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Lot #28
John Lennon

A Lennon letter of provenance, complete with his caricature, for a Beatles-era guitar he donated to the band’s 1974 festival

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Description

A Lennon letter of provenance, complete with his caricature, for a Beatles-era guitar he donated to the band’s 1974 festival

TLS signed “John Lennon, 74” adding a wonderful self-portrait caricature, one page, 6 x 11.5, September 7, 1974, typed “year of our Ford. 1974,” a reference to President Gerald Ford. Brief letter reads, in full: “This is/was my guitar. Hope you like it. It is yours, with love.” In fine condition, with a central horizontal fold below signature, but not affecting it.

This letter originally accompanied an autographed wood-finish Japanese acoustic guitar Lennon donated to a raffle at 1974’s first Beatlefest celebrating the 10 year anniversary of the band’s arrival in America. The instrument was sold to raise money for a charity of his choice, which was Phoenix House, a drug rehabilitation center in New York. The letter and guitar were later offered for sale by Sotheby’s in 1991, which states that Lennon owned this guitar during the time of the Beatles break-up. Letter is accompanied by a copy of the Sotheby’s catalog page, as well as a clipped article from the August 8, 1991, issue of Rolling Stone, mentioning the sale of guitar and quoting a line from the letter. A charming and well-documented example of Lennon’s generosity. Pre-certified Roger Epperson/REAL and RR Auction COA.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Marvels of Modern Music Auction
  • Dates: #425 - Ended March 20, 2014





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