FD-12 Grateful Dead "The Quick & The Dead" 1966 Avalon Ballroom Poster Signed by Wes Wilson, Graded 9.0. ...

Description

FIRST USE OF A SKULL ON A GRATEFUL DEAD POSTER

FD-12 Grateful Dead "The Quick & The Dead" 1966 Avalon Ballroom Poster Signed by Wes Wilson, Graded 9.0. First-printing San Francisco concert poster for the Grateful Dead, Quicksilver Messenger Service and the New Tweedy Brothers playing at the Avalon Ballroom on Friday and Saturday nights, June 10 & 11, 1966. This classic "The Quick and The Dead" poster has been signed by its creator, the legendary Wes Wilson, down in the lower right corner in pencil.

Known as FD-12 in the Family Dog numbered series, this is a delightful and popular poster that people hardly ever get rid of; remember, it was the first usage of a skull or skeleton in any Grateful Dead concert poster, period. Measuring 14 3/16" x 20", this poster's been graded to a restored 9.0 by CGC (the Certified Guaranty Company). COA from Heritage Auctions.

More Information: According to CGC's purple grading strip, "Restoration includes color touch, pieces added."

This poster represents a historic first for Grateful Dead fans, and as usual with early Family Dog posters, it was a collaboration between FD head Chet Helms and artist Wilson. As the centerpiece for the poster, Chet found this riveting little cartoon of a skeleton dressed up in fancy clothes and ready to go out on the town. For this, Helms and Wilson should get a lot of credit. The Family Dog wouldn't pick up that skull/skeleton theme again until FD-26 Skeleton & Roses, and Bill Graham's artists wouldn't touch it for 2 ½ years, until Lee Conklin finally threw a skull onto his BG-152 Grateful Dead poster at the end of 1968. That makes this poster's art a real groundbreaker of sorts.


Heritage Auctions provides as much information as possible but strongly encourages in-person inspection. Condition statements are offered as general guidance only, not as complete representations of fact, and do not constitute a warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Some condition issues may not be noted but may be visible in the photos, which are considered part of the condition report. Lots estimated at $1,000 or less are not de-framed for inspection, and we may be unable to provide additional details for lots valued under $500. Heritage does not guarantee the condition of frames and is not liable for damage to frames, glass/acrylic coverings, original boxes, display accessories, or artwork that has shifted in the frame. All lots are sold "AS IS" under our Terms & Conditions of Auction.