LED ZEPPELIN II 2, 1969 UK *1st* LIVIN' LOVIN' WRECK

	£		259
	$		343

The records that I offer for sale have been critically play-graded, at loud volume, on a Rega Planar 3 turntable fitted with an Elys cartridge. I will only sell records that play to a high standard. Any significant playing defects will be detailed in the description below. I know how disappointing it is to receive a record graded as excellent, only to find that listening pleasure is spoiled by endless pops, loud clicks and intrusive background crackle. I guarantee that you will not buy such a record from me!!

The winning bidder can expect to receive a clean record, carefully packaged, with the vinyl removed from the inner and outer sleeves to prevent splits in transit.

Here for auction is an exceptional example of the brilliant second album by LED ZEPPELIN simply titled “LED ZEPPELIN II”, Catalogue Number 588 198. This one is very special as it is out of the very first batch of 1969 UK STEREO PRESSINGS which carry the “LIVIN’ LOVIN’ WRECK” MISCREDIT on the PLUM/ORANGE SIDE TWO RECORD LABEL (rumoured to be only several hundred ever printed). “THE LEMON SONG” is credited on the Side One label, and the Matrix Numbers are the EARLIEST Av2/Bv2. Complete with 1st ISSUE E. J. DAY LIGHT BROWN GATEFOLD SLEEVE. Seriously difficult to find in the superb condition offered here!!

The un-laminated gatefold sleeve, printed and made by E. J. Day & Co. Ltd., London, is in close to EXCELLENT CONDITION (strictly graded). It is still nice and rigid and shows very little loss of condition. The front cover is almost unmarked with just a couple of tiny surface scuffs by the bottom right corner. There is barely any creasing worth mentioning (just a few tiny ones near the spine and opening corners). The back cover is in excellent shape with only a faint ring outline and a line impression near the top. The opening gatefold spread is perfect. The top and bottom edges show some light storage wear in places (nothing serious). The opening edges are also in excellent shape with only very light signs of use. The corners are still fairly square with just a little rubbing at the tips. The spine is square and solid with all text clearly legible. Overall, a very well preserved example of this notoriously fragile sleeve. Tough to find one much better!!

The record is solidly pressed – a beautiful 1st press Atlantic heavyweight! It retains a deep mirror-like shine, and sits flat and true on the turntable. 

The etched Matrix Numbers and stampers are:

Side One – 588-198  Av2    1    2(back to front)   1

Side Two – 588-198  Bv2    1    3     2(back to front)

Both sides are visually in EXCELLENT CONDITION with just very light sleeve removal type surface marks visible under bright light. These marks are purely superficial and do not cause any audio problems. The beautiful plum & orange Atlantic labels are perfect, showing only a moderate amount of spindle marks when held against the light. There is hardly any wear around the spindle hole.

PLAYGRADE ASSESSMENT:

This is a particularly loud-cut and vibrant stereo recording, which sounds truly sensational played at loud volume. The bass is absolutely amazing. Both sides play superbly with all frequencies crystal clear. There is barely any discernable deterioration in sound quality. There are no pops or loud clicks, and very low levels of unwanted noise (just occasional very light surface sound which is never intrusive). There can’t be many “Livin’ Lovin’ Wreck” examples left in existence that play to such a high standard!!

Complete with the correct white poly-lined inner sleeve which is in very good condition. There is a small tear to one opening corner, some light creasing and age discoloration. “British Patent No…” and “MADE IN ENGLAND” are printed in blue text at the bottom.

LIVIN’ LOVIN’ WRECK EXAMPLES WITH A SLEEVE OF THIS QUALITY AND NEAR PERFECT PLAYBACK ARE SERIOUSLY DIFFICULT TO FIND - DON’T MISS THE OPPORTUNITY!!

International postage costs: Europe £5.50, Worldwide £7.95

International buyers: payment by PayPal only 

A note about insurance:

The international postage costs listed above do not include insurance. Your invoice will include an insured option. I strongly recommend that you take up this option, but it is entirely up to you. I will not hassle you about it. You either add the required insurance or you don’t. If you do add the required insurance and your record is lost or damaged, you will get a refund. If you don't add the required insurance and your record is lost or damaged, you will not get a refund. I can’t make it any clearer than that!

The UK postage cost includes insurance up to a value of £32. If the final sale price is more than this, your invoice will include an insurance option. The same applies as specified in the above paragraph.