Original production-used title card from the Beatles' appearance on a special 'Summer Spin' episode of the 'Thank Your Lucky Stars' British television show, recorded on June 23rd and broadcast on June 29th, 1963, measuring 12 x 10, signed and inscribed in blue ballpoint, "To Karen, Love, Paul McCartney (Beatles, xxx)," "John Lennon, xxxx," "Lots of love from George Harrison, xxx," and "Ringo Starr, xxx." The title card features a matte-finish mounted photograph of a hand-painted galaxy background, with four hand-cut head shot photos of the Beatles affixed as overlays. The reverse of the mount is marked with the Roman numeral "I," presumably to indicate its place as part of a production title sequence. In fine condition, with poor-to-moderate signature contrast and a white paint touch-up (presumably from the period) to the right edge.
Accompanied by letters of authenticity from Beckett Authentication Services and from noted Beatles expert Frank Caiazzo, in part: "These signatures are found on the front of a television broadcast title card…which was used for the closing credits of the British TV program Thank your Lucky Stars, an important show that was instrumental in their early success. All four have autographed this item beautifully in blue ballpoint pen near their respective image…The autographs were obtained by a woman who worked in the wardrobe department at the TV studio, who got this item signed for her daughter. This is an excellent representative set of Beatles autographs from this period in Beatles history, as they were fast gaining popularity in Great Britain."
Additionally includes an original, unsigned Iris Productions Ltd. agreement between the production company and "The Beatles (Four), c/o Nems Enterprises…Attn Brian Epstein," hiring the band to "mime and appear as required" on "'Thank Your Lucky Stars' (anticipated transmission date 29.6.63)…Pre-recorded performance on 23rd June, 1963 at Birmingham Studios" for the sum of £12 each plus return train fares to Liverpool. Includes a certificate of authenticity from Tracks for the contract.
The Beatles would make eleven appearances on the British pop music TV show 'Thank Your Lucky Stars' between January 1963 and March 1965, helping the Liverpool band to attain popularity across Great Britain. On June 23, 1963, they recorded a special 'Summer Spin' edition of the show dedicated to the up-and-coming Merseybeat groups, which had the Beatles miming two songs—‘From Me To You’ and ‘I Saw Her Standing There'—to close the show. Although some film footage of other Beatles appearances on 'Thank Your Lucky Stars' is available online, no recordings of this episode are known to exist—this seems to be the lone relic from the appearance. A remarkable, one-of-a-kind autographed piece from the Beatles' ascent to worldwide stardom.
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