Beatles’ treasures go under the hammer

Posted on 17th June 2016

The Beatles are the biggest-selling band in history and its members achieved an individual fame that even today stretches across the globe. It is therefore a rather strange feeling to hold in your hand items signed by the ‘fab four’ themselves, which is what we are offering in our Summer Antiques Catalogue Sale on Tuesday 21 June. 

The lots, which were collected by a fan in the sixties, include signed photographs, singles and even a personal letter from Paul McCartney whom the lady met on several occasions. Written to her from his Liverpool address in the early days of the band’s rising popularity, it starts “Dear Jean”, is signed “Love, Paul McCartney xxx” and contains chatty phrases such as “nice to hear from you”, “cheerio” and “good luck”. It’s good to know that they did enter into such personal correspondence with their fans and gives a fascinating insight into the more human side of the megastardom that accompanied Beatlemania. Incidentally, this single sheet of paper is now valued from £800 to £1,200. 

Also being auctioned are several photographs, including one from a Beatles’ performance at the legendary Cavern Club in the early 1960s and a television appearance by the group – again both signed and personalised by Paul McCartney. These carry guide prices from £150 to £250. 

The collection also contains a number of vinyl singles from the group’s massively successful run of chart hits, including: She Loves You (1963); I Feel Fine (1964); Help (1965) and Paperback Writer (1966). Two of the records – Please Please Me (1963) and From Me To You (1963) have signed covers and are expected to reach up to £400 each. 

Vintage discs, especially those from iconic artists, are extremely collectible at the moment, and the fact that some of these are also signed will make them even more valuable. The worldwide popularity of the Beatles, coupled with the ease of internet bidding for these items, is also likely to attract the interest of fans from across the globe. 

The sale itself starts at 10.00am on Tuesday 21 June and bidding can be made in person, online or via the telephone. The contents of the sale can be viewed on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 June between 10.00am and 1.00pm and on Monday 20 June from 9.00am to 4.00pm.