FD-40 Grateful Dead "Hippie Santa Claus" 1966 Avalon Ballroom Poster Signed by Victor Moscoso, Graded 9.8. ...

Description

FD-40 Grateful Dead "Hippie Santa Claus" 1966 Avalon Ballroom Poster Signed by Victor Moscoso, Graded 9.8. First-printing San Francisco concert poster for the Grateful Dead, Steve Miller Blues Band and Moby Grape playing at the Avalon Ballroom on Friday and Saturday nights, December 23 & 24, 1966. Known as FD-40 in the Family Dog numbered series, this poster was designed by Victor Moscoso, who has signed it down in the lower right margin. Being Christmas week, it's only fitting that Moscoso's primary colors were red & green. The central image features a devilish Santa Claus (complete with horns) looking like he's seeking out children who were naughty rather than nice. Nicknamed "Hippie Santa Claus," this poster was awarded a gift-wrapped 9.8 Near Mint/Mint grade by CGC (the Certified Guaranty Company), as part of their Signature Series. Measures 14 1/4" x 20". COA from Heritage Auctions.

More Information: CGC's yellow grading strip at the top signifies this poster is part of the company's Signature Series, meaning Mr. Moscoso's signature was executed right in front of one of CGC's representatives, and is even dated as such, in this case six years ago.

This show was for Chet Helms' Family Dog; the following weekend, the Dead would play their very first New Year's Eve show for Bill Graham over at the Fillmore, continuing to divide their loyalties between the two Bay-Area promoters.


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