Grateful Dead 1966 Red Day-Glo Acid Test Handbill Signed by Wes Wilson (AOR-2.7)....

Description

"THE GRATEFUL DEAD ROCK 'N' ROLL" PROCLAIMS THIS RARE FLYER

Grateful Dead 1966 Red Day-Glo Acid Test Handbill Signed by Wes Wilson (AOR-2.7). A remarkable piece of Grateful Dead and pop-culture history in the form of an original tour-blank "Can You Pass the Acid Test?" red Day-Glo handbill, complete with psychedelic artwork by Wes Wilson. This super-rare advertising hand-out was created in early 1966 by Wilson at the direction of Ken Kesey and the Merry Pranksters, with a blank oval after the question mark for the location to be filled in. And it's just wonderful that this specimen - the first one offered by Heritage in our history - was signed in the lower right by Mr. Wilson, who is no longer with us.

That paragraph at the top is both a hoot and an electrifying roll call of the San Franciso Bay Area's uber-hip 'happeners,' many of whom appeared on the more well-known "Can You Pass the Acid Test?" goldenrod poster by Paul Foster (also in this weekend's auction). But notice it doesn't just say "The Grateful Dead," it adds "Rock 'N' Roll" to their name, making this practically unique amongst early Dead posters and handbills. And it doesn't just say "The Merry Pranksters," it adds "And Their Psychedelic Symphony" to their name. And what better summation of an Acid Test than the last thing this handbill mentions... "The Unexpectable"?

The only thing we expect out of this piece is robust bidding, because we've never had it before and may never have it again. The provenance of this piece is sparkling, as well... it was taken down off a wall at a Los Angeles-area acid test. This first-ever Heritage offering measures 8 1/2" x 11" and grades to Very Good condition. COA from Heritage Auctions.

Literature: See Grushkin, Paul, The Art of Rock: Posters from Presley to Punk, Abbeville Press, New York, 1987, p.92 (illus.).

More Information: The handbill has a fair amount of accumulated grime on the red surface throughout. The upper right corner has a 1" diagonal crease which breaks the red color, and the upper left corner has likewise at only ¼". The flyer's left edge has fraying for a few inches. Notice the light staining around Wes Wilson's signature. Chameleon dropped in a tiny bit of spot color in just one or two spots. And the verso has... well, we'll say ‘tons of character' from when it was posted way back in the day. But it's smooth on the back, not the least bit sticky.


Heritage Auctions provides as much information as possible but strongly encourages in-person inspection. Condition statements are offered as general guidance only, not as complete representations of fact, and do not constitute a warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Some condition issues may not be noted but may be visible in the photos, which are considered part of the condition report. Lots estimated at $1,000 or less are not de-framed for inspection, and we may be unable to provide additional details for lots valued under $500. Heritage does not guarantee the condition of frames and is not liable for damage to frames, glass/acrylic coverings, original boxes, display accessories, or artwork that has shifted in the frame. All lots are sold "AS IS" under our Terms & Conditions of Auction.