The Beatles have been fascinating us for over five decades, but it was in 1964, exactly 50 years ago, that they took the world by storm. They appeared on US TV and performed in front of a 73 million audience. Beatles merchandise started to become big business.
Catherine Southon is pleased to announce that she will have not just one, but three rare Beatles memorabilia included in her next sale at The Chateau in the Shirley Hills, near Croydon, on Wednesday, 26th March 2014 at 11.30 am.
By far the most sought after is the 1964 NEMS record player, which is one of the earliest Beatles merchandise – only 5,000 were ever made and they rarely come up for sale. This one is not in mint condition, but will still make a fan’s heart beat faster. The iconic record player has got a print of the Fab Four playing their instruments and facsimile autographs. It is estimated to fetch between £1,000-2,000.
Also from around 1964, is the boxed set of car mascot Bobb’n Head Beatles dolls, which is expected to sell for £300-400. The set is in its original, slightly damaged box and each Beatle plays his instrument. The dolls are about 8” tall and are very popular with collectors.
For fashion conscious ladies, who want to fully embrace Beatlemania, the third Beatles’ lot will be of particular interest. A 1964 Dutch Polka Dot mini dress in beige and white with the faces of John, Paul, George & Ringo printed in black vertically next to a guitar with their facsimile signatures. It’s in excellent condition and a size 10/12 and comes with an estimate of £150-250.
Catherine Southon, well-known through various BBC Antiques programmes, says: “I was really excited to be shown the Beatles memorabilia at a recent valuation day. Although they did not belong to anyone famous, the fact that they have survived for this long in such good condition is quite remarkable. The Beatles are still seen as the greatest and most influential rock band and I know that their fans are always keen to add rare merchandise to their collections.”
Other lots with famous signatures included in the auction is a handbag signed by Neil Armstrong in the mid 1980s. He signed the beaded bag for its owner at a charity event shortly before he stopped giving autographs (estimate £1,000-2,000).
A catalogue will be available from the end of February and the sale can be viewed on 25th & 26th March at The Chateau, Coombe Lane, Shirley, Surrey CR0 5RE.
For more details, please visit www.catherinesouthon.co.uk or call 07808 737 694.
