Led Zeppelin I US Orig'69 Atlantic SD-8216 ATCO Color Label Variation Shrink

$

1,225

ORIGINAL 1st US ATLANTIC RECORDS SD-8216 RELEASE

LED ZEPPELIN ~ LED ZEPPELIN I (1969)

PRESSWELL, NJ PLANT PRESSING WITH THE “PR” SUFFIX ON THE LABELS AND RUNOUT GROOVES

ATCO COLOR PURPLE/BROWN STEREO RELEASE LABEL VARIATION

BONUS: PHOTO MADE FROM THE ATLANTIC RECORDS ARCHIVE’S ORIGINAL NEGATIVE THAT WAS USED FOR THE CREATION OF THE 1969 “LED ZEPPELIN I” PRESS KIT

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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Without any doubts this pressing of Led Zeppelin’s 1st studio album is the most mysterious one. Despite the fact that its highly-collectible already by being so rare, its collector’s value still remains underestimated. There’re several versions trying to explain the appearance of the ATCO label variation on this Atlantic pressing. The problem is that none of these versions can be confirmed even at the early investigation stage. All of the existing facts concerning this pressing require a deeper investigation and systematization. The statement that this issue was pressed at the RCA Records plant in Indianapolis, IN seems doubtful. The fact that both, the labels and matrix numbers, indicate the “PR” suffix can’t be ignored. Nevertheless, the matrix numbers indeed contain the “I” symbol resembling the identifier of the Indianapolis plant, but no one ever pays attention to the “+” symbol that comes before it and forms the following matrix number combination: “PR + I” (Presswell + Indianapolis). Perhaps, this combination could serve as the key in the further investigation, which we are planning on continuing. When it comes to the currently listed copy. It’s in the best condition that we’ve come across with among the copies with this label variation that we’ve seen. 1st print cardboard cover remains in the original factory shrink wrap which still has a record store code “G” tag still affixed to the upper right-hand corner on the front. Special unboxed black fan purple / brown ATCO color label variation. This is the only Atlantic label variation where the white band is shifted to the top and not centered. The design of all of the ATCO Records labels of this period had this characteristic feature. Considering that ATCO Records was a division of Atlantic, possibly, this asymmetry can be explained by the fact that when printing the information onto the label of this pressing Atlantic used a ready-made ATCO label blank that already had the purple / brown colors and the shifted white band that divides them. The full matrix numbers located in the runout grooves are as follows: Side 1 - STA-681461-PR-2S +I B1; Side 2 - STA 681462 PR 4S  +I B1. Antiquearth is the proud owner of the original negative that was in Atlantic Records’ archive of perhaps, one of the most legendary photos of Led Zeppelin that has been published in many music magazines, including The Rolling Stone and Billboard. The first photos made from this negative were used for the creation of the original Atlantic press kit ahead of the release of Led Zeppelin’s self-titled first album, which was released in January of 1969.

★

The beautiful cover remaining in the original shrink wrap is in Near Mint condition. I grade the vinyl as Excellent for Side 1 and Strong Very Good Plus for Side 2. The vinyl retains its glossy factory lacquer, only having a few light non-feelable surface hairlines and marks on Side 2 which don't affect the playback in any way. The labels are very clean and in great condition, Excellent for Side 1 due to a few small scuffs and Near Mint Minus for Side 2 with both of the sides having only a couple of very light spindle marks that can be seen under a strong light source. The original Atlantic inner sleeve is in Excellent condition. The vinyl sounds great only having some very light occasional static which most likely, could go away if the record was professionally cleaned using a VPI cleaning machine.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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FOR INTERNATIONAL BIDDERS' CONSIDERATION

Due to the high risks involved when it comes international shipping, we’ve recently stopped sending our items with USPS First-Class Mail International and now use only USPS Priority Mail International Express. However, if your order exceeds the amount of $5000, we’ll have to ship the package with FedEx as oppose to USPS.

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