*Led Zeppelin, c.1973, Led Zeppelin III LP, Atlantic Deluxe Strawberry Cut, Alsdorf Press, Rotating Wheel Sleeve, West German Pressing*
An original early-1970s German Atlantic Deluxe pressing of Led Zeppelin III, featuring the iconic die-cut rotating wheel gatefold sleeve. This example is a Strawberry Mastering cut, pressed at Record Service Alsdorf (West Germany), combining highly regarded UK mastering with excellent German pressing quality. (Pressed in West Germany; all artwork, text and audio content are in the original English format.)
The record carries the classic green and orange Atlantic labels with catalogue number ATL 50 002 / SD 7201, and is housed in the correct laminated gatefold sleeve with smooth, coated inner faces, allowing the inner artwork wheel to rotate freely and reveal the changing imagery through the front cut-out. A particularly desirable configuration for collectors, offering both strong visual appeal and excellent sound quality.
Technical / Pressing Details:
Label: Atlantic (green/orange)
Catalogue: ATL 50 002 / SD 7201
Matrix / Runout:
Side A: STRAWBERRY – 50002 A-2X – P/S ALSDORF
Side B: STRAWBERRY – 50002 B-3 – R/S ALSDORF
Pressing Plant: Record Service GmbH, Alsdorf, West Germany
Sleeve: Laminated rotating wheel gatefold
Inner Sleeve: Plain paper (period-correct for this issue)
History Note:
Released in 1970, Led Zeppelin III marked a creative turning point for the band, blending heavy blues-rock with acoustic and folk-influenced material inspired by time spent in rural Wales. The album’s innovative rotating sleeve design, created by artist Zacron, remains one of the most distinctive and celebrated pieces of rock album packaging. This German Atlantic Deluxe edition dates from the early WEA reissue period of the 1970s and is notable for its Strawberry Mastering cut, a studio well regarded for producing some of the best-sounding Zeppelin pressings of the era.
*Condition*
Sleeve is in strong VG+ condition, with light edge and corner wear and a few small foxing spots consistent with age; spine remains fully legible and the rotating wheel mechanism is intact and functions correctly. Vinyl appears VG+, with light surface marks visible under strong light but no deep scratches observed, we have not played it. Plain inner sleeve present with age-related toning. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
RQMDOXGE_6527223298
