A collection of previously unseen photographs of John Lennon will lead an upcoming sale of Beatles memorabilia at Omega Auctions later this month.
The set of black and white negatives captures Lennon in Germany on the set of How I Won The War, playing the role of Private Gripweed in Richard Lester’s WWII satire.
The images were taken by photographer Zdenko Hirschler, who later wrote of his meeting with Lennon:
"I was amazed to meet a completely re-invented John Lennon; No more moptop haircut… No more Trotsky-like unshaved chin… No more black jeans… No more leather jacket with the quasi- Elvis collar…In spite of his nondescript sloppy military uniform, Lennon looked clean, fresh and very young. Even his new yellow-tinted grandma style glasses did not change that impression."
The candid images show Lennon happy and relaxed in breaks between filming, joking around and even playing cricket. Offered along with the full copyright, the collection of more than 200 negatives is expected to sell for £20,000-£30,000 ($28,300-$42,450).
The auction will also feature a number of rare Beatles records, including a unique demo acetate of Hello Little Girl and ‘Til There Was You, originally cut by Brian Epstein and valued at £10,000-£20,000; a highly rare, black and gold factory sample stereo pressing of Please Please Me, apparently unplayed and estimated at £6,000-£8,000; and a rare stereo second pressing of Please Please Me valued at £4,000-£6,000.
Further highlights include a collection of Beatles autographs and memorabilia from Russell Beatle, the youngest member of the band’s fan club in 1963; the original cover artwork created for George Harrison’s 1975 solo album Extra Texture; and a set of autographs acquired from the band in an Austrian hotel whilst they filmed Help! in 1965.
The Beatles Collection – Memorabilia, Photographs & Vinyl Records takes place online at Omega Auctions on March 22.
