Good concert posters can draw in the crowds, and in Hake’s Americana & Collectibles Auction #216, they were cheering for more. Several of the concert pieces sold for well over their estimates in Hake’s $1.1 million sale

“Concert posters continue to lead the way in the music memorabilia section of our auctions as evidence by the amazing prices realized in our most recent sale. We try to represent all eras and styles of music and it is obviously appreciated by the response from our bidders,” Hake’s President Alex Winter said. “In particular ‘boxing style’ posters for soul and R&B shows as well as classic ’60s rock bands set record prices. This auction had the only know example of a Doors poster, which was in low grade, still topped our charts based on rarity alone.”

The Doors rare 1967 Susquehanna University concert poster, saw 30 bids before closing at $9,335, shattering the estimate of $1,000 to $2,000. The 14” x 22” poster was for the October 14, 1967 concert at the Chapel Auditorium at Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove, PA, headlined by the Doors.

A very rare Jimi Hendrix Experience German concert poster closed at $6,600. The thin paper poster measures 23-1/2” x 33” for the January 15-17 and 19, 1969 concerts in Frankfurt, Munich, Nürnberg, and Stuttgart, Germany. It was designed by German concert poster artist Gunther Kieser.

The third highest seller in this auction was the 8th Annual Summer Shower of Stars concert poster with Joe Tex and Percy Sledge which realized $5,060, reaching beyond the estimate of $1,000 to $2,000. The 22” x 32-3/4” thin cardboard poster was for the concert at Carr’s and Sparrow’s Beach in Annapolis, Maryland on July 4, 1968. The show also featured Pigmeat Markham, The Del-Fonics, and The Intruders.

The November Dance concert poster featuring Fred Parris and the Five Satins also sold beyond the $1,000 to $2,000 estimate to close at $3,984. The concert was presented by Sigma Phi Fraternity Tau Chapter at the Indian Spring Country Club in Marlton, NJ. The 22” x 28-1/4” poster also promtes doo-wop groups Shirley and Lee, the Heartbeats, Lee Allen and His Orchestra, and others.

The Soul Revue concert poster with Sam and Dave, for a Baltimore Civic Center show reached $2,656. The 22” x 35-3/8” thin cardboard poster promotes the July 7, 1968 show presented by Premier Attractions. The concert featured the talents of Sam and Dave, Jr. Walker and the All Stars, the Manhattans, the Persians, the Mirettes, and Maxine Brown.

The Bill Graham concert poster BG-109 featuring Cream sold for $1,960 over the $700 to $1,000 estimate. This is a first printing for concerts on February 29, March 2, and March 3, 1968 in San Francisco, California. Measuring 3-7/84” x 21”, the art was done by Lee Conklin with psychedelic lettering.

A concert poster for the Who 1968 Toronto show realized $1,182. The first printing 13” x 22” poster for the April 7, 1968 concert at CNE Coliseum in Toronto also featured the Troggs and MC5.

The Beatles Odeon-Leeds 1963 concert handbill for the November 3, 1963 performance sold for $1,170. The complete 5-1/2” x 11-7/8” thin paper handbill features portraits of each member of the Fab Five along with the Brooks Brothers.

All prices include a 15% buyer’s premium. To view all of the prices realized, visit hakes.com.

“We already have a nice selection of posters for our next auction but are always seeking consignments in this area,” Winter said. To discuss consigning with Hake’s Americana, contact Consignment Manager Kelly McClain at (866) 404-9800, Ext. 1636 or email mkelly@hakes.com.