1969 Free The Presidio 27 Vietnam War Protest Placard Sign Original

Date: 1969 
Artist: Unknown          
Size (in): 28” x 8.25” 
Size (cm): 71.1 x 21 
Condition: B
Linen backed: No

This is a vintage original handmade Vietnam War antiwar protest placard or sign.  This sign is on “Nat Mat” artboard in a vertical format with the statement “Free Presidio 27” printed in large red letters.   The back of the placard has notation in black marker from the original owner that reads “Sun. 6 15 (?) 69 Civic Cntr Vn Ness – Lombard – Presidio” which would presumably be an indication of when and where this sign was used as part of a protest against the Vietnam War in San Francisco.   

The Presidio Mutiny was a sit-down protest carried out by 27 United States military prisoners at the Presidio stockade in San Francisco, California on October 14, 1968. It was one of the earliest instances of significant internal military resistance to the Vietnam War. The stiff sentences given out at courts martial for the participants (known as the Presidio 27) revealed the extent of the sentiment against the war within the U.S. military.  The Presidio Mutiny became the most high profile instance of resistance to the Vietnam War within the United States military in what would become known as the “GI Movement".  

This vintage original placard has staple holes at the top, bottom and center from having been attached to a stick when it was original used. The placard has a single piece of tape on each corner and a another single piece of tape at the center top and right and left edges.  The placard also shows a few small scuffs and general wear from use.  Overall condition is very good for this original Vietnam War protest sign.