When it comes to modern advertisements, we live in a “here today, gone tomorrow” type of world. But here at Bynx, our extensive collection of vintage handbill ephemera turns that idea on its head. We view it as holding a small snippet of history in your hands. If you’re reading this, maybe you do too.
So why are these seemingly simple pieces of literature, graphics, and advertisements such sought-after collectors’ items? A bit of background may help explain why these tokens from the past are so valuable today.
Why Collect Handbill Ephemera?
By definition, handbill (flyer) ephemera are supposed to be short-lived, transitory pieces of information that relay messages or convey details about events. Over the years, due to scarcity, many have become rare collectibles that provide historical documentation and a broader perspective of politics, music, theater, and more.
Filling in Historical Gaps
Handbill ephemera can be incredibly challenging to find because they were created to be helpful and kept for a short period of time. However, these vintage flyers present a modern audience with a snapshot of one specific historical moment while offering insight into progressive and underground movements that happened alongside major social and historical events. In a sense, handbill ephemera helps contextualize history and illuminate how the printed word can be a powerful mobilizer and catalyst for change.
When these vintage handbills are collected and appreciated, they fill in the gaps to many historical milestones, significant sociopolitical shifts, and rises in popular music genres. They offer a small window into past worldviews, provide tangible context for social movements, and give a glimpse into historical happenings and cultural transformations in mainstream and countercultural thinking. Of course, some collectors select pieces for their collections simply for the aesthetic nature of the items, especially those created in the Psychedelic Sixties.
Collectors of this memorabilia range from everyday vintage collectors to celebrities with sprawling collections of rare pieces that go for top-dollar at auctions. Well-preserved works of handbill ephemera are also housed and protected by the Library of Congress.
Our Collection of Vintage Handbill Ephemera
At Bynx, we continue to add to our growing collection of vintage ephemera. We currently have several hundred items in our inventory and regularly add pieces to our online shop as they are graded and categorized. These unique pieces make the perfect addition to developing collections and below are a few samples of the handbill ephemera collections we currently have available:
- Pink Floyd (July 26, 1968. Shrine Hall)
- Black Flag (May 1983: On Broadway, San Francisco)
- The Ramones – Live in Houston (November 1979. Houston, TX)
- Jimi Hendrix Final Concert – Fehmarn Festival Germany (September 6, 1970)
- 1969 Newport Pop Festival (Devonshire Downs, California)
- 1970 Isle of Wight Festival (Second issue, two-sided)
- Rolling Stones (November 1969. Oakland Coliseum)
- And more
Find Rare Vintage Music Ephemera at Bynx
Along with the large selection of handbill ephemera for online purchase, we also offer an extensive array of other vintage music ephemera, including programs, zines, posters, sheet music, and other miscellaneous memorabilia.
We have a collection of over 80 vinyl and more than 100 books available online; including modern first editions, signed editions, poetry, and beats. Merchandise purchased from our online shop is available to ship domestically and internationally. As with handbills, we continue to add titles regularly from our large inventory.
Contact us for more information about our available inventory; we may have the specific collectible piece you need.
Drop-In Today
If you’re in the Orlando area, stop in and enjoy our specialty sandwiches, beverages, or local baked goods at our cafe. Browse our new collections of vintage items, vinyl, collectible books, and musical ephemera in-store, and be sure to check out live events happening locally.
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