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Description

FD-33 Grateful Dead, Oxford Circle 1966 Avalon Ballroom Concert Poster Graded 9.6. First-printing San Francisco concert poster for the Grateful Dead and Oxford Circle playing at the Avalon Ballroom on Friday and Saturday nights, November 4 & 5, 1966. Known as FD-33 in the Family Dog numbered series, this poster was designed by Stanley Mouse and Alton Kelley. Nicknamed "Logo," it's been graded to a stellar 9.6 Near Mint Plus by CGC (the Certified Guaranty Company).

This poster represents a reunion of sorts between the Grateful Dead, Oxford Circle, Mouse & Kelley, the Avalon Ballroom and the Family Dog; the last time they all got together six weeks prior, the FD-26 "Skeleton & Roses" masterpiece was created. Call this one the encore. Measures 13 3/4" x 20". From the Tim Backstrom Grateful Dead Collection. COA from Heritage Auctions.


More Information: This OP-1 version of the poster is neither dark green nor olive green; the Eric King guide calls it "medium green." All were printed before the shows.

These shows happened just days after Jerry Garcia had flown to Los Angeles, joined Jefferson Airplane recording Surrealistic Pillow in an RCA studio, totally rearranged "Somebody to Love" into its famous hit version, played lead guitar on a few other songs, and even helped create the album title Surrealistic Pillow. For all this, Garcia was credited only as "Musical and Spiritual Advisor" on the LP jacket. Opening act the Oxford Circle were a feedback-heavy psychedelic band out of Davis, California, about 75 miles northeast of San Francisco.

One has to wonder why Mouse Studios simply blew up the company's logo for their poster design this time. Perhaps they ran out of time, had creative block, or simply wanted to show off the FD logo in a size never seen before. It certainly gave people a chance to see the logo's slogan in readable size: "May the baby Jesus shut your mouth and open your mind."


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.

Auction Info

Proxy Bidding Ends 
November
7th Friday 1:50 pm CT
Auction Dates
November
7th Friday
Proxy Bidding Time Remaining 
6 Days 58m 14s
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 10
Lot Tracking Activity: 37
Page Views: 116

Buyer's Premium per Lot:
25% of the successful bid (minimum $49) per lot.

This lot is in: 2 - Signature® Floor Session - Concert Posters (Live Floor, Live Phone, Mail, Fax, Internet, and Heritage Live):
(Lots 26058-26240) - 2:00 PM Central Time, Friday, November 7, 2025.
[Proxy bidding ends ten minutes prior to the session start time. Live Proxy bidding on Heritage Live now starts within 2 hours of when the auction opens for proxy bidding and continues through the live session.]

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Additional Location Info:
Heritage Auctions
2801 W. Airport Freeway
Dallas, TX 75261

Current Bid:
$450
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