John Lennon Gold Record and Signed Album Cover

[SoyChulo]

How much is this thing worth?

Signed John Lennon and Gold Record (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=3871551366&ssPage Name=STRK:MESE:IT)

[Harbidge]

It would help if the images he uploaded actually worked.

The seller doesn't really fill me with confidence after clearly stating that 'Shaved Fish' (A collection of Lennon's best solo hits between 1969 and 1975) was "John Lennon's solo debut after the demise of the Beatles"

As the auction currently stands, I personally wouldn't go anywhere near it. I've emailed the seller, so hopefully he'll get the images fixed, then I'll be able to authentificate the signature.

[AnyRoad69]

[ QUOTE ]
This LP was John Lennon's solo debut after the demise of the Beatles

[/ QUOTE ]

The Man is a great Joker-the autograph is sure a fake.
http://www.jiggler.de/promo/lennon_unter.gif
John wrote John with a big J and L.


Lennon was Solo Artist since 1968 with Two Virgins

here the platinum version

http://www.beatlesawards.com/images/0031.jpg

[Harbidge]

John's signature changed a LOT over time. He has 3 very distintly different signatures types - pre-Beatles, Beatles and Solo.

If/when the photos come online I'll be able to authenticate it.

[Harbidge]

Ah, the pictures are working.

Looking at the autograph, I believe that this autograph is authentic. The structure and the fluidness along with many points that the fakers actually miss out / get wrong would mean that this is either authentic of a fantastic forgery. Personally, I'm more inclined to think it's real.

[AnyRoad69]

MayBe however with ebay, one is never reliably whether it is genuine. Because if it is genuine, why straight Ebay?

[SoyChulo]

My apology first of all. My knowledge of the Beatles is very limited. This item was acquired by a gallery from an estate sale. The gallery went out of business and a dear friend of mine received it as he was doing business with the gallery at the time. Before closing, the gallery had a forensic expert examine the signature. In his professional opinion the signature was indeed authenthic. From that opinion the gallery issued a Letter of Authenticity. I would have preferred getting more opinions such as yours, before listing on Ebay, but my friend is more interested in getting rid of some stuff in view of an impending move.

With that said, I would beg of you to give me your "take" on this item. History, worth, etc?

I take it this wasn't Lennon's first solo work after the breakup of the Beatles? Sorry, best I could do in my online research. None of this orginated with me, as there was nothing to begin with. http://www.beatlelinks.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Your help is very much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[Harbidge]

Hello SoyChulo.

Firstly, it's a very nice item you have listed on eBay. Obviously it's not a real award, but more likely something that was created after the LP was signed (LPs are apparently easy to gold-plate).

As for the signature, I've seen thousands of Beatles autographs through the years ranging from the blatantly authentic right to being horrendous fakes. I've researched many books and reports dedicated to signature authentification as well as going through many signature examples and being shown just what to look for within a signature to deem it trust-worthy or not.

Personally, I think that your LP carries a great example of a 1975-1977 Lennon signature. I'm not going to go as far as to guarantee that it's genuine, but I personally believe that it is.

Because of the huge spate of Beatle forgeries that have flooded eBay, my best advice would be to pull the auction and to get it professionally authenticated either by Frank Caiazzo (http://www.beatlesautographs.com) or by Tracks (http://www.tracks.co.uk). If they give the signature a certificate of authenticity then you will get a lot more money for the item.

[SoyChulo]

Harbidge,

Thanks so much for your response. While my friend favors leaving it on Ebay for now, he does not wish to "give it away". It would be very helpful if someone were to post what they think the estimated value of the piece is, provided the signatures are authentic. Again any help is appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[Harbidge]

An authentic Lennon signature, authenticated by Frank Caiazzo can sell for around $800 to $1,000. Without authentification you're looking at around $500 (and that's only if it looks 100% authentic).

[SoyChulo]

Harbidge....you've been a great help...thanks.

[Harbidge]

Sold for $340. That's way under-value!

[SoyChulo]

Agreed. my friend, the owner, could not make a decision. The winning bidder has yet to pay though.