DS, one page both sides, 4 x 8.5, stamp dated July 28, 1980. A United States Customs Declaration form, filled out and signed by Lennon, as he returned from a working vacation in Bermuda; he had sailed to Bermuda in June and spent two months there in the summer writing most of the songs for his final album Double Fantasy, which would be released on November 17, 1980. Lennon has filled out his name, date of birth, his countries of residence and citizenship, his New York address at the Dakota, his flight information, the date he became a United States citizen; he also notes that he is traveling with his son, Sean. On the reverse Lennon lists the items he purchased in Bermuda, including half a dozen t-shirts, two pairs of pants, 2–3 caps, 3–4 shirts, a hand bag, and a commissioned painting of him and Sean valued at $6,000.
Lennon’s form is accompanied by the identical forms of Fred Seaman and Uda Uneko, his assistants who accompanied him on his trip. The declared painting, along with more information regarding Lennon’s time in Bermuda, is well documented in Fred Seaman's book, The Last Days of John Lennon. In fine condition, with ink cancellation strokes lightly touching Lennon’s information, a bit of handling wear, and minor surface impressions from Lennon’s declaration on reverse. Accompanied by a letter of authenticity from noted Beatles expert Frank Caiazzo. Also accompanied by two reprinted photos of Lennon in Bermuda, and one reprinted photo of the painting of John and Sean on the beach, hung over a piano in the Dakota.
It was during this journey with his young son that Lennon visited a botanical garden and, as fate would have it, encountered a freesia hybrid flower called a Double Fantasy—the name that he would borrow for his long-awaited release. Sadly, this very trip would also turn out to be the final excursion the former Beatle would ever take outside of the United States, being murdered by a deranged fan a little over four months later. Pre-certified Roger Epperson/REAL and RRAuction COA.
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