BID WITH TOTAL CONFIDENCE . YOUR SATISFACTION IS GUARANTEED: COMPLETE MONEY BACK GUARANTEE IF NOT TOTALLY SATISFIED

SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST, QUALITY ASSURED. I HAVE A 100% POSITIVE FEEDBACK RATING AND A 100% TRACK RECORD OF OFFERING GREAT PRODUCTS, SERVICE, COMMUNICATION AND DELIVERY – GUARANTEED!!  

Led Zeppelin IV

1971 - PLUM / RED - Ultra RARE ORIGINAL UK PRESSING with INVERTED FEATHER and 'TOP' Label Error

AN INCREDIBLE RARITY THAT LOOKS AND SOUNDS UNPLAYED

CAT NO:....

Deluxe 2401012 - Stereo - ATLANTIC, MADE IN GT BRITAIN.

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LABEL PRESS DETAILS:

Plum Red Atlantic Deluxe – 2401012, inscribed in the centre of side 1 with "PECKO DUCK" and on side 2 with "PORKY."

This is a Rare Original press of Led Zeppelin IV.  And this press has the A 3 / B 3 which are extremely rare with the label variant. The record also comes with the earliest gatefold sleeve and the incredibly rare Inverted Feather logo in the top right hand corner of the side 2 record label. This is one of the rarest Zeppelin records and virtually never comes on the market let alone in this stunning condition. 

Also under the track listing is the amended correct album credits;

"Kinnet Music Ltd. / Superhype Music Inc." 

"Produced By Jimmy Page."

One other abnormality is also found on the first side's matrix numbers, instead of the correct, "- A - 3", it ended with "- B - 1"! This was spotted as well and where Atlantic determined to get these  few records out and sold! That ending was over stamped with 'XX' and the correct ending "- A - 3" was stamped to the immediate right, you can still just about see the incorrect stamping. This matrix is only on the very first records made, most likely even before the later stickered copies.

MASTERED BY GEORGE PECKHAM - "A PORKY'S PRIME CUT" - MASTERING ENGINEER TO THE BEATLES, APPLE STUDIOS. 3 SAVILLE ROW, LONDON

George Peckham mastered this album with Jimmy Page and Phil Carsons from Atlantic Records. Page called back after the session to say how please he was with the results and that he wanted George to master all future Led Zeppelin Lps. his "Porky's" inscription would go on to also appear on latter albums.

THIS IS A COMPLETE GENUINE ULTRA RARE ORIGINAL FROM MY OWN PERSONAL COLLECTION, AND IS A REMARKABLE OPPORTUNITY TO BUY AN OUTSTANDING EXAMPLE OF ONE OF THE MOST HIGHLY COLLECTIBLE VINYL ALBUMS OF ALL TIME. ARGUABLY LED ZEPPELIN’S GREATEST WORK IN ITS COMPLETELY ORIGINAL FORMAT.

MATRIX NOs. ON RUN-OUT GROOVE

Side 1.   2401012  XX    A - 3  (ultra rare corrected matrix)

Side 2.   2401012           B - 3 

MOTHER STAMPERS:

Side 1. '' 1 2 9  '' (impossibly early)

Side 2. '' 1   2 7  ''  - MAKING THIS AN EXCEPTIONAL RARE EARLY PRESSING!

TRACK LISTING…

Side 1: Black Dog; Rock and Roll; The Battle of Evermore; Stairway to Heaven.

Side 2: Misty Mountain Hop; Four Sticks; Going to California; When the Levee Breaks.

Led Zeppelin 4 charted at 1 in the UK and 2 in the US, with a status as one of the greatest rock albums ever. A diverse work of astonishing musical beauty, it has held its’ power to delight and surprise when heard in clear detail.

'Following the staggering reunion triumph at the O2, which I was lucky enough to be at, with interest in Led Zeppelin greater than ever, with the site for the Ahmettribute.com tribute concert receiving an unbelievable 120 million hits, with 25 million people apparently registering for a Zeppelin ticket, its as good a time as any to invest in an original copy early press of this classic Zep album.'

"Four Symbols" spent an amazing 57 weeks in the UK charts. The green & orange label pressing's would far outsell the red and maroon colour early pressing's. The Plum label variants were only available for 12 of the 57 weeks, during which time Atlantic prepared to launch their new labels and the new catalogue numbers.

Label changes usually took place incrementally, with a necessary cross over period needed to bridge the change of the records and covers already in record shops, taking into account the most recent releases that were still selling.

The classic Plum label design was changed by Atlantic to a green & orange colour in March, 1972, when the second pressings of "4 Symbols" were made, with a new catalogue number, 'K 5008,' replacing the first issue's 'De Luxe 2401 012.'

ALBUM PLAYED FOR GRADING:

Yes – Top Audio - superb sound quality throughout!

Zep IV is a complex and varied collection of music, and is also a relatively sensitive piece of vinyl, very hard to find in clear audio condition. Worn copies can have a lot of surface sound, pops and clicks, even on musically complex and busy tracks like 'Four Sticks.' This pressing has strong undistorted audio, with Super clear sound and minimal background static. There is certainly no dominant  interference, and NO pops or clicks or distortion. It really sounds great and plays with great sound separation and clarity!

Superb sound, every track has been tested and I could find no obvious sound blemishes. The occasional ultra light static tic and some ultra light occasional static only is all I could detect,  and it is light and very occasional. Wonderful TOP audio, there is NO distortion, NO sticks or jumps what so ever, and virtual silence between the tracks.

This vinyl is an absolute gem!  'Stairway ' sings out with silence in the run ins and quiet areas and not a single pop or click throughout. Great music with great clarity, and so hard to find with this type of sound. It really sounds amazing and plays with great sound separation and clarity! I will give a detailed account below:

Even for Led Zeppelin, their fourth album is a complex and varied collection of music, and extremely hard to find in clear audio condition. This pressing has amazing strong undistorted audio, with crystal clear sound. NO  interference, and NO loud pops or clicks. Obviously no Distortion what so ever. Any static is extremely low level, and that is unusual for any vinyl. It really sounds great and plays with great sound separation and clarity!

The album starts straight away with great clear music, with so many sounds and layering that are usually inaudible on even slightly worn pressings.  'Black Dog' bursts in and although it is rockous it can still be a real test for Zep 4. Here it plays beautifully, with incredibly little static. The track bursts in with amazing power and clarity, a complex track with complex audio layering, all bright and clear. A wonderful 'Rock N Roll' sounds like it has been little played, its so clear, and this vinyl has in fact only been played a couple of times. Super clear bright audio with great separation. Still no pops, clicks or even a hint or distortion. Just great audio. 'The Battle of Evermore' plays brilliantly, with minimal background static. This is such a hard track to find with clear sound, and the intro is nearly always dominated by loud plops clicks and static. Not here. I only really heard a bit of very light static at the very very beginning, and it is extremely light and certainly plays with no pops or clicks. Even those layered echoes on Plants vocal; 'Bring It Back' is crystal clear, with every layered track having perfect separation.

And then the ultimate test for Zep IV, the long intro to 'Stairway'. Always plagued by heavy static, hear it is extremely clear. Incredible sound. only the very faintest background static. Even the guitar solo on Stairway can play with a lot of static and distortion, and here it is just crystal clear. Some light occasional static, and one or two static tics, the track sounds great. Even the short outro plays perfectly, and that is un heard of. Amazing audio, the whole album just plays superbly with not a hint of distortion anywhere, just great super clear sound. 

'Misty Mountain Hop' starts off side 2. again with super clear audio. So clear that there is are two seconds of ultra faint music, before the actual main track starts, and this is virtually never delectable, so easily lost under the lightest surface sound. Hear it is just crystal clear, and the whole track plays with No pops and minimal static, just clear audio. 

'Four Sticks' plays with great clear sound, absolutely superb audio. Every note is sharp and bright. Crystal clear audio, two very light pops only, minimal static and minimal surface sound during the track. There is some very light background static between the tracks and at the very start of this track, but certainly nothing that noticeable. When the bass comes in a third of the way through the track it just bursts out with incredible power, unique bass mix only really found on very early pressings. Amazing. The last of the quiet tracks on the album, 'Going To California' is again often blighted with heavy surface noise, but here it just plays superbly. A bit of occasional static but certainly nothing particularly noticeable. Rounding  off the album with the massive 'When the Levee Breaks', this track just plays perfectly. No pops, no clicks, no static. Superb.

I really enjoyed every second of this RARE early pressing of Zeppelin's classic album. There are NO repeating tics, NO distortion, NO loud pops or clicks, and of course NO sticks or jumps what so ever. This pressing plays with crisp crystal clear audio throughout. Truly incredible audio experience.

The music jumps out, with definition and clarity, the vocals which come through with tremendous power. Its the same with the bass guitar and drums, whilst the guitars come through crisp and clear. The tonal quality make this a sensational pressing. With the clear and extra loud First cut engineering giving the audio a vibrant sound which cannot be beaten.

A great all round example of this classic vinyl. This is a great Audio pleasure and I would have to give the Audio strict grading of NEAR MINT although I'm sure many would rate it higher. 

Staggering first stereo mix, unlike the re-issues which lack the impact. A great all round example of this great vinyl.

THE RECORD – VISUAL GRADING

A superb piece of glossy vinyl, and a really thick pressing. Deep clear grooves that can only be found on the original early pressings, this vinyl has been little played. It does have a couple of ultra faint hairlines, but the are very light and have no effect on the sound. In daylight it looks virtually unmarked, Unbelievable to think this vinyl is 40 years old! 

This record has only the faintest of handling marks, which can be seen under a very strong spot light. It has been played, but only a few times, and very carefully and certainly shows no groove wear. Grades at NEAR MINT.

THE LABELS

A lovely set of these Rare labels. No obvious marks or scratches, no spindle wear and just a few ultra light spindle traces on each side. The 1960's red & maroon colours of the Atlantic label are only original pressings, they were re-designed to orange and green colours in late 1971. All the colour is deep and un eroded, and there are no tears, writing or sticker marks on these all important and so rare Plum labels. 

Graded at NEAR MINT.

VINYL TESTED FOR ANY SIGNS OF WARPING:

Yes, NONE visible what so ever when tested be sight and on a moving turntable.

THE COVER 

This is a superb 1st press cover. Gatefold format, unlaminated, flat matt finish. Comes with the charcoal black inner, and made in lighter card than some later pressings. Printed in Great Britain. The Matt finish covers of Zep 4 have to be one of the most prone to wear of all the classic vinyls from the sixties and early seventies. They do not fare quite as badly as the original Zep 2 covers, but none the less, they usually come pretty knackered. But not this one!

Any serious collector will easily know that original press Zep 4 covers are irreplaceable. Made out of unique and totally un miss able matt card with a coloration that is unique to the first press Plum editions, they are un mistakably different to all later pressings. Also, the inside gatefold on these first pressings is much lighter than all later pressings, and you can clearly see the original art work shading to the background.

Not having the advantage of being laminated, these covers usually faired pretty badly, with serious ring wear and destruction to the edges. The Spines are nearly always flattened, worn and torn.

This original Plum press cover has only the lightest wear to the edges, barely noticeable. It has no rips or tears, and no creases or wear at the opening. The opening edges are square and un frayed and there is NO ring wear. Any edge wear is very light, and the inside Gatefold is largely unmarked. The corers are un creased and the spine is completely un marked other then the slightest loss of colour at the very tips. A stunning example.

THE INNER 

Thick grey paper inner with track listings and Stairway to Heaven lyrics. Flip backs to both sides. No catalogue number. Later inner sleeves  had a far lighter finish and are far more common, and green orange inners did come with the later catalogue number. 

I often wonder if the Zep team were having a laugh when they came up with the inner sleeve of Zeppelin 4. Beautiful though it is, as is clearly illustrated with this example,  they were destined to disintegrate almost as soon as they left the factory. 

They are notoriously fragile and rarely, if ever, found un split, un torn or un creased. So often examples are found where the original owners put clear tape on at least the bottom edge and often on some of the sides too, simply to reinforce the delicate seams in a bid to try and prevent splitting. Always a terrible idea!

I imagine that often the vulnerable soft card inners would be split by the record, as the record often moved in the cover in transit to the retail outlets. Rarely would owners have the inclination or foresight to remove the record from its original inner, and store it in a standard plain poly lined substitute, as has been done with this one. 

This is a solid example of the earliest edition.  No stains. The dual flip backs are strong, both solidly stuck down, unruffled and just a little frayed. There is a slight tear at the top, some creasing and the sides have wear, although are not actually burst.

 Strictly grades at VERY GOOD PLUS.

The vinyl will of course comes with a new replacement plain white inner sleeve.

RARITY

A GENUINE plum press Zep 4 in any type of condition is scarce and becoming increasingly rare. An early with A 3 B 3 with great sound and great cover makes this an genuine rarity. And an original pressing with exceptional Audio, and its original inner sleeve. 

The fabled Inverted Feather label is an extreme rarity. The "Top" error and in this stunning condition make this an incredible collectable pressing. Superb!!!

GREAT COVERS WITH NO SEAM SPLITS, NO TEARS, NO WRITING, NO STICKERS.

GREAT VINYLS WITH NO LOUD CLICKS OR POPS, NO JUMPS OR REPEATS - GUARANTEED!

SCRUPULOUS EXAMINATION and TESTING; PLEASE NOTE:

This record has been play tested on highly sensitive equipment to ensure the sound quality and accuracy of description. I aim to give a precise and concise description of the sound quality, pointing out any defects so that you know what you are buying. I will not go into screeds of information about the nature of the songs, as I imagine that you already know them well. I aim to describe all items as accurately as possible, and offer a full refund on return if for any reason you are not completely happy with the item description.

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VINYL SOUND - PLEASE NOTE:

The highest quality vinyl with clear sound is rare, and is what I always aim for. I only sell records that play with TOP AUDIO performance, super clear sound uninterrupted by hiss or other interference. Even with the cleanest copies you will find occasional static sound or occasional light tics during playback, caused by a build of dust in the grooves. This is clearly different from the distortion, loud pops, repeating tics or clicks that are found on heavily played and worn pieces of vinyl. Any static build up will reduce when played, and I advise a light clean should be given between plays for optimal performance. 

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VINYL

Large format art work covers with the original sound and mix unique to vinyl and of the highest quality audio. Vinyl record have always been loved and have become a great investment opportunity, with prices soaring over the last ten years, making classic pieces a great financial as well as a cultural investment.  

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IMAGES and INFORMATION

I only use my photographs taken with a high quality professional digital camera of the item for sale. The images are designed to be as clear as possible, giving an exact image of the item. I aim to give sufficient and accurate detail as possible, so that you know exactly what you are bidding on. Please let me know if you need any further information and I will be only to happy to oblige.

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ABOUT ME 

I am a visual artist, working internationally, a collector of art and rare objects including rare vinyl, which I have been collecting for over 25 years, and an art and music enthusiast. I specialise in the  highest quality rarest items, selling to collectors the world over. I want you to know what a great item you are bidding on. If there is anything that is unclear in the listing, or you have any questions about this or any other item, please feel free to get in touch. All the best to you.  

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SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST, QUALITY ASSURED. I HAVE A 100% POSITIVE FEEDBACK RATING.

SOME EXAMPLES OF FEEDBACK –

BRILLIANT LP MINT CONDITION,AWESOME SELLAR,1ST CLASS PACKAGING, NO PROBLEMS A+

ITEM RECEIVED.. AS DESCRIBED... PACKED GREAT...MANY THANKS..RECOMMENDED.. A*******

Great LP from a great seller. Thanks !! Very well packaged. AAA+++

received today! great record!! thank you!!!

Item arrived quickly, well packaged and in excellent condition. Very pleased.

fast delivery, superb communication, good item, great ebayer AAAAA+++++

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RETURN POLICY:

100% Satisfaction Guaranteed ; - returns accepted with out question. If you are not happy then it can be returned, I cant say fairer that that!

I ONLY SELL RARE GOODS THAT ARE IN GREAT CONDITION, IF THERE IS ANY SLIGHT DEFECT, IT WILL BE CLEARLY STATED.

If in the unlikely event that you may want to return an item, or that I have missed something in the listing, I offer a no quibble return policy. Items must be returned within 12 Days of receipt, and returned in the same condition that they were sent out in. Return postage must be paid by buyer, unless there is a particular fault with the item, and then I will pay the full postage costs!

MY RECORD GRADING SYSTEM IS AS FOLLOWS - (BASED ON RECORD COLLECTOR MAGAZINE U.K. )

MINT: Virtually unplayed. The record itself is in brand new condition with no surface marks or deterioration in sound quality. Cover is pristine.

EXCELLENT: The record shows some signs of having been played, but there is very little lessening in sound quality. The cover and packaging might have slight wear and/or creasing.

V.G PLUS: The record will still be nice and shiny, but may have a few light marks, and will play well. Slight wear and tear on the cover.

V.G: The record has obviously been played many times, but displays no major deterioration in sound quality, despite noticeable surface marks and occasional light scratch. Normal wear and tear on the cover or extra items.

GOOD: The record has been played so much that the sound quality has noticeably deteriorated, perhaps with some distortion and mild scratches. The cover and contents suffer from folding, scuffing of edges, spine splits, etc.

FAIR: Fair. It is noticeable that the record has been played so much that the sound quality has deteriorated very noticeably. The cover and contents are showing signs of folding, scuffing of edges etc.

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POSTAGE AND PAYMENT DETAILS : -

Items will be extremely well sealed and securely wrapped using the best possible packaging for safe handling and delivery. I send items all round the globe with 100% success! I sell top quality rare records to discerning buyers. I do not make money from the postage costs and aim to keep the prices at a reasonable rate, but please don't expect a cheap second rate service. 

IT IS AN ABSOLUTE PRIORITY THAT THE ITEMS YOU BUY GETS TO YOU IN PERFECT CONDITION. All RECORDS ARE REMOVED FROM THEIR MAIN COVER AND PLACED IN A BRAND NEW REPLACEMENT INNER SLEEVE TO AVOID ANY CHANCE OF EDGE SPLITS OR KNIFING. THEY ARE HELD SAFELY IN EXTRA THICK PLASTIC SLEEVES, AND THEN THEY ARE SECURED WITH SEVERAL EXTRA LAYERS OF REINFORCED CARD BOARD AND PADDING AND MAILED IN EXTRA STRONG PROFESSIONAL RECORD CONTAINERS TO ENSURE THEIR SAFE ARRIVAL. AS I HAVE STATED I HAVE A 100% SUCCESS RATE AND AIM TO KEEP IT THAT WAY.

Example of packaging used

UK - First Class Signed For Recorded Delivery with Insurance : = £5.00

UK Special Signed For Next Day Delivery with Insurance : = £8.90

EUROPE - International Airmail Signed For Recorded Delivery with Insurance : = £11.95

INTERNATIONAL, Non-Europe e.g. USA, Japan, Russia, Australia etc. International Airmail Signed For Recorded Delivery with Insurance : = £18.95

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MULTIPLE PURCHASE REDUCTION

Reduced postage of course for multiple items up to 30% off extra items.

POSTAGE WILL BE FIRST CLASS OR THE FASTEST AND SAFEST POSSIBLE ALTERNATIVE, RECORDED WITH TRACKING AND INSURANCE. ALL ITEMS ARE FULLY INSURED AND COVERED FOR THE SAFEST DELIVERY POSSIBLE, AT NO EXTRA COST TO YOU. GUARANTEED!

POSTAGE RECEIPTS AND PROOF OF POSTAGE IS ALWAYS AVAILABLE. MANY THANKS.

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PAYMENTS 

Payments must be made within 3 days of purchasing unless an alternative arrangement has been agreed upon. Pay Pall ONLY for International buyers. We will accept Pay Pall, cheque or postal order within the UK, but no cash or bank transfers. Items sent out immediately on receipt of payment

Please Note: If no contact is made by the winning bidder following the mandatory Ebay 3 days, I will reserve the right to offer the item to the runner-up, unless prior notice of any delay is arranged beforehand.  Any bidder who has missed the chance to purchase an item from me can still email to make a priority second chance.