Every month at The Mystery Vinyl Company, we like to give something back to the people who support what we do. As many of you will know, our monthly giveaways have traditionally worked by hiding a special record inside one lucky mystery pack, waiting to be discovered by whichever customer happened to receive it.

This month, however, we're changing things.

Rather than hiding the giveaway inside a mystery pack, the winner will be drawn alongside our Studio Giveaway at the end of the month. That means every eligible order has an equal chance of winning, and no one misses out simply because they didn't happen to receive the winning box.

And for our first giveaway under the new format... we've gone big.

An original UK first pressing of Led Zeppelin III on Atlantic Records (2401002), complete with its famous rotating wheel sleeve and the legendary "Do What Thou Wilt" and "So Mote It Be" matrix inscriptions. Graded EX/VG(+), it's a superb collector's copy of one of the most sought-after albums in British rock history.

A Record That Redefined Rock

Released in October 1970, Led Zeppelin III arrived at a fascinating moment in the band's career.

Their first two albums had already established Led Zeppelin as the biggest hard rock band on the planet. Tracks like Whole Lotta Love and Communication Breakdown had built a reputation on colossal riffs, blistering blues and unrivalled energy. Most fans expected album number three to follow exactly the same path.

Instead, Jimmy Page and Robert Plant surprised everyone.

Following time spent writing at Bron-Yr-Aur, a remote cottage in the Welsh countryside, the band returned with an album that embraced British folk music, acoustic arrangements and more thoughtful songwriting without ever abandoning the power that had made them famous.

Of course, the heavy moments are still there. Immigrant Song remains one of the greatest opening tracks ever recorded, while Since I've Been Loving You stands among the finest blues performances of the era. Alongside them sit beautifully crafted songs like That's The Way, Friends and Tangerine, proving that Led Zeppelin were every bit as accomplished with subtlety as they were with volume.

While Led Zeppelin IV often receives the headlines, many collectors and lifelong fans quietly regard Led Zeppelin III as the band's most complete artistic achievement.

Why This Pressing Matters

Original UK copies of Led Zeppelin III have always been highly sought after, but this particular example has all the details collectors hope to find.

Most immediately recognisable is the iconic rotating wheel sleeve, designed by Zacron. More than fifty years after its release, it remains one of the most imaginative pieces of album packaging ever produced. Turning the wheel behind the die-cut front cover reveals different illustrations through the windows, making it a record that's just as enjoyable to hold as it is to play.

Then there are the runout grooves.

Etched into the dead wax are the famous 2401002 A-5 "Do What Thou Wilt" and 2401002 B-5 "So Mote It Be"inscriptions. Inspired by the writings of Aleister Crowley,

whose work fascinated Jimmy Page, these phrases have become legendary among Zeppelin collectors and are one of the defining characteristics of genuine early UK pressings.

Combined with its EX/VG(+) condition, this is exactly the kind of copy serious collectors spend years trying to find.

As you all know, every Collector's Cut, Arena Pack and Studio Pack purchased throughout August will automatically receive one entry into the draw. At the end of the month, we'll randomly select one winning order number alongside our Studio Giveaway, and one lucky customer will be taking home this remarkable piece of rock history.

Best of luck... and happy collecting! 💿