Amazing oversized vintage glossy 12 x 15 photo of the fresh-faced, neatly dressed Beatles, seated two-by-two and holding what appears to be Lennon’s 1958 Rickenbacker 325 electric guitar, signed and inscribed in black ballpoint, “To Jory, Love from the Beatles, George Harrison xxx,” “Paul McCartney xxx,” “John Lennon,” and “Ringo Starr.” The image is most likely from the July 29, 1963 photo session by Radio Times photographer Don Smith, who shot 32 photos of the Beatles at the Washington Hotel in London. According to a communication from noted Beatles expert Frank Caiazzo, the photo was signed in early 1964. Poor contrast to Starr’s complete signature over dark portion of image, the majority of band’s name in Harrison’s hand light and only partially legible due to decreased ink flow, some light cloudiness to emulsion to lower portion of image, a bit of scattered edge creasing, and slight skipping to first stroke of Harrison’s signature, otherwise fine condition. While photos signed by all four Beatles remain one of the most coveted blue-chip rarities for music collectors, the present example—one of the most visually appealing, and certainly the largest, we have ever encountered—may clearly be regarded as being in a league of its own. A cornerstone for any advanced collection! COA Roger Epperson/REAL and R&R COA.
