Beatles Autographs and Guitar String Expected to Fetch Thousands

A rare collection of autographs from the Beatles and a broken guitar string belonging to George Harrison are set to go under the hammer, with estimates suggesting they could sell for more than £5,352 ($6,400). The items hold significant sentimental value, having been collected by a teenage fan, Elizabeth Salt, during a memorable encounter in 1963.

The autographs were secured by then-15-year-old Elizabeth, who was known as Elizabeth McBrierty at the time, after a concert at the Savoy Ballroom in Southsea, Portsmouth, on April 7, 1963. Following the performance, which marked the early days of Beatlemania, Elizabeth seized the opportunity to meet the Fab Four. During the concert, Harrison inadvertently broke a guitar string, which Elizabeth quickly collected as a keepsake.

Reflecting on that day, Elizabeth, now 79, shared, “I remember going with my friend who bought ‘Love Me Do’ in late 1962. We were obsessed with them.” Her excitement peaked when she managed to get the autographs of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr on her arm. Unfortunately, her father insisted she wash them off, fearing she would get “blood poisoning.” Yet, she fortunately preserved her autograph book, which features not only the Beatles but also signatures from other notable artists of the era.

Historical Significance and Auction Details

The autograph book is more than just a collection; it represents a vibrant period in British pop culture. The book includes signatures from other famous musicians, such as the Rolling Stones, Cliff Richard, and Adam Faith. It has been described as a significant historical document, celebrating a time when pop music was becoming a dominant cultural force in the UK.

The auction is scheduled for February 2, 2024, at Richard Winterton Auctioneers in Lichfield, Staffordshire. Rob French, an ephemera valuer at the auction house, remarked, “This is one of the finest 1960s autograph books I’ve had the pleasure of cataloguing. What makes this book so special is the fact that it contains the signatures of all the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, plus more from some of the biggest names in pop music from the 1960s.”

The expected sale price of between £4,014 and £5,352 reflects not only the rarity of the items but also their emotional resonance for fans of the era. The Beatles were just beginning to capture the hearts of music lovers following the release of their debut single “Love Me Do,” which had launched in late 1962.

Elizabeth’s encounters with the Beatles extended beyond this one memorable night. She attended multiple concerts along the south coast, including performances in Brighton, Bournemouth, and Southampton. Each concert deepened her admiration for the band, culminating in a fan club event in London where she had the chance to meet them again, albeit briefly.

Elizabeth’s passion for music and the Beatles remains strong. “I still love them,” she said, reflecting on her lifelong admiration. The autograph book not only tells a personal story but also captures the essence of an iconic moment in music history.

As the auction date approaches, collectors and fans alike are eagerly anticipating the chance to own a piece of this remarkable legacy. The items not only represent a significant chapter in Elizabeth’s life but also serve as a reminder of the enduring impact of the Beatles on popular culture worldwide.