Lawrence “Ram Rod” Shurtliff

Two briefcases belonging to Ram Rod,꧑ including his passport

Small aluminum attaché case (9.5 x 15.5 x 5’’). Containing Shurtliff’s passport, expired 27 Aug. 1979, with signed photograph and immigration stamps, [and] a pamphlet from the Middle East Research Associates, Washington D.C., ca. 1978, advising the band on travel inꦚ Cairo. Briefcase with numerous stickers. — Halliburton Zero aluminum attaché case (25 x 17 x 8’’). “Steal Your Face” medallion and metal emblem with initials “F.M.S.” at handle, paper luggage tag with Shurtliff’s name and address in blue pen, baggage check tags for John Wayne Airport, on rollers; overall worn, scuffed, w🎐ith dents and scratches.

Ram Rod's life on the road

Ram Rod’s personal briefcases used on numerous Grateful Dead tours. In addition to his passport, the small✨er briefcase features a long pamphlet issued to the band by the Middle East Research Associates, in advance of their three-night run in Cairo. The document offers pages of advice regarding travel in Egypt, from politics to navigating taxis and bazaars, and importantly: “The quality of Egyptian wine is uneven, but 💯generally passable. The best reds are Phara’ina or Omar Khayyam; Nefertiti is the best white, and Robis d’Egypt a borderline rose. Egypt also produces very good local beer — Stella.”