Original ballpoint self-portrait profile sketch of a square-spectacled Lennon on the reverse of a color 3.25 x 5.25 sheet of “Rhum Negrita” note paper, signed in ballpoint on the reverse “John Lennon” and “Ringo” [Starr]. A handwritten letter by the original recipient explains the provenance of the item: “After the Beatles concert in Eskilstuna Sporthall [Sweden] on Tuesday, the 29th October 1963, I was invited to meet the Beatles in the bar at the Eskilstuna Staff Hotel. There in the bar John Lennon made this drawing.” Accompanied by an original ticket stub from the same event. The Beatles embarked on their first full-fledged international tour, which comprised five live dates and two tapings for radio and television in Sweden, on October 29, 1963. The Eskilstuna concert was their last of the tour. A touch of light wrinkling, otherwise fine, clean condition. Years later, Lennon’s “Self Portrait” series of works would become quite famous. A great, graphic item from the Beatles’ first flush of international success, much more detailed than Lennon’s later self-portraits! JSA/Roger Epperson (REAL) Auction LOA and RRAuction COA.
