Piece: Original poster promoting 1966 Grateful Dead shows at the Avalon Ballroom
Series Number: FD-26
Printing/Date: First (pre-concert), 1966
Performer(s): Grateful Dead, Oxford Circle
Artist(s): Stanley Mouse, Alton Kelley
Venue: Avalon Ballroom
Size (Framed): 23” x 29”
AW Condition Assessment: Museum (see notes below)
CGC Grade: 6.0 (see notes below)
Condition Notes: Seasoned collectors understand that eye appeal often outweighs numeric CGC grade. In hand and especially when framed, this example rivals, and in our professional opinion, exceeds the presentation of CGC 8.0 copies we have encountered - displaying far above its technical CGC grade of 6.0. Color saturation remains very strong and vibrant, with deep reds and clean blues. The only readily visible condition issues are some light, even toning, and small staple holes in each corner. These staple marks are consistent with period display methods used in 1966 when posters were stapled for promotional purposes prior to the show. The CGC grader also noted some very light bends visible on the reverse. These are at all not visible on the front and are not immediately visible on the back either. With that being said, if CGC grade matters to you, we expect that a professional pressing and CGC regrade would result in a significant bump in grade. Based purely on framed presentation and eye appeal, August West has assigned a “Museum-Grade” to this piece.
Framing Materials:
Frame: 3” Wood
Matting: Custom Cut, Acid-Free Double Mat
Glazing: Optium Acrylic - Optium provides museum-quality clarity and protection. Engineered for the highest-value artwork and professional framing applications. Blocks 99% of UV light, shatterproof, and virtually invisible anti-reflection surface.
Notes: The Holy Grail of psychedelic concert posters. Gallery August West is excited to present this original, first-printing poster promoting two 1966 Grateful Dead shows at the Avalon Ballroom.
Few images in rock history are as instantly recognizable, or as culturally significant, as the FD-26 “Skeleton and Roses”. The crowned skeleton emerging from a storm of red roses is not merely artwork - it is mythology, which became the visual identity of the Grateful Dead and one of the most enduring symbols in rock history. Original first printings of FD-26 are among the most sought-after pieces in the world and consistently command premium prices across the vintage concert poster market. A true cornerstone piece - one that anchors serious collections. CGC 9s regularly sell in the six figures, with recent sales reaching as high as $200k. For collectors of concert poster art, FD-26-1 is not simply another poster - it is the poster.
The piece has been framed with no expense spared. The CGC-encapsulated poster is housed in an impressive three-inch ornate wood frame. The archival sleeve is not visible inside the frame. Museum-quality Optium acrylic has been used to provide superior clarity and UV protection. The result is truly striking.
Have questions or want more pictures? Reach out via our contact page or send an email to galleryaugustwest@gmail.com.
*Please reference our page - AW Grading System for details on how we assess the condition of our pieces.
Piece: Original poster promoting 1966 Grateful Dead shows at the Avalon Ballroom
Series Number: FD-26
Printing/Date: First (pre-concert), 1966
Performer(s): Grateful Dead, Oxford Circle
Artist(s): Stanley Mouse, Alton Kelley
Venue: Avalon Ballroom
Size (Framed): 23” x 29”
AW Condition Assessment: Museum (see notes below)
CGC Grade: 6.0 (see notes below)
Condition Notes: Seasoned collectors understand that eye appeal often outweighs numeric CGC grade. In hand and especially when framed, this example rivals, and in our professional opinion, exceeds the presentation of CGC 8.0 copies we have encountered - displaying far above its technical CGC grade of 6.0. Color saturation remains very strong and vibrant, with deep reds and clean blues. The only readily visible condition issues are some light, even toning, and small staple holes in each corner. These staple marks are consistent with period display methods used in 1966 when posters were stapled for promotional purposes prior to the show. The CGC grader also noted some very light bends visible on the reverse. These are at all not visible on the front and are not immediately visible on the back either. With that being said, if CGC grade matters to you, we expect that a professional pressing and CGC regrade would result in a significant bump in grade. Based purely on framed presentation and eye appeal, August West has assigned a “Museum-Grade” to this piece.
Framing Materials:
Frame: 3” Wood
Matting: Custom Cut, Acid-Free Double Mat
Glazing: Optium Acrylic - Optium provides museum-quality clarity and protection. Engineered for the highest-value artwork and professional framing applications. Blocks 99% of UV light, shatterproof, and virtually invisible anti-reflection surface.
Notes: The Holy Grail of psychedelic concert posters. Gallery August West is excited to present this original, first-printing poster promoting two 1966 Grateful Dead shows at the Avalon Ballroom.
Few images in rock history are as instantly recognizable, or as culturally significant, as the FD-26 “Skeleton and Roses”. The crowned skeleton emerging from a storm of red roses is not merely artwork - it is mythology, which became the visual identity of the Grateful Dead and one of the most enduring symbols in rock history. Original first printings of FD-26 are among the most sought-after pieces in the world and consistently command premium prices across the vintage concert poster market. A true cornerstone piece - one that anchors serious collections. CGC 9s regularly sell in the six figures, with recent sales reaching as high as $200k. For collectors of concert poster art, FD-26-1 is not simply another poster - it is the poster.
The piece has been framed with no expense spared. The CGC-encapsulated poster is housed in an impressive three-inch ornate wood frame. The archival sleeve is not visible inside the frame. Museum-quality Optium acrylic has been used to provide superior clarity and UV protection. The result is truly striking.
Have questions or want more pictures? Reach out via our contact page or send an email to galleryaugustwest@gmail.com.
*Please reference our page - AW Grading System for details on how we assess the condition of our pieces.
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