A tiny address book, containing what is believed to be autographs by The Beatles, smashed all expectations when it sold at auction on Tuesday.
The lot attracted interest from across the world, selling for £4,600 plus fees to a buyer in the USA, far exceeding its estimate of £800-£1,200.
Auctioneer at Wotton Auction Rooms in Wotton-under-Edge, Joseph Trinder said: “I’m delighted to have achieved such a great result for this charming little book containing autographs of the Fab Four.
“It was great to see interest from across the globe with bidders from four or five countries taking part. Ultimately, the lot was sold to an American bidder.”
A page near the front of the book measuring just 10x7cm, bears the names of John Lennon, Ringo Starr, George Harrison and Paul McCartney. The rear of the book is embossed with ‘Oddi’s Restaurant, 11 Goldhawk Road, W12, Shepherds Bush 4996’, an Italian restaurant close to the former BBC Television Centre and reportedly frequented by celebrities in the 1960s and 70s.
The Beatles made numerous appearances on BBC television, especially in their early years, gracing shows like Pops and Lenny, Juke Box Jury, Blue Peter, and Panorama, alongside iconic performances, including the global Our World broadcast of “All You Need Is Love” in 1967.
By family repute, the autographs were collected by the previous owner’s mother who was working at Oddi’s restaurant at the time and confirmed she served the band during their visit. She requested their signatures on the first thing that came to hand – an old address book routinely given out by the establishment as advertising keepsakes.
