*Led Zeppelin, 1969, Led Zeppelin II LP, Atlantic Records Red/Plum Labels, 588198 – Early UK Polydor Pressing*
A genuine early UK pressing of a cornerstone hard-rock album, offered here in well-worn but honest condition. Ideal for collectors seeking an authentic 1969 UK example at an accessible price point.
An original UK pressing of Led Zeppelin’s landmark second album, issued by Atlantic Records in 1969. This example features the classic red and plum Atlantic labels with catalogue number 588198, pressed in the UK by Polydor and bearing the correct early hand-etched matrices.
The record represents a post-recall UK cut, using early Polydor metalwork, and remains one of the most recognisable and collected British rock LPs of the era. While not the withdrawn Robert Ludwig “hot mix”, it is a genuine contemporary UK issue from the album’s first year of release. Housed in a later UK polylined paper inner sleeve with blue “Made in England” text and plastic safety warning. The plastic liner is present but detached from the paper sleeve.
Pressing Details: Label: Atlantic Records (red / plum) Catalogue number: 588198 Country: UK Year: 1969
Matrix numbers: Side One: 588198 A//5 1 1 Side Two: 588198 ▽B//4 1 6 Pressing plant: Polydor (inverted triangle symbol)
Inner sleeve: Original period UK polylined inner sleeve, marked “Made in England /0271”
Historical Note: Released in October 1969, Led Zeppelin II cemented the band’s dominance on both sides of the Atlantic, featuring iconic tracks such as Whole Lotta Love, Ramble On, and Heartbreaker. The album’s initial US mastering was quickly withdrawn due to tracking issues, making all early pressings a subject of close collector scrutiny. UK pressings such as this represent the earliest widely available British issues of the album.
*Condition* Vinyl: Graded G+ / VG-. The record displays heavy surface marking and scratches consistent with regular use, including some longer marks likely to be audible in places. General groove wear is visible under strong light. Offered strictly as a collector’s copy rather than an audiophile example. Sleeve: Graded G / G-. Original UK gatefold sleeve with heavy edge and corner wear, surface rubbing, lamination wear, and spine damage with loss to text. Structurally complete but well-used. Inner Sleeve: Later replacement polylined inner, with detached plastic liner. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
Priced to reflect heavy play wear and sleeve condition, while remaining a genuine early UK red/plum pressing.
