Rare Original 1975 abc MUPPET SHOW PILOT press release photo with letter HENSON

Description

This is an original black and white press release photo with attached release from ABC for the second pilot created by Jim Henson featuring the Muppets which aired on March 19th, 1975. Because of the success of this pilot and the Muppets Valentine Special which aired a year earlier the Muppets built up enough interest to be given their own show, The Muppet Show, which would debut a year later.
The photo measure 7’x 9” and the release letter is permanently attached to the back of the photo.
I love that the release states the name of the show as “The Muppets Show”
The release reads as follows:
A Muppet astronaut (second from left) is held in a people pen when his ship lands on the Planet of the Pigs in one of the many parodies in the new zany comedy s-Ecuador, “The Muppets Show,” which features some 70 new Muppets by creator Jim Henson. The ABC Television Network special will be seen Wednesday, March 19 (8:00-8:30 p.m., EDT)
This is an incredibly rare and unique piece of Muppet history predating the popularity and recognition of The Muppet Show and the characters we know and love.
This is 1 of 2 press photos I have from the pilot episode. I will be posting the other as well.
Here is a link about this episode from Jim Henson’s Red Book:
https://www.henson.com/jimsredbook/2014/03/3191975/
About me: I am a 40 year collector of Muppet and Henson memorabilia and have been fortunate enough to to have been able to work with the company several times over the years. I’ve finally decided to let go of my collection so that other fans and collectors can enjoy the items as much as I have. I will be listing items steadily on eBay over the next several weeks. Items range from common to rare to one of a kind.
Shipping will be by USPS Priority Mail.
Thank you for looking and happy collecting!