A copy of The Beatles' "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" album with four signatures on the gatefold that have been termed some of the best examples of Beatles autographs ever seen and that one autograph expert said could sell from between $50,000 to $200,000 is one of the highlights of Heritage Auctions' March 30 Entertainment & Music Memorabilia Signature Auction, the company announced Friday.
The signatures have authenticated the autographs with two leading Beatles signature experts, the auction house said. The two experts have called the signed album the top Beatles autographs they have seen in more than 30 years.
"As for impact and presentation, this 'Pepper' signed album tops them all!" the auction house quoted Beatles expert Perry Cox. A similar sentiment was expressed by fellow Beatles expert Frank Caiazzo, whose letter of authenticity also accompanies the album.
"Admittedly, it's pretty hard to excite me after 30 years. This album excites me like I haven't been in many years,” Caiazzo was quoted by the auction house. “Without question, it's one of the top Beatles collectibles and certainly signed collectibles of all time proudly adorning what is considered by most rock and roll critics as the top rock and pop album of all time."
Cox told us by email that it's the quality and layout of the signatures that makes them so valuable.
"What makes this one so special is the very fact that the signatures are of great quality and are adorned on the beautiful inside cover spread what is considered to be the best rock and pop album of all time by the best band of all time," he says. "They beautifully adorn the large color center spread of the Beatles in their majestic 'Sgt. Pepper' suits. This one truly does possess great visual and historical impact. To date, it's the best signed example of that classic album we've ever seen. I can't imagine anything equaling it save perhaps a signed copy of the 'Meet The Beatles' album." He says the album could sell from between $50,000 to $200,000.
Also included in the auction will be a Beatles 45 single of "My Bonnie"/"The Saints", which the auction house estimates will bring in over $30,000. A Beatles Shea Stadium concert poster from 1965 that lists other concerts by the Dave Clark 5, the Kinks and the Moody Blues is expected to fetch over $3,500.
Other lots in the 66 pieces of Beatles memorabilia in the auction include an American Express application signed by both John Lennon and George Harrison, estimated to sell for over $3,000, and an unused VIP ticket to a taping of "The Ed Sullivan Show," dated Feb. 9, 1964, the night of the Beatles' history-making debut on national television. The auction house estimates the ticket will sell for over $1,500.
Additional lots include Elvis Presley's owned and worn U.S. Army fatigue shirt with his name patch, estimated to sell for over $12,000, plus items from his collection of police badges, and rings Elvis gave to friends and relatives.
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