Illinois Officials Investigate Theft Of Grateful Dead Prints

Authorities in northern Illinois are investigating the theft of about $75,000 worth of Grateful Dead prints waiting to be sent to their new owner following an auction last month.

McHenry County Sheriff’s officials say four rare posters featured in the Grateful Dead Family Jubilee Auction were stolen sometime between April 25 and 26 from Donley’s Auction Services in Union. More than 700 pieces of memorabilia were sold in the auction celebrating the jam band’s 50th anniversary.

Two of the stolen items date back to 1966, while the other two are from 1986. The most valuable is a hand-painted, 1966 original Stanley Mouse/Alton Kelley Family Dog skeleton with roses, which was listed in the auction for $25,000.

Photo: Jay Blakesberg
Gathering Of The Vibes, Seaside Park, Bridgeport, Conn.

The man who purchased the print collection is offering a reward for its return.