Psychedelic Art Exchange is excited to offer this CGC-graded example of the ultra-rare FD-7 "Euphoria" original first-printing concert poster, signed & authenticated on the reverse by Eric King! This is an amazing find for several reasons, and we're excited to see where it ends up. But why is this sale so unique?
There are two pre-concert Original Printings. The OP-1 (offered here) is black and white, and the green OP-2 colored version. Combined, less than 500 posters were created and just a fraction of those exist in ANY condition today. Eric King considers this to be on the same level, rarity-wise, as the FD-1 and the FD-2.
To be able to offer an original FD-7 OP-1 "Euphoria" Family Dog Poster hand-colored variant is an event in itself.
Only a handful of these posters have ever been offered publicly in any condition.
The Family Dog Series is one of the sweet spots for serious collectors of Vintage Concert Posters. Avalon Ballroom Posters from 1966 were printed in super small quantities on pulpy acidic paper, and very few have survived over the years Originally displayed for advertisement, most existing copies of the Black and White hand-colored variant of this poster have decayed beyond recognition.
The FD-7 OP-1 is one of the chase cards. Hardly any copies exist, and even scarcer are the copies that were hand-colored by the promoter themselves. Eric King, whose cataloging system was adopted by CGC, has authenticated the poster on the reverse with his signature certification memo (the standard bearer before CGC) stating that this is one of the original copies hand-colored by the Family Dog staff.
The poster was graded 4.5 by the strict standards of CGC. Those inclined to wait for a higher grade would miss a huge opportunity. Finding a better copy of this poster could become a lifetime pursuit. It’s the ONLY copy PAE has handled in 15 years and it's a super solid copy! All the edges are fully intact. There are pinholes, creases, and tape pulls, but no tears.
The FD-7's Illustration is nothing short of wild.
It has always stood out as an odd poster in terms of design. When compared to other Wes Wilson Posters from 1966, it's in its own league. The performers assembled were mostly marginal bands, however, the poster creates an electrifying image that must have spoken loudly to the acid-soaked patrons of the Avalon.
Wes Wilson only did a handful of posters for Chet Helms and the Family Dog before he went non-stop for Bill Graham. Wilson’s Avalon posters truly stand-alone, as they were guided by concepts suggested by the promoter.
Alternately, his Fillmore posters allowed more creative freedom and allowed the evolution of Wilson's signature style.
In June 2017, PAE auctioned an FD-7- OP-2 variant. CGC 8.5 for $15,537. This is the first PAE has auctioned the OP-1.
PAE's April 2023 CGC Certified Concert Poster Auction starts ending on May 4th at 9:00 PM EDT. Take a look at all the items up for bids!
*Any perceived investment advice is unintended; this blog is intended to be used for informational purposes only.