A spectacular virtually mint first printing of FD-26, the most sought after of all the San Francisco psychedelic posters, advertising a 1966 concert at the Avalon Ballroom featuring the Grateful Dead and the Oxford Circle. This classic poster, with art by Stanley Mouse and Alton Kelley, marks the first use of the Skull & Roses motif which became so closely associated with the Grateful Dead. We have never seen a copy of this poster nearly this nice–the only reason we don't grade it stone mint is a faint, barely discernible 1/3" light crease in the top border, and a barely noticeable spot of light foxing, about the size of a pinhead along the right edge. (There is a slight mark from a printing plate scratch at the bottom right edge, which poster expert Eric King confirms is found on most copies, and some tiny pinpoint ink spots at the top right border, which is also common.) This poster is in stunning, unfaded condition, and has never been hung or displayed in any way. It comes from the archive of the late Ralph J. Gleason, longtime San Francisco Chronicle music critic and co-founder of Rolling Stone Magazine. Gleason was the one who suggested the Fillmore to Bill Graham as a place to hold dance concerts, and gave advice to the Family Dog founders prior to their first show. A superb example of a highly sought after poster, with excellent provenance. SOLD