10 of the most valuable pieces of George Harrison memorabilia
George Harrison was a talented musician, songwriter, and member of the Beatles.
Throughout his career, he amassed a collection of unique and valuable memorabilia, which has sold for impressive sums at auction.
Here are 10 pieces of George Harrison memorabilia that have sold at auction:
1. Rickenbacker 425 guitar from the Ed Sullivan Show
In 2014, the Rickenbacker 425 guitar that Harrison played during the Beatles' first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show sold for $657,000 at auction. The guitar is one of the most iconic instruments in rock history.
2. Handwritten lyrics for "While My Guitar Gently Weeps"
In 2019, a sheet of paper with handwritten lyrics for the Beatles' song "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" sold for $375,000 at auction. The lyrics were written by Harrison and include several revisions and annotations.
3. 1964 Fender Stratocaster guitar
In 2013, Harrison's 1964 Fender Stratocaster guitar sold for $490,000 at auction. The guitar was used during the recording of several Beatles albums and is one of the most famous instruments in rock history.
4. Handwritten lyrics for "Hey Jude"
In 1996, a sheet of paper with handwritten lyrics for the Beatles' song "Hey Jude," written by Harrison, sold for $22,000 at auction.
5. Gretsch Country Gentleman guitar
In 2004, Harrison's 1962 Gretsch Country Gentleman guitar sold for $447,000 at auction. The guitar was used on several Beatles recordings and is highly prized by collectors.
6. Leather jacket from the "Help!"film
In 2018, a black leather jacket worn by Harrison during the filming of the Beatles' movie "Help!" sold for $191,000 at auction. The jacket was made by the London tailor Douglas Millings and is one of the most iconic pieces of clothing associated with the Beatles.
7. Astrid Kirchherr's Beatles photographs
In 2011, a collection of photographs of the Beatles taken by Astrid Kirchherr, including several of Harrison, sold for $76,000 at auction.
8. "All Things Must Pass" album artwork
In 2010, the artwork for Harrison's "All Things Must Pass" album, which was created by the Dutch artist Henk Jonker, sold for $46,000 at auction.
9. Signed guitar from the Concert for Bangladesh
In 2004, a guitar signed by Harrison, Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, and other musicians who performed at the Concert for Bangladesh sold for $50,787 at auction.
10. A Sitar used during the recording of "Norwegian Wood"
In 2014, a sitar that Harrison used during the recording of the Beatles' song "Norwegian Wood" sold for $162,000 at auction. The sitar was made by the famous Indian instrument maker Ravi Shankar.
These 10 pieces of George Harrison memorabilia are just a few examples of the valuable items associated with his career that have sold at auction. Collectors and fans alike continue to seek out these unique and rare items, keeping Harrison's legacy alive for future generations.
About your Author:
Adrian Roose has over 30 years’ experience covering all aspects of the rare stamp & memorabilia industry during which he has sold over £50m of unique items, helping build collections for Royalty, household name celebrities and 1,000s of collectors around the world.
Adrian was previously a Director at Stanley Gibbons, a Board Member of Stampex, and Executive Director of Paul Fraser Collectibles, PFC Auctions and JustCollecting, prior to founding The Memorabilia Club.