Beatles Memorabilia is One of the Top Selling Collectible Categories in the World!
FREE APPRAISAL. To buy, sell or consign Beatles memorabilia in our Beatles memorabilia auction, please email [email protected] or call Nate D. Sanders (http://www.NateDSanders.com) at (310) 440-2982. Thank you.
Beatles Memorabilia
Here is some Beatles memorabilia we have sold:
Coveted instrument personally owned and played by music legend and 1960’s cultural icon John Lennon. The first time Lennon played an instrument with a keyboard on a record was for his collaboration with McCartney on 1965’s ”I’m Down”, from the B-side to Beatles single ”Help!” Mason and Hamlin brand reed organ, or pump organ, is made of walnut wood and features a dark cherry finish. Accompanied by a slip inscribed, ”Love to Julie / From John Lennon / xxxx” in red ink. Rubber lining on pedals has been replaced. Near fine. A Steinway brand piano of Lennon’s sold at Sotheby’s in 2000 for $2.1 million. Replaced rubber on the foot pedals, else near fine. With provenance from Sotheby’s including original catalog and house-issued certificate of ownership signed by Yoko Ono. Amazing Beatles memorabilia. Sold for $74,535.
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The original Ludwig drum kit used for the recording of ”Love Me Do”, The Beatles’ first single on their first album ”Please Please Me”, released on 22 March 1963 and ushering in Beatlemania. The session was recorded on 11 September 1962 at EMI London, with this recording of ”Love Me Do” used on the Beatles’ first album ”Please Please Me” as well as the first Beatles U.S. release of ”Love Me Do” and the 1982 re-release of the song. In addition to ”Love Me Do”, this Ludwig drum kit is also heard on ”P.S. I Love You”, which plays on the B-side of the British single and on the ”Please Please Me” album. The kit was played by Andy White during the recording session, who played with the Fab Four that day, with Ringo playing tambourine on ”Love Me Do”. Kit comprises a 14” x 22” bass drum, 16” x 16” floor tom, 9” x 13” tom-tom (which is date-stamped 1956 inside) and 5.5” x 14” snare. Drum head is new. The original Black Diamond Pearl wrapping is present and matches exactly the photo of White playing the drum kit. From the personal collection of Clive Edwards, who studied drum playing under Reg Weller, one of Andy White’s best friends. Weller procured the kit for Edwards after White secured an endorsement deal with Ajax drums. With an LOA from Thea White, the widow of Andy White. Sold for $67,500.
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Intimate Handwritten Letter by John Lennon on Transcendental Meditation — “…you are searching for ‘something’ (truth) the same as every one else – whether they know it or not. We have been lucky in meeting Maharishi…” — Incredible Beatles memorabilia
A personal autograph letter by John Lennon signed, “Lots of love John Lennon x”, responding to a fan’s inquiry about transcendental meditation. Lennon writes in an encouraging and unassuming manner, clearly happy to connect with a stranger about a subject he felt passionate about. Undated, though circa late 1967, letter reads in full, “Dear Jean, Thank you for your letter. It makes complete sense to me – you are searching for ‘something’ (truth) the same as everyone else – whether they know it or not. We have been lucky in meeting Maharishi – but his method is simple enough to be taught by the teachers he has taught. We are continuing our ‘lessons’ with these English teachers and I suggest you get in touch with them and find for yourself a nice bit of inner peace. The address is over-leaf. S.R.M. Foundation of Gt. Britain / 20 Grosvenor Place / London, S.W.I. / England / Lots of love, John Lennon x. Try it – it really works and it’s easy.” Letter also includes John’s partial address at top (“Kenwood, etc.”) Double-sided letter on blue writing paper measures 5.5″ x 7″. Accompanied by (1) original stamped addressed envelope postmarked Weybridge 6 September 1967; (2) letter from “Jean,” explaining that as a Beatles fan she wrote to John Lennon asking about transcendental meditation, having gotten his address from her employer, a florist who had a contract with Brian Epstein’s offices. She included a stamped addressed envelope, as was the way, in the hope it would encourage Lennon to reply. A lovely handwritten letter by Lennon displaying his accessibility and personal values of self discovery. In near fine condition with still bold writing. Accompanied by certificate of authenticity from PSA/DNA. Incredible Beatles memorabilia. We sold it for $28,000.
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Contract rider for the Beatles 28 August 1965 concert in San Diego at Balboa Stadium, signed by the ”fifth Beatle,” their manager Brian Epstein. This concert was a particularly well-documented event in rock and roll history symbolizing Beatlemania; it was added last-minute to the itinerary of their 1965 North America tour in response to popular demand, and an incident immediately followed the show in which the Beatles’ tour bus broke down and was damaged by a frenzied mob of crazed fans. Typed rider is also signed by a representative from the event purchaser Sight and Sound Productions. The Beatles’ live performance requirements are spelled out in the eleven point rider, including security considerations and crowd control. Also present is their famous requirement that they not play before a segregated audience. Rider arranges for the Fab Four’s transportation from Los Angeles to San Diego for the concert and guarantees the following terms: ”not less than 150 uniformed officers” were to be provided and more if necessary; a ”strong fence or barrier…to prevent any of the audience from climbing over”; also a ”platform for Ringo Starr and his drums” and a high-fidelity sound system equipped with a ”first class sound engineer”; a dressing room with ”four cots, mirrors, an ice cooler, portable TV set and clean towels”; a guest list not to exceed 50 complimentary tickets; one press conference and no further media engagements at the event; prohibition of ticket sales in advance of 31 May 1965; transportation including ”Two seven-passenger Cadillac limousines (air-conditioned if possible) with chauffeurs” and prohibition of unauthorized merchandise sales and bootlegging at the show. Incidentally, the Beatles encountered transportation snafus both coming and going – the airline workers’ strike coincided with their planned flight to San Diego and a touring coach instead brought the band from LA via Highway 1. Three-page document on 3 sheets measures 8.5” x 11”. Toning, creasing and staple punctures to the upper left, else near fine. A scarce record of the Beatles. Sold for $10,780.
Charming Beatles Autographs on a Photo With Funny Inscriptions by John, Paul, George and Ringo — “Why Don’t You Get A Job? Good heavens from John Lennon”
Charming publicity photograph of The Beatles sipping from china tea cups, with all of the Beatles autographs on verso in various inks with facetious messages by The Fab Four: “To Roy, why don’t you get a job? good heavens from John Lennon” with a hand-drawn crucifix motif; “To Roy you’re fired! you may think this is a joke, but if we come back soon, you’ll see…Paul McCartney”; “Why don’t you just piss off! George Harrison”; and, “To Roy, the best barman in L.A, Ringo Starr”. Additionally inscribed and signed “To Mother Roy it’s been fun nowing [sic] you Neil Aspinall” and further annotated in an unknown hand. Glossy photo measures 6″ x 8″. Diagonal crease across upper right of photo, some dampstaining and fingerprints on verso, else near fine. A rare, fantastic piece showing the Fab Four’s playful wit. Sold for $10,470.
Excellent Beatles signed concert program – without inscription, for a concert held on 25 April 1963 at Fairfield Hall in Croydon, Surrey. On the two-page spread devoted to The Beatles, each of the Fab Four sign next to their photo in blue ballpoint, ”I Love You / Yours / John Lennon / xxx”, ”Love, / Paul McCartney / xxx”, ”George Harrison / xx” and ”Love / Ringo Starr / [star sign]xx”. The event was organized by London concert promoter John Smith, and also featured John Leyton (who cancelled his appearance), The Big Three, Billy Kramer, and several more acts, with The Beatles headlining. Orange program bound by two staples runs six pages and measures 6.875” x 9.5”. Separation starting along bottom seam, and creasing throughout. Small hole to top right of cover. Overall in very good condition. With Roger Epperson COA for all four signatures. A rare uninscribed Beatles concert program, signed at the cusp of their global fame. Sold for $9,375.
George Harrison writes his very personal thoughts on spirituality to fellow Beatle Ringo Starr in this booklet entitled, ”Fourteen Scientific Reasons Why No One Dies” published by Swami Omkarananda, Divine Light Zentrum, Switzerland. The Beatles traveled to India together in 1968 to study transcendental meditation with the Maharishi, an experience which had a profound influence on both their music and personal lives. Harrison especially embraced Hinduism, evident in this one-of-a-kind booklet, expressing his thoughts on spirituality and the guidance it gave him post-Beatles. On the title page, he encircles the title, writes, ”Ringo” and draws a six pointed star. Then he writes, ”to help us not feel too bad – as we continue dropping apart”. On the inside front cover, the former Beatle writes, ”From G.H. / New Years Eve/Day A.D. 1974 / Titenhurst [sic] Pk”. Tittenhurst Park, originally owned by John Lennon, was sold to Ringo Starr in 1973. Harrison also writes ”274 Dwapara” and a symbol for Hinduism. A 2” x 2.25” photo of Harrison at the keyboard is affixed to the verso of the title page. He writes, ”I was in the greatest show on Earth” surrounded by musical notes and followed by the words ”death” and ”rebirth”. Harrison writes a list of ages beginning with, ”and now I’m only 32” and ending with, ”only now I’m 37”. ”33” — Ringo’s age in 1973 — is crossed off. In the margin, Harrison writes, ”is there life after birth? / see page 23” where he has underlined ”for the more highly evolved man, death bursts the narrow circle within which material life has imprisoned a consciousness.” Underlinings occur throughout the 43pp. booklet containing writings of scientists and philosophers as well as those of the swami. Harrison annotates verses from the New Testament on page 7 with this comment: ”Neither are you the slayer nor are you slain (Bgvd Gita)”. On page 38, Harrison adds an asterisk and ”Knots in the string” after a quote about immortality. He draws a sun and musical notes on page 43 above a sentence that he alters to read, ”When the Sun sets ‘in the sky’ do you say, it is dead, and all is over?” On this last page of text, he again draws the symbol of Hinduism. The booklet is profusely filled with Harrison’s intimate thoughts on eastern spirituality, giving fascinating insight into his music and his affection for his former band mate. Moderate dampstaining, soiling and partial separation at staple binding to 4” x 5” paperback booklet, overall very good condition. With a COA by Roger Epperson. Sold for $8,908.
The Beatles signed fan club photo measuring 5.75” x 4”, signed in green ink by all four when Pete Best drummed for the band. Signed ”John Lennon”, ”George Harrison”, ”Pete Best” and ”Paul McCartney”, who also adds the inscription ”To Hank / Best Wishes”. Upon the verso of the photo is printed, ”With Best Wishes / from / Paul Pete / John George / THE BEATLES / April 5th 1962”. Light creasing to photo and some fading to ink, overall in very good condition. Slabbed by PSA/DNA and also with their COA. Sold for $8,750.
Very Clean, Exceptional Postcard with the Beatles Autographs — With COA by Beatles Expert Frank Caiazzo
Very attractive Fan Club photo card with The Beatles autographs; “Paul McCartney,” “George Harrison,” “John Lennon” and “Ringo Starr.” Each man signed his name in red ball point pen near his respective image. Photocard features a black and white photo of the Beatles, playfully posed circa 1963, and is in very good condition, unusually so for a card signed by all the band members. Official Fan Club signed cards are quite rare, as secretaries would often sign them them in lieu of the Fab Four themselves. Light spot of discoloration above Paul McCartney’s image and creasing to corners. The ink in Paul’s name also ran out as he was signing so the “tney” is not readily visible. Paper and tape residual to verso from being affixed to a photo album. Overall an exceptional, clean piece. Measures 5.5″ x 4.25″ With Frank Caiazzo COA certifying that the Beatles autographs are authentic. Sold for $8,400.
John Lennon rare signed ”Bag One” print, from the series of Lennon artwork first displayed in January 1970 at the London Art Gallery. Entitled ”Threesome”, beautifully spare lithograph features a sexually explicit scene of two women and one man, drawn in red ink to center of 22” x 29” lithograph paper. Lennon boldly signs in pencil to lower right. Numbered ”150/300” to lower left. Light foxing to right edge, else near fine. With COA from Roger Epperson. Erotic Beatles memorabilia. We sold it for $5,500.
Brian Epstein autograph letter signed to Lennon. Called the ”Fifth Beatle,” Epstein managed the Fab Four before his untimely death in 1967 at age 32. Two years prior, in this letter dated 21 December 1965, he writes upon his personal BE stationery, in full, ”My Dear John, Just to thank you for taking so much trouble with the selection – I’ve kept them all and am quite [?]. Only inclusion I’d fault is the cliff – but I can keep it for P.J.B.’s visit! Have a good Christmas and a Happy New Year – thanks again. Brian”. Single page letter measures 7” x 9”. Toning, creasing and mild foxing with fading to the text on the right half of the page, overall very good. Early Beatles memorabilia. We sold it for $2,578.
John Lennon autograph letter signed, ”John Lennon”. He responds to fan mail in 1968 during his trip to Rishikesh, India. Rare Beatles memorabilia. It sold for $17,365.
Every Beatle brought their own personal style and talent to the mix — and each changed individually as The Beatles traveled to India together in 1968 to study transcendental meditation with the Maharishi, an experience which had a profound influence on both their music and personal lives.
FREE APPRAISAL. To buy, sell or consign Beatles memorabilia in our Beatles memorabilia auction, please email [email protected] or call Nate D. Sanders (http://www.NateDSanders.com) at (310) 440-2982. Thank you.
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