An accoustic guitar played by John Lennon is heading for a potential record auction sale after being found in a loft.
The guitar, a 12-string acoustic, was played on the Help! album and film. Lennon plays the German-made Framus Hootenanny guitar on screen as the band mime to You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away.
The instrument was played by Lennon on the recording of that song, on It’s Only Love, I’ve Just Seen a Face (both on Help!) and by George Harrison on Norwegian Wood on Rubber Soul.
Now it is being offered for sale by Julien’s Auctions with an estimate of £485,000 to £647,000.
The Framus was made in Germany and given at some point to 60s musician Peter Waller.
Gordon Waller of the acoustic pop duo Peter and Gordon owned the guitar. The Peter of Peter and Gordon was Peter Asher, brother of actor Jane Asher, Paul McCartney’s fiance at the height of the Beatles’ fame.
Waller subsequently gave the guitar to a manager, and it was found in an attic during a house move. A case was also found and that is being sold alongside the guitar.
The estimate here is very low, and Julien’s say they believe the Framus could top the record for a Beatles guitar.
In 2015 $2.4 million (around £2 million) was paid for a Lennon acoustic on which he co-wrote I Wanna Hold Your Hand.
Guitars are the most valuable rock-related items. This one ticks all the boxes for big-money buyers: it’s a well-known, highly visible instrument from a high point in its owner’s career.
The Lennon guitar is the star irem in a 2-day sale on May 29 to 30 at Julien’s Auctions.
