Led Zeppelin, 1970, Led Zeppelin III LP, Atlantic Records, Red-Plum Labels, 2401 002, A-5 & B-5 Matrices, “So mote it be”,“Do what thou wilt”, UK Polydor Press
*Led Zeppelin, 1970, Led Zeppelin III LP, Atlantic Records, Red-Plum Labels, 2401 002, A-5 & B-5 Matrices, “So mote it be”,“Do what thou wilt”, UK Polydor Press*
An original UK first-issue pressing of Led Zeppelin III, released in 1970 on Atlantic Records and manufactured in the UK by Polydor. This example carries the correct red and plum Atlantic labels with catalogue number 2401 002, with “Led Zeppelin III” printed above the white line in the standard early UK layout.
The vinyl shows hand-etched matrix numbers2401-002 A-5 and 2401-002 B-5, together with the original lacquer inscriptions “So mote it be” and “Do what thou wilt”. The run-out area also includes the hand-etched “Pressed 156” marking, a feature encountered on some UK Polydor-pressed copies from the original 1970 production run.
The sleeve is the correct UK gatefold with ATLANTIC DELUXE 2401 002 printed to the spine. The original rotating wheel insert is absent, and the sleeve has been personally embellished with hand-drawn faces within some of the printed circular motifs. These additions are not part of the original artwork and are noted for clarity.
Technical / Pressing Details: Label: Atlantic Records – UK red and plum labels (title “Led Zeppelin III” above the white line) Catalogue: 2401 002
Matrix / Runout: Hand-etched: Side A: 2401-002 A-5 – “So mote it be” – Pressed 156 Side B: 2401-002 B-5 – “Do what thou wilt”
Pressing Plant: Polydor Records Ltd., UK Sleeve: Original UK gatefold sleeve, spine printed ATLANTIC DELUXE 2401 002. Rotating wheel insert missing. Sleeve has period hand-drawn additions to some of the printed circular motifs. Inner Sleeve: Original UK paper inner sleeve, no centre hole, marked Patent No. 1,125,555 – Made in England
Historical Note: Led Zeppelin III marked a clear stylistic shift for the band, combining their established hard-rock sound with a stronger emphasis on acoustic and folk-influenced material, much of it written and developed at Bron-Yr-Aur in Wales. Upon release in 1970 the album reached number one in both the UK and the United States and has since become one of the group’s most discussed and analysed releases.
UK first pressings were issued on Atlantic Records but pressed and distributed by Polydor. These early copies are identifiable by their red and plum labels, hand-etched matrix numbers, and, on many examples, distinctive run-out inscriptions referencing ceremonial and occult phrases. Jimmy Page’s well-documented interest in Aleister Crowley has long been associated with these markings, which are now regarded as a characteristic feature of authentic early UK pressings.
The run-out inscriptions “Do what thou wilt” and “So mote it be” are deliberate and historically resonant phrases. “Do what thou wilt” is the central maxim of Crowley’s philosophy of Thelema, expressing the concept of individual will and self-realisation, while “So mote it be” is a traditional ceremonial closing phrase, most commonly associated with Freemasonry and ritual language.
In this context, Jimmy Page’s interest in Crowley, esoteric literature, and symbolic motifs during this period has led these inscriptions to be widely interpreted as an intentional in-joke or thematic embellishment added during the lacquer-cutting process. Their presence is now considered a recognised and authentic feature of early UK pressings of Led Zeppelin III, rather than a later addition or anomaly.
*Condition* Vinyl: Visually presents well with clean, legible red and plum labels. A small number of light surface marks are visible under strong light. The record has not been play-tested. Hand-etched matrices A-5 / B-5 with “So mote it be / Do what thou wilt” inscriptions and “Pressed 156” marking present. Sleeve: Original UK gatefold. Rotating wheel insert missing. Hand-drawn additions present to the printed circular areas. General handling wear consistent with age. Inner Sleeve: Original UK paper inner sleeve, no centre hole, marked Patent No. 1,125,555 – Made in England. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
A genuine UK first-issue Led Zeppelin III with correct labels, matrices, run-out inscriptions, and Polydor pressing identifiers, offered transparently with noted sleeve alterations and missing wheel. An honest example of a scarce 1970 UK pressing, priced accordingly.
