A music fan who declined to sell Beatles autographs for £100 twenty years ago has now sold the the historic piece of memorabilia at an auction for thousands of pounds
A 72-year-old retired secretary has had the scrap of paper with the famous signatures for decades and was shocked when they sold for more than double the estimated price at the Hansons Auctioneers’ Music Memorabilia sale.
Experts predicted the genuine Fab Four signatures would go for between £2,000 and £3,000 at auction - but everyone was surprised when the gavel finally fell with the price at £4,200.
The anonymous owner revealed she was offered just £100 for the autographs 20 years ago, her rejection at the time now proving to be the correct decision.
The item was eventually won by an internet bidder - following an intense battle with two phone bidders which helped knock the eventual price up, report North Wales Live.
The sale took place at Hansons’ saleroom near Derby, and the vendor descibed feeling overwhelmed by the final result.
She said: “It was amazing to be there and see all the bids flooding in.
"I felt quite emotional.
"Of course, I’m delighted with the result - chuffed to bits.
"Around 20 years ago, someone offered £100 for the autographs.
"I’m glad I held on to them.”
Beatles John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr signed the piece of paper in 1963 - right at the start of the band's meteoric rise to mega-stardom.
The woman met the band at an early Beatles gig at the Town Hall Ballroom in Whitchurch when she was 16.
Initially, the music fan framed them, but later decided to keep the frame in a cupboard in an attempt to stop the paper from fading. It remained untouched in the cupboard for 56 years before being put up for auction.
It wasn't the only success the seller had that day. A small collection of Beatles and 1960s music memorabilia she had cherished for decades sold for £260 from an estimate of £80 to £100.
Decent pay day all in all, but remember - money can't buy you love.
To find out more or to arrange a free music memorabilia valuation, email service@hansonsauctioneers.co.uk .
