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Since the death of John Lennon and George Harrison, numerous Beatles forgeries have surfaced on the market. This discussion provides numerous signature examples and ties them to a particular era of Beatles history. It is important to note signature variations over the years. For example, I have seen a Double Fantasy album that was released in 1980 autographed with signatures from 1964. The forger that made this item copied inappropriate examples.

As with any forgery, the signature tends to show hesitation. This is a sure sign of someone's effort to copy an autograph from a known source. Because authentic Beatles autographs are fairly expensive, use caution when purchasing items that appear to be a good deal. Remember, if it seems too good to be true, it probably isn't authentic.

Authenticating autographs from the solo years is difficult. Furthermore, more recent signatures tend to be rushed as they are signed on the street, at concerts or the airport. For example, I have seen a photo that was signed on camera at a press conference by Paul. The photo was thrust in front of him with no backing and he managed to scrawl a 'PA' at the top. It is an ugly example, but signed by Paul McCartney nonetheless.

It should be noted that Ringo Starr stopped signing his full name in 1992. Instead, he would sign just Ringo with variations, such as a star, next to or below the name. Below are some more modern examples of Beatles signatures.

John Lennon autograph example
John Lennon Mind Games picture sleeve obtained in Philadelphia at Helping Hand Marathon appearance in May of 1975.
Paul McCartney autograph example
Paul McCartney's Band On the Run album cover signed to director John Landis. It is also signed by Linda McCartney.
George Harrison autograph example
Signed photo page from George Harrison's 1974 US tour book.
Ringo Starr autograph example
Ringo Starr's 'Ringo' LP cover signed during his first All Starr band tour in 1989.
Ringo Starr autograph example
Signature of Ringo Starr from 1995.

Could you write to the Beatles after the break up? Absolutely! All 4 members have answered letters and enclosed signed material. John Lennon was accessible when he was in New York City. From 1976 through 1980 you could get a response within one month. I wrote to George Harrison and he signed 2 items for my wife and I. The response took about 8 months. I had similar results when writing Paul McCartney. Ringo Starr was a very good through the mail signer in the mid to late 1990s. Now, he is more difficult.

George Harrison autograph example
Through the mail George Harrison example
Paul McCartney autograph example
Through the mail Paul McCartney example

Hopefully, this study has served as a good education on autographed Beatles memorabilia. Items signed by the band have gone up in value every year. In the past a set of Beatles autographs on a page were valued at $400. Today that same set is worth at least $5000. The four boys from Liverpool have made their mark on history and are the greatest phenomenon from the past 100 years. They have influenced nearly everybody in some way. Just make sure you do your homework before spending your hard earned money on a piece of Beatles signed memorabilia.

Cheers!

Tom Fontaine - tjosf@sbcglobal.net

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