Playboy 1991 First Cover limited lithograph Marilyn Monroe Hefner signed 270/950

Description: Offered for sale is an original framed, matted copy of the 1991 limited edition lithograph of the cover of the first issue of Playboy magazine, featuring Marilyn Monroe on the cover. This lithograph, officially titled Playboy's First Cover, was advertised for sale on page 221 of the December, 1991 issue of Playboy magazine. Each copy of this edition of 950 pieces was numbered and signed (initialed, actually, as "HMH") by Playboy founder and publisher Hugh M. Hefner. This copy is number 270 of 950 copies. The unframed print measures 35" x 26 1/4". The framed print measures 35 3/4" x 27 3/4". According to the included documentation sheet: MEDIUM, METHOD or PROCESS: Mixed media of continuous-tone offset lithography and serigraphy. CREATED AT: Black Box Callotype DATE: August 1991 PREVIOUS USES OF THE IMAGE OR MASTER BY THE ARTIST IN OTHER MEDIUMS(S) IF ANY, AND EXPLANATION OF METHOD OF CREATING PLATES: Image was originally used as design for the first cover of Playboy Magazine in December 1953, which was printed in dot-matrix offset lithography. This edition is based on a reconstruction of that cover by the art department of Playboy Magazine and approved by Hugh M. Hefner. The documentation sheet goes on to note that after the lithographs were printed, the master plates and screens were destroyed, making no further prints possible. I am the original owner; I purchased it directly from Playboy. These lithographs were quite expensive when new. When issued more than 33 years ago, unframed copies were sold for $700 and framed copies were sold for $995. I acquired the print unframed and had it professionally framed. I gave the frame shop a copy of the advertisement and asked them to match the style that Playboy used for the copies that they sold already framed. The gold-colored metal frame includes UV-resistant glass. They did a great job and the framed print looks terrific. Condition is excellent. It's been hanging on the wall in my office, essentially untouched, since I brought it home from the frame shop many years ago. Included with the framed poster is a photocopy of the original December 1991 advertisement in Playboy as well as the original numbered documentation sheet that was included with the poster when it was originally sold. They will come in a plastic sleeve taped to the back of the framed poster. (Both are shown in photos above.) Price includes free U.S. shipping via UPS Ground. Please allow two business days for shipping, as I want to make sure it's properly packed. Packaging will include bubble wrap, corner protection, and a new box.

Price: 1795 USD

Location: Tooele, Utah

End Time: 2025-02-15T00:19:12.000Z

Shipping Cost: N/A USD