Every collectible marketplace has a "Holy Grail" item. This original printing poster is an item that is ALWAYS the star of any auction in which it appears, and the object of every collector's attention.

This world famous piece of art was designed by the legendary 1960’s concert poster artists, Stanley Mouse and the late, great Alton Kelley. The story of Mouse and Kelley searching the stacks at the San Francisco library for an appropriate illustration for the poster is well documented. The duo discovered this illustration by 19th century artist, Edward Joseph Sullivan, for an edition of the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam.

It is estimated that just 2500 Original First Printings were produced! Probably 5-15% of these have survived the past 54 years in ANY condition.

If we were to forced to choose just ONE vintage concert poster to have in our collection, the Legendary Grateful Dead FD-26 "Skull and Roses" would be the poster we would choose.

We auctioned another first printing FD-26 last year that was graded by CGC as 5.0, for $20,400. This issue always has been ...and always will be...the Holy Grail of this hobby. As such, the specimen offered here is sure to bring the new owner much enjoyment now, and the appreciation for this issue is sure to grow more, with each passing year!

Poster – Grateful Dead, Avalon Ballroom
Catalog #FD-26
Grade – CGC 5.5
Bands/Bill - Grateful Dead, Oxford Circle
Venue - Avalon Ballroom
City - San Francisco, California   
Date - 9/16-17/1966
Dimensions - 14 3/16” x 19 15/16”
Printing -  OP-1, Original Pre-Concert First Printing
Artist - Stanley Mouse, Alton Kelley
Series/Promoter - Family Dog
Paper - Vellum
Condition Details

5.5 - DETAILS: View the detailed high res photo of this lot: Click on the thumbnail photo, to see an enlarged photo. For a personalized eyewitness examination call 410-464-6180, 11:00 am to 6:00pm eastern. This poster is available for inspection at our gallery, by appointment. A 20% Buyers Premium will be added to the final hammer price of this lot.