RAREST TSR ON EBAY - Cromalin Proof of Larry Elmore’s RED DRAGON - D&D Basic Box

Description

Own a unique piece of TSR D&D history!
Vintage TSR Larry Elmore RED DRAGON Cromalin proof
This iconic illustration will forever resonate echoes of influence throughout our popular culture; it stirred the imagination of a generation and became one of a few foundational images upon which the entire fantasy role playing game industry was built.
Gary Gygax told Larry Elmore, “I want something that will reach out and grab you”. From that simple direction Larry created his legendary RED DRAGON illustration. The image was used on the Dungeons & Dragons Basic boxed set which was on countless retail store shelves worldwide.
In the 80’s the process at TSR went painting, transparency, Cromalin approval proof, then creation of the retail product. Most TSR Cromalin’s were destroyed. This may be the only surviving approval proof.
Larry does not remember how it came into his possession. He was working in-house at TSR at the time and probably just took it home after the approval process. He had forgotten that he even owned it. He discovered it about a month ago in his collection; it was found stored inside a box for these past nearly 40 years. The Cromlin image is slightly larger than its corresponding image size on his D&D Basic boxed set.
The total size of this Cromalin is 9.75 x 7.75 inches. The image size is 6.5 x 6 inches (Dragon is 8 1/4 claw tip to claw tip). It is in astonishing condition.
(If you wish to see & hear Larry Elmore discuss this actual item go to YouTube’s search engine and paste: “Larry Elmore Cromalin color proof of his RED DRAGON illustration - D&D Basic Boxed Set”)
A Cromalin proof from any product is rare but finding such a definitive piece…it is just astonishing. You are unlikely to ever see one again. It is definitely a Holy Grail Dungeons & Dragons collectible.
This will include a certificate of authenticity that will attest that it comes from Larry’s collection. I will also include an explanatory letter of authenticity that states it was personally owned by Larry Elmore’s with a brief history of the item; both the COA and letter will be signed by Larry.
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What is a Cromalin? Cromalin is proprietary term used for a type of single sheet color proof used to check the registration of the colors, the existence of any egregious blemishes or other undesirable marks, and to confirm size and position of page elements. The Cromalin process utilizes several sheets—commonly four, one for each process color (Cyan, Yellow, Magenta, Black)—of clear photosensitive plastic. Each sheet is exposed to one of the color separation negatives, and, when treated with process colors, dots will adhere to the surface of the plastic in the image areas. The four exposed sheets of plastic each containing a different process color are aligned with each other in proper register and laminated together.