A set of autographs signed as the Beatles were on the cusp of their global fame will be valuable for decades to come says a British collectibles dealer.
Paul Fraser Collectibles are offering the signatures, written on an envelope probably in late 1962, for £17,500.
The band were so unsure of themselves that McCartney added their name to the document. Image courtesy of Paul Fraser Collectibles.
And Paul Fraser, chairman, is confident that’s good value.
He said: “I began my career as a dealer more than 45 years ago with a Beatles signed album. It was the first rare autograph I ever sold.
“And I know I’ll be selling Beatles signatures until the day I retire.
“Demand for their memorabilia grows stronger every year, as each new generation discovers their music.
“They’re the most popular and important band in music history, and they always will be.
“So if you want to own a set of Beatles autographs, taking their long-term future value into consideration, you can buy with confidence.
“And I know they’ll keep on growing in value long after I’m gone.”
A charming fragment of a long-gone age, the envelope itself has history and meaning. Image courtesy of Paul Fraser Collectibles.
This set is particularly exciting for fans of the Fab Four, as they capture a band on the verge of the biggest career in pop music history.
The style of John Lennon’s signature helps to date the piece to August 1962 to March 1963.
A pivotal period for the band during which Ringo joined, they started releasing records, appeared on TV and toured nationally in the UK for the first time.
Mr Fraser said: “The quality of these four signatures really stands out. The envelope features four excellent autographs in crisp blue and black ink, each one bold, clear and well-defined.
Less than a year later the boys rewrote entertainment history.
“McCartney has inscribed it ‘To Maureen’, and even adds ‘the Beatles’ as a helpful reminder.
“Lennon writes ‘Love, John Lennon.’”
Pre-Beatlemania autographs are some of the rarest in Beatles collecting. A few months later, the Beatles were public property, besieged by screaming and autograph-book-wielding fans, and a dedicated fan club was sending out thousands of signed pictures and cards (many of them forged).
This historic envelope is for sale now at Paul Fraser Collectibles.
