An album cover proof with never produced alternate artwork for the Jimi Hendrix Experience’s 1968 album “Smash Hits.” This image of the band on horseback was the original artwork planned for Hendrix’s third album (released only 4 months after “Axis, Bold As Love.”) At some point, however, a decision was made to scrap this artwork in favor of a multiple exposure photograph of Jimi alone. This is one of a few proofs produced by Hendrix’s label Reprise/Warner Bros.; they were discarded by the label in the early 70’s and rescued from the dumpster by an enterprising employee. This proof is in near mint condition and measures 17″ x 22″, with color bars along the top and a Warner/Reprise logo at the bottom. The album cover image measures 12 1/2″ square. Extremely scarce.