1968-AOR 2.172-OP-1-Carousel Ballroom 'Sore Thumb' Grateful Dead Concert Poster-CGC Graded 7.0

closed on Friday, September 14, 2018

Final Auction Price
*Final prices include buyers premium
$1,610.00
Starting bid: $1.00

Here is the chance to acquire one of the most famous and popular Grateful Dead posters of the era and it's the FIRST CGC Graded Original Printing example we have ever offered!


This Alton Kelley design pokes fun at the D.I.Y. nature of the Carousel. The Carousel Ballroom was a short lived venture that was funded and managed by the Dead and Airplane. After they lost enough money and realized it was not their game the space was taken over by Bill Graham and became the Fillmore West.


Don't let the 7.0 Grade fool you. Examples of this poster can be found with big tears paper loss and pinholes from time to time. However overall this issue is extremely hard to find in ANY condition. Seldom surfacing at auction this is a gemstone we have wanted to offer with CGC certification for a long time but hadn't had the chance until now. This original pre-concert first printing exhibited here has no pin holes no paper loss or tears.


A poster that will bring you satisfaction with each passing year! CGC authentication has brought much needed integrity and stability to this very popular segment of the vintage concert materials marketplace. Finally you can acquire original posters with confidence! 


Estimate: $1250- $2 500


Poster – Grateful Dead Carousel Ballroom

Subtitle- AOR 2.172 Sore Thumb

Grade – CGC 7.0

Bands/Bill – Grateful Dead Jefferson Airplane

Venue – Carousel Ballroom

City – San Francisco CA

Date – 3/15/68

Dimensions – 14” x 19 15/16” 

Printing – OP-1 Original Pre-Concert First Printing

Artist – Alton Kelley

Condition Details - Super clean with no pinholes! Two areas of severe handling creases on the edge one is 3" from the bottom and one is 4" from the top. 100% Original with no restoration. View the detailed high res photo of this lot. Click on the thumbnail photo to see an enlarged photo. Click a second time on the magnifying glass in the upper right corner of the enlarged photo. A super high res image with every millimeter will now be clearly displayed. 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. *****

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