23 minute read
Beatles
The Fab Four sign their smash debut album
4000. Beatles Signed ‘Please Please
Me’ Album. Summer 1963 third pressing of the Beatles album Please Please Me (Mono PMC 1202), signed on the back cover in blue ink, “Love, Paul McCartney,” in blue ballpoint, “Ringo Starr” and “George Harrison,” and in red ballpoint, “John Lennon.” In very good condition, with separation and old tape stains to the back bottom edge, dampstaining to the back top edge, and light scuffing and soiling. The record is included. The consignor indicates that the signatures were obtained at the Adelphi Cinema in Slough, England, in 1963—the Beatles played the Adelphi twice in 1963: on May 18th, four days before the release of Please Please Me, and the first night of the group’s breakout tour with Roy Orbison; and on November 5th, a day after their memorable Royal Command Performance at London’s Prince of Wales Theatre in the presence of the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret. Any album signed by all four members is highly desirable—roughly 75 signed copies of this title are known to exist. Starting Bid $1000
Scarce signed program from the Fab Four’s 1963 Winter Gardens engagement
4001. Beatles Signed 1963 Winter Gardens
Program. Exceptional original 5.75 x 9 program for The Beatles at the Winter Gardens at Margate, Kent, England, from July 8–13, 1963, two pages, beautifully signed on the front cover in bold blue ballpoint, “Paul McCartney,” “John Lennon,” “George Harrison,” and “Ringo Starr.” Each Beatle signs beside his respective image, making for a stellar appearance. In very good to fine condition, with light soiling, overall creasing, and staple holes to the upper right corner. Accompanied by a letter of authenticity from noted Beatles expert Frank Caiazzo, confirming that “these signatures date from the period, July of 1963.”
The band played twelve shows over six consecutive nights at the Winter Gardens, with opening acts including the Dakotas, Billy J. Kramer, and comedian Derek Roy. Their nine-song setlist included ‘Please Please Me,’ ‘I Saw Her Standing There,’ and the energetic closing track, ‘Twist and Shout.’ An exemplary autographed piece from the Beatles at the start of their fame, boasting four gorgeous signatures. Starting Bid $1000
4002. Beatles 1966 Crosley Field Unused Concert Ticket. Original unused beige 4 x 1.5 concert ticket for a
Beatles performance held at Crosley Field in Cincinnati, Ohio, on August 20, 1966, at 8:30 p.m., issued for Box 103, Tier 7, and Seat 3. In fine condition, with a trivial hole to end of “Beatles.” The concert was ultimately postponed until the following day at noon due to heavy rain and the risk of electrocution. Starting Bid $300
4003. Beatles: Lennon, McCartney, and Starr Signatures. Vintage ballpoint signatures and inscriptions, “To Anne, love, John Lennon, xx,” “To Anne, Paul McCartney, (Beatles),” and “To Anne, Love, Ringo Starr, xxx,” on a brown 6.75 x 4.75 piece of cardboard. In fine condition, with some light soiling to the left edge. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Tracks and by a letter of provenance from the original recipient, who attests that she obtained the autographs at the Assembly Rooms in Mold, Flintshire, England, on January 24, 1963—”I wish I had a camera on me as they also signed their autographs all down my arms. But alas I had to wash them off.” Starting Bid $300
4004. Beatles: 1973 Apple Studios
Pewter Tankard. Pewter tankard presented to Beatles recording engineer Geoff Emerick by Apple Studios, Savile Row, London, in 1973, engraved on the side in handsome Old English script: “Geoff Emerick, from his friends, Apple Studios, 1973.” Stamped on the bottom, “Knighthood Old English Pewter” and “Leadless Pewter.” In fine condition. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Tracks, noting that it originates from Emerick’s estate. Starting Bid $200
4005. Beatles 1961 ‘Swinging Lunch Time Rock Sessions’ Handbill.
Handbill for a Beatles performance at the ‘Swinging Lunch Time Rock Sessions’ held at the Liverpool Jazz Society on March 15, [1961], 5.25 x 7.25, listing Gerry and the Pacemakers and Rory Storm and the Wild Ones as supporting acts. In fine condition. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Tracks. This handbill comes from the original collection of former Cavern Club compere Bob Wooler, a significant figure in the Merseybeat music scene who presented nearly three-hundred Beatles performances during the early sixties, and who is noted as introducing the band to their future manager, Brian Epstein. Starting Bid $200
4007. Beatles 1964 Stock Certificate. Blank
original stock certificate for “Beatles (U.S.A.) Limited,” one page, 11 x 7.75, no date but circa 1964, marked as “Number 8.” Established in 1964 to oversee the Beatles’ business affairs in America, the original board of directors was comprised of Brian Epstein, Walter Hofer, and Sandra Hofer. The consignor notes that only 20 of these numbered certificates exist. In very fine condition. Starting Bid $200
4006. Beatles Apple Records Watch. Scarce
circa 1967 Apple Records promotional wristwatch, measuring 1.5 x 1.5, on an 8.5˝ long suede black band. The back of the watch is engraved “Old England,” and the band is stamped in gold, “Made in England, Old England, Copyright Old England Watches Ltd 1967.” In fine condition, with light crazing to the face and rubbing to maker’s mark on reverse of band; watch’s function is temperamental but may work intermittently. This was one of just three officially licensed Beatles watches produced during the 1960s, and by some estimates only about one hundred were manufactured. Starting Bid $200
4008. Beatles Photograph with Handwriting of Lennon, Harrison, and McCartney.
Original trimmed vintage glossy 4 x 8.5 photograph of John Lennon in 1961 by Jurgen Volmer, with the reverse bearing the starts of ballpoint inscriptions by Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison; the original photo, which pictured all three musicians, was trimmed to focus on Lennon, subsequently excising the remainder of the signatures. The handwriting is as follows: McCartney (“Lots of love to Lindy (& all the…at Ne”), Harrison (“To honey—Lind”), and Lennon (“Lots of love, to Lind”). In very good condition, with heavy creasing to the image of John, and overall soiling to the reverse. Accompanied by a letter of authenticity from noted Beatles expert Frank Caiazzo, and by a printed sheet of Lennon posing with the recipient, his friend Lindy Ness. Starting Bid $200
4009. Beatles Original 1961 Albert Marrion Photograph. Exceptionally rare
vintage semi-glossy 8.5 x 6.5 silver gelatin photo of the Beatles that was taken in the photography studio of Albert Marrion in Wallasey, Merseyside, on December 17, 1961. This was the group’s first ever professional photo shoot and it was paid for by Brian Epstein. It depicts John Lennon, George Harrison, Paul McCartney, and Pete Best dressed in leather and posing with their instruments. The photograph was developed in Marrion’s studio and was obtained by a former employee. In very good to fine condition, with light scuffing, creasing and a tear to the bottom edge. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Tracks, and by a letter of provenance from said employee. Starting Bid $200
4010. Beatles (2) Signed Books: Coleman, Ono and Gruen. Two uncommon limited edition Beatles books: Deluxe
limited edition of McCartney: Yesterday & Today, numbered 145/750, published by Genesis Publications in 1995, hardcover with slipcase, signed on the colophon in black ink by the author Ray Coleman. Deluxe limited edition of Sometime in New York City, numbered 145/2500, published by Genesis Publications in 1995, black leather with screen-printed aluminum boards held in a solander box with silk-screening and a metal title plate, signed on the colophon in black felt tip by Yoko Ono and in blue felt tip by Bob Gruen. In overall fine condition, with separation to upper and lower edges on Sometime’s interior slipcase. This auction features four other limited edition Beatles book lots with an identical edition number (145). Starting Bid $200
4012. John Lennon Signed Book. Signed book: In His Own Write. Second April reprint. London: Jonathan Cape, 1964. Hardcover, 5.5 x 7, 78 pages. Signed crisply on the first free end page in blue ballpoint by John Lennon. In very good to fine condition, with scattered small stains to the signed page, cover wear, and scuffing to the edges of the spine. The consignor notes that the autograph was obtained at the Foyles literary luncheon held in honor of the book’s publication, which took place at London’s Dorchester Hotel on April 23, 1964. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Tracks, and with the original four-page seating plan for the luncheon, which lists John Lennon, Cynthia Lennon, and Brian Epstein amongst the guests. Starting Bid $500
Nonsense verse and sketch by John Lennon: “What a larf they ate his arse when they were hungry”
4011. John Lennon Partial Handwritten Manuscript
and Sketch. Crude and humorous partial handwritten manuscript and sketch by John Lennon, two pages on two adjoining sheets, 6.5 x 8.75, taken from a circa 1961 exercise book. On the front, Lennon writes out a playful passage: “What am I to do with no job to feed my mother and all the other people who eat my arse. (for they ate his arse when they were hungry). What a larf they ate his arse when they were hungry. I wouldn’t eat anybody’s arse whatever happened.” On the second page, he fills the full page with a landscape line drawing sketch of a male face. In fine condition, with occasional brushing to the ink. Several of Lennon’s nonsense poems and short stories, accompanied by his line drawings, were collected and published in his books In His Own Write (1964) and A Spaniard in the Works (1965). Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Tracks. Starting Bid $2500
4013. John Lennon Signed Christmas
Card. Attractive Christmas card from 1979 with colorful imagery of two bow-tied poinsettias, measures 9.25 x 6.25 open, signed inside below a printed greeting in black ink by John Lennon as “Jock Lennon.” In fine condition. Accompanied by a letter of authenticity from noted Beatles expert Frank Caiazzo, and by the original self-addressed and stamped mailing envelope from “Jackson Browne” of Denver, Colorado, postmarked January 3, 1980. Starting Bid $200
4014. John Lennon: Astrid Kirchherr Original
Photograph. Original vintage glossy 7 x 9.5 silver gelatin photograph of John Lennon in a close-up pose, taken by Astrid Kirchherr during the ‘attic sessions’ in Hamburg in 1962. Reverse bears Leonar watermarks. In very good to fine condition, with two heavy creases to the left side, one grazing Lennon’s cheek. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Tracks. Starting Bid $200
One-of-a-kind ‘Double Fantasy’ portrait of John and Yoko, signed for the photographer
4015. John Lennon and Yoko Ono Signed Photograph
by David M. Spindel. Extraordinary, one-of-a-kind satinfinish 20 x 16 photo of John Lennon and Yoko Ono in their sunglasses, taken by David M. Spindel during their Double Fantasy session, signed and inscribed to the photographer in black felt tip, “To Dave, love, John Lennon, ‘80” and “Yoko Ono,” with John adding one of his classic self-portrait caricature sketches. Also signed in the lower right corner by the photographer, “David M. Spindel.” In fine condition.
Accompanied by a letter of provenance signed by Spindel, in part: “In late October or early November of 1980, I don’t recall exactly. It was over 40 years ago. I went to visit John and Yoko Ono after having photographed them at what is believed to be the last recording session of the Double Fantasy album. I showed them enlarged contact sheets of all the photographs I had taken the night before. After they viewed the images, I asked if it was not an inconvenience, would they autograph a special photograph that I had taken of them. Needless to say, they did and John even drew one of his caricatures. This is the only print of this photograph that is autographed by both of them and myself. No other print like it exists. I never displayed this print for fear of it fading.” Starting Bid $1000
Luxurious leatherbound photo chronicle of a John and Yoko ‘Double Fantasy’ session
4016. John Lennon and Yoko Ono ‘Double Fantasy’ Photo Album by David M. Spindel. Spectacular leatherbound
photo album created by photographer David M. Spindel, containing his original photographs of John Lennon and Yoko Ono during their ‘Double Fantasy’ session. The album—one of just three created by Spindel—measures 12.5 x 11.75 and contains 36 photographs taken by Spindel in the autumn of 1980, and developed by him in his NYC darkroom during the early 1980s. The wonderful images show John Lennon singing, strumming his acoustic guitar, and working at the mixing console; portraits of John and Yoko Ono together; and the studio itself. Fabulously presented, this is a unique and comprehensive behind-thescenes look at John and Yoko in action in the studio. In very fine condition. Accompanied by a letter of provenance signed by Spindel, in part: “This leather bound album contains my original photographs which I personally printed in my darkroom back in New York City in the early 80’s. I only produced three albums. I have this one and I gave one to Yoko Ono to show my appreciation for having the opportunity and honor to photograph her and John. It was one of the highlights of my 60 plus years as a photographer.” He goes on to note that the third and final album was sold privately many years ago—making this the only one known to be publicly available. Accompanied by Yoko Ono’s handwritten thank-you note to Spindel for her version of the photo album, December 15, 2009, in part: “Beautiful work! I’m very impressed. Thank you so much for giving me this very special gift.” Starting Bid $500
4017.John Lennon Photograph Signed by David M. Spin-
del. Rare color satin-finish 16 x 20 photographic print entitled ‘Strawberry Fields’ created by photographer David Spindel—one of just two prints made—featuring a portrait of Lennon wearing sunglasses superimposed over a strawberry background. Signed in the lower right corner by the artist, “David M. Spindel.” Spindel is perhaps best known for photographing John Lennon and Yoko Ono during Lennon’s last recording sessions for Double Fantasy in 1980; he also co-created the poster for the Oscar-winning motion picture Platoon. In fine condition. Accompanied by a letter of provenance signed by Spindel. Starting Bid $200
4018. Paul McCartney Original 1960 Liverpool Institute High School Panoramic Photograph. Original vintage
glossy 42 x 7 panoramic class photograph of students at Liverpool Institute taken in March 1960, with the young Paul McCartney seen toward the right side. McCartney attended Liverpool Institute from 1953 to 1960, and it was where he met George Harrison. Just a few months later, in July, having taken O and A levels, and deciding not to apply for teacher’s training college, McCartney left school for the Beatles’ first stay in Hamburg. In fine condition, with a few light creases and scuffing to lower border. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Tracks. Starting Bid $200
4019. Paul McCartney Signed ‘Magical Mystery Tour’ EP.
Desirable UK vinyl pressing of the 1967 Beatles EP ‘Magical Mystery Tour,’ signed inside the booklet in brown ballpoint by Paul McCartney. A pencil collector’s notation dates the signature to September 1968. In fine condition. The records are included. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Tracks. A sought-after and uncommon vintage-signed McCartney piece. Starting Bid $200
4020. Paul McCartney Signed Birthday Card.
Terrific ‘The Far Side’ birthday card with a Zen-like Gary Larson cow, measures 9.75 x 6.75 open, signed and inscribed inside in black ballpoint to Beatles recording engineer Geoff Emerick, “Dear Geoffrey, Have a HAPPY one!! Love Paul + the kids.” In very fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope, postmarked December 6, 1999, and by a certificate of authenticity from Tracks. Starting Bid $200
4021. Paul McCartney Signed Postcard. Very appealing color 1990
MPL Communications Ltd. promotional postcard of Paul and Linda McCartney, 6 x 4.25, signed nicely on the front in blue felt tip by the former Beatles member. In very fine condition. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Tracks. Starting Bid $200
4022. Paul McCartney Signed Receipt.
Manuscript DS, one page, 5 x 8, stamp-dated June 2, 1967. Receipt from locksmiths Sidney Venning for “2 Chubb Latch Keys” and “2 Chubb 3G110 Keys,” signed below in ballpoint by Paul McCartney. In fine condition, with two file holes to the left edge. Starting Bid $200
4024. Paul McCartney and Wings ‘Band on the Run’
Grammy Nomination Plaque. Grammy nomination plaque, 8.75 x 10.75, presented to sound engineer Geoff Emerick by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences “in recognition of Nomination for the Best Engineered Recording (Non-Classical), ‘Band on the Run,’ Paul McCarthy & Wings, for the awards period 1974.” The black-bordered plaque bears the facsimile signature of the Academy’s national president, Bill Lowery. In fine condition. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Tracks, noting that it originates from the estate of Geoff Emerick, who would go on to win the Grammy for his work on Band on the Run. Starting Bid $200
4023. Paul McCartney and Wings Signed Photograph.
Desirable glossy 10 x 8 EMI Records publicity photo of Paul McCartney and Wings, signed in black ballpoint by McCartney and Joe English, in blue ballpoint by Linda McCartney and Jimmy McCulloch, and in blue ink by Denny Laine. In very good to fine condition, with creasing to the corners, and poor contrast to Linda’s signature. Starting Bid $200
4025. Beatles: George Harrison
Signed Book. Signed book: Fifty Years Adrift. First edition, limited issue, numbered 140/2000. England: Genesis Publications, 1984. Hardcover with slipcase, 7.25 x 9.75, 541 pages. Signed at the bottom of the foreword page in brown ink, “George Harrison,” and also signed by the author on the colophon in blue ink, “Derek Taylor.” In fine condition, with some light wear and marks to both slipcase and book. Fifty Years Adrift is among the most desirable of all the Genesis limited editions, as it was never reprinted and contains terrific reproductions of Beatles manuscripts and letters. Starting Bid $200
4026. George Harrison Signed Receipt. DS, one
page, 5.5 x 8, July 7, 1967. Receipt for clothing from Allsopp, Brindle & Boyle Ltd. for “one pinstripe suit,” “one pair of trousers,” and “2 pairs of trousers,” signed in the lower left in ballpoint by George Harrison. A note from the proprietor on the reverse is addressed to Harrison’s wife, the model Pattie Boyd, instructing her to bring in anything needing alterations. In fine condition. Harrison and Boyd had gotten married the previous year and it was her interest in Eastern mysticism that inspired the Beatles to meet the Maharishi in London in August 1967, just a month after Harrison signed this receipt. Starting Bid $200
4027. George Harrison Signed
Book. Beautiful signed book: I, Me, Mine. Limited edition, numbered 145/2000. Surrey, England: Genesis Publications, 1980. Leatherbound hardcover with slipcase, 7.25 x 10.25, 398 pages. Signed on the colophon in fountain pen by George Harrison. In very fine condition. A superlative and low-number example of this lavish, sought-after volume. This auction features four other limited edition Beatles book lots with an identical edition number (145). Starting Bid $200
4028. George Harrison Signed
Book. Signed book: Songs by George Harrison: Book and Record Set, Vol. 1. Limited edition, numbered 145/2500. Surrey, England: Genesis Publications Limited, 1987. Leather-bound hardcover with handmade clamshell case, 8 x 11, 175 pages. Signed on the colophon in ink by Harrison. Also signed on a bookplate affixed to the first free end page by the illustrator Keith West. Slipcase includes a limited edition four-song CD with the tracks ‘Sat Singing,’ ‘Lay His Head,’ ‘For You Blue,’ and ‘Flying Hour.’ In fine condition, with slight separation to CD sleeve. This auction features four other limited edition Beatles book lots with an identical edition number (145). Starting Bid $200
4029. George Harrison Signed
Book. Signed book: Songs by George Harrison: Book and Record Set, Vol. 2. Limited edition, numbered 145/2500. Surrey, England: Genesis Publications Limited, 1992. Leather-bound hardcover with handmade clamshell case, 8 x 11, 175 pages. Signed on the colophon in ink by Harrison. Also signed on a bookplate affixed to the first free end page by the illustrator Keith West. Slipcase includes a limited edition four-song CD with the tracks ‘Life Itself,’ ‘Hottest Gong in Town,’ ‘Tears of the World,’ and ‘Hari’s on Tour Express.’ In very fine condition. This auction features four other limited edition Beatles book lots with an identical edition number (145). Starting Bid $200
4030. George Harrison Signed
Book. Gorgeous signed book: Live in Japan. Limited edition, numbered 145/3500. Surrey, England: Genesis Publications, 1993. Leather-bound hardcover with slipcase, 10.5 x 13.75, 274 pages. Signed on the colophon in black ink by Harrison. Slipcase includes a limited edition two-CD set of 19 songs recorded by Harrison and Eric Clapton and Band in Japan between December 11 and 17, 1991, as well as a souvenir pack containing two access passes and guitar picks from Harrison and Clapton. In very fine condition. This auction features four other limited edition Beatles book lots with an identical edition number (145). Starting Bid $200
glossy 8 x 10 photo of a clean-shaven George Harrison from the early 1980s, signed in blue ink, “Best wishes, George Harrison.” In fine condition, with some tiny surface impressions above Harrison’s head. Starting Bid $200 4032. George Harrison Signed Photograph. Vintage 6
x 8.25 magazine photo of George Harrison leaping in the air, which was removed from an issue of Beatles Book Monthly from 1964, signed in black ballpoint. In fine condition. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from Perry Cox. Starting Bid $200
4033. George Harrison Signed Cirque du Soleil
Ticket. An unused ticket for the Cirque du Soleil performance of Quidam at the Battersea Power Station in Battersea, London, on December 16, 2000, signed on the reverse in black ballpoint by George Harrison. In fine condition.
Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Tracks, an additional ticket and two VIP invitations to the event, and a letter of provenance from the original recipient, which can be read in our online description. Starting Bid $200
4034. Ringo Starr Signed
Blank Check. Unique and unused Apple Films Ltd. business check, 7.75 x 3.5, signed in blue ballpoint by Ringo Starr as “R. Starkey.” In very fine condition. A rare BLANK Apple Films check signed by Ringo—the FIRST SUCH EXAMPLE that we’ve ever offered. Starting Bid $200
4035. Ringo Starr Document Signed. DS, signed “R.
Starkey,” one page, 7 x 8, May 12, 1967. An invoice from Artist’s Car Service in London detailing trips made on May 10th, totaling £19.5. In fine condition. During this time the Beatles were in the midst of recording their iconic album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band; the famous cover photo for that album was shot on March 30, and the final recording session took place on April 1. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Tracks. Starting Bid $200 4036. Ringo Starr Signed Receipt. DS, one page, 5 x
7.75, stamp-dated June 7, 1967. Invoice from Dr. Norman Cowan who “presents his compliments to Zac. Starkey and begs to state that his fee for professional services is £ 2:2:–.” Signed below in black felt tip, “R. Starkey.” In fine condition, with two file holes to the left edge. Zak Starkey (born 1965) has done a stalwart job of following in his father’s footsteps; he has performed and recorded with The Who since 1996, and he is the third drummer to have appeared with English rock band Oasis. Starting Bid $200
4037. Brian Epstein Typed Letter Signed. TLS, one
page, 7 x 9, personal monogram letterhead, February 20, 1964. Letter to Derek Mills, in part: “I was most perturbed to hear about our neglecting Tommy Quickly’s ‘band parts’ for last nights’ East Beat. I would like to apologise most sincerely for this slip for which regretfully I must take responsibility. I do hope that this will in no way prevent Tommy being booked for future Easy Beats, and that you will forgive us on this occasion.” In fine condition, with a few light creases. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Tracks. Starting Bid $200 4038. Stuart Sutcliffe Autograph Poems Signed. Two
handwritten poems by Stuart Sutcliffe on a double-sided 4.25 x 7.5 sheet taken from one of his circa 1955 notebooks from Prescot Grammar School, signed at the head with his surname, “Sutcliffe.” Sutcliffe writes out original poems entitled “Night” and “On Death.” The first begins: “Darkness looms over all, tis night / night the father of day, accursed of man, / Haven for whom, not the good, they have light.” The second begins: “Lying there grey and lonely / Desolate yet bold / A bony dream of worry / Discovers death so cold.” In overall fine condition, with small stains to two corners. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Tracks. Starting Bid $200
Original Voormann sketch of “John”
4039. Klaus Voormann Original Sketch of John Lennon. Very cool large
original drawing of John Lennon by Klaus Voormann entitled above, “John,” depicting the Beatles great wearing sunglasses in an up-close pose, accomplished in graphite on an off-white 7 x 15.5 sheet, which is signed in the lower border by the artist. In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
