious bidders only please, GOOD LUCK!!