UNION – Police are investigating the theft of about $75,000 worth of Grateful Dead memorabilia that were awaiting transfer to its owners from a huge April auction celebrating the band’s 50-year career.

McHenry County Sheriff’s police said several items from the Grateful Dead Family Jubilee Auction were stolen at an unknown time during the weekend of April 25 and 26 from Donley’s Auction Services, 8512 S. Union Road, Union.

The items were being processed for shipping, and many them were awaiting pickup by armored car. Only local events were scheduled in the complex and the thieves had to get past staff employees to reach the prep area.

The most valuable piece stolen is a hand-painted, 1966 original Stanley Mouse/Alton Kelley Family Dog skeleton with roses. This image became an iconic symbol for the band. This particular piece began as a black-and-white print. It has recently been hand-painted specifically for this auction.

“After 49 years in storage, Stanley decided the anniversary year would be a good time to hand-embellish his original silkscreen. Because it was painted only last fall, the colors are far sharper and more vibrant than the original,” an auction catalog stated. The reserve price listed for this item in the auction was $25,000.

“This is not a piece that can be re-sold. It is too well-known,” owner Randy Donley said.

Three other posters were taken at the same time; a 1986 original Grateful Dead Russelheim, Germany promoter poster; a 1986 original Grateful Dead Statue of Liberty first print tour poster and a 1966 “The Quick and the Dead” serigraph hand signed by artist Wes Wilson. This last item is a limited edition, large format Family Dog (FD-12). It is the first use of a skeleton for the Grateful Dead.

“Please help us solve this crime,” Donley said, “I am offering a reward for its safe return. Please do not destroy it for fear of getting caught. We just want it returned.”

McHenry County Sheriff’s police are asking the public for help in solving the case and finding the missing items. Information can be offered anonymously to the Crimestoppers tip line at 1-800-762-7867 (STOP) or call the Sheriff’s Investigations Division directly at 815-334-4750.