Fans of the Grateful Dead and Rock collectors will vie for desirable memorabilia at auction on October 5, 2008 in San Francisco, with gold records awarded to the legendary band, tour and studio instruments, the band’s “ride”– a ’56 Chevy that transported Dead band mates and Bay Area VIPs, unique treasures that traveled with the band, and scarce concert posters. Property stems from the Estate of Vince Welnick, former Dead keyboardist; from the collection of Rock Scully, decades-long band manager; and from other notable “Dead Heads” intimate with the band’s legacy.

Bonhams & Butterfields opens previews for “More Skeletons from the Closet,” the firm’s second auction devoted to the iconic and beloved San Francisco rock band, on Thursday, October 2nd. The exhibit is expected to attract fans and a contingent of Bay Area icons –reminiscing amongst familiar objects they haven’t seen in many years. The previews are open to the public, continuing until the auction stages on Sunday.

More than 170-lots to be sold to the highest bidders comprise: original Jerry Garcia artwork, sound equipment used on tours and in studio, original handwritten lyrics and never-before-seen ephemera. Welnick’s grand piano from his private studio could bring as much as $150,000 while John Kahn’s Fender bass used extensively on stage with Jerry Garcia and in recording sessions could bring $15,000 to $20,000. The well-traveled metal-cased attaché carried by the Rock Scully during his 20-year run as manager is adorned with dozens of Grateful Dead stickers, some dating back to 1967 (est. $4/5,000).

The Oct. 5th auction and October 2-4 preview are scheduled to coincide with three likely-to-be sold-out shows of the Grateful Dead tribute band, The Dark Star Orchestra, at San Francisco’s famous Fillmore Auditorium where The Dead played numerous shows from the 1960s to the 1990s. The illustrated auction catalog will be online at www.bonhmas.com/us in the coming weeks.

Posted: 09|24|08 at 3:49 pm. Filed under: US News.