At the upcoming New Jersey auction, collectors will have the opportunity to bid on over 100 Beatles keepsakes. Among these cherished pieces are a ticket from the Beatles’ inaugural US concert and a suit previously adorned by John Lennon.
The Gotta Have Rock and Roll auction house is also presenting a signed copy of the “With the Beatles” album, two recording consoles from Abbey Road studios, and an autographed collection of self-drawn caricatures by the band.
In total, these 119 collectibles could amass more than $6 million, given they reach their highest estimated values.
Anticipated to draw between $4,000 to $6,000 is the ticket from the 1964 performance at Washington Coliseum. The self-portraits, sketched on a backdrop during their debut on “The Ed Sullivan Show,” are valued between $750,000 to $1 million. Additionally, Lennon’s sleek black suit is priced between $500,000 and $750,000.
Another captivating item is a handwritten card by George Harrison, featuring a drawing of Adolf Hitler. Addressed “To Steve,” it carries birthday greetings in German and signatures of Adolf Schickengruber, George, Olivia, and Dhani.
Harrison faced accusations of owning Nazi-related collectibles in a 1989 book, which he fervently denied, even taking legal action against a magazine that circulated those claims. The auction house corroborates this.
The auction kicked off on August 30 and concludes on September 23.
Beatles collectibles consistently draw significant attention. For instance, in April 2020, Paul McCartney’s handwritten “Hey Jude” lyrics went for an impressive $910,000, almost six times its anticipated value.
Over time, fans have purchased rather unique items related to the band. A testament to this is a 2011 purchase by a Canadian dentist who spent $31,200 on John Lennon’s discoloured tooth.
The enduring allure of the Beatles transcends their music, extending to tangible pieces of their legacy. This upcoming auction not only offers fans and collectors an opportunity to own a slice of rock and roll history but also underscores the timeless impact of the band. From rare manuscripts to personal artifacts, the items on the block are a testament to the Beatles’ everlasting resonance in popular culture.
