Ace Frehley’s Original Kiss Logo Design Sale For $50k In Auction

The original KISS logo design by guitarist Ace Frehley is now being auctioned with a starting price of $50,000.

Frehley initially hand-drew the artwork back in 1973 and attached it to a button badge to show his bandmates a way to promote their music. Later on, the art piece was redrawn by Paul Stanley. Although, according to the auctioneers, Frehley’s starting-point work remained,

“one of the most significant pieces of rock ’n’ roll history.”

Gotta Have Rock and Roll explained in the listing:

“For years now, we have all heard the story of the creation of the Kiss band name and Kiss logo.

“Paul Stanley thought of the name, Ace designed the logo, and then Paul refined the logo. Ace designed the logo in early 1973 using graph paper in order to properly draw out the perfect proportions in a consistent scale.”

They continued that Frehley had identified the need for a badge to be used as,

“a piece of merchandise or as a giveaway memento to friends, family, crew members and supporters of the upcoming band. This is why the artwork was taped by Ace to a button for the sake of example; he basically built a prototype button to show the other band members in order to get everyone’s feedback and approval.”

However, the design was never stored and kept “as a collectible,” resulting to have a “super delicate” condition as of today. Luckily, the winning bidder will receive the artwork in a protective sleeve and case.

The auctioneers note that the purchase does not include the right to make and sell copies:

“Understand something here: by winning this auction, you will become both curator and steward of one of the most significant pieces of rock ’n’ roll history.”

The artwork also comes with a certificate of authenticity signed by Frehley himself. There are also other KISS items featured on the auction, which ends on April 30.