This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/22/2017
A unique offering that highlights one of the most significant lineup changes in Rock N’ Roll history, presented here is a black and white 6.5" x 8.5" photograph of The Beatles with Pete Best in the Cavern Club c. 1962. Known to be one of the earliest Beatles photographs in existence,the photo shows a very youthful Beatles lineup, one which was about to undergo a significant overhaul. Approximately months after taking this photograph was signed, Best would be dismissed by Brian Epstein and was quickly replaced by popular Liverpool drummer Ringo Starr. The rest, as they say, is history Serving as possibly the earliest known signed Beatles photograph on the front, this tremendous offering cannot be overlooked. Featuring boyish ballpoint autographs of "Paul McCartney," "George Harrison," "John Lennon," & "Pete Best." While any Cavern-Club-era image signed on the front is unspeakably rare, Beatles expert Frank Caiazzo notes in his letter, "Photographs of The Beatles with Pete Best sing on the front are extremely rare. Sets in any for with Pete Best, which are not inscribed to anyone, are extremely rare." Given the factors, this may serve as possibly the finest & rarest of all Beatles photos to be offered to the public. After extensive research, we have been unable to find any image signed on the front by the original four, let alone a set that wasn't personalized featuring Best. A true centerpiece investment quality item! Overall in good condition with a horizontal crease near Harrison, multiple surface impressions to the reverse leaving impressions to the front & pen swirling on the reverse with no ink transfer from the original recipient testing a pen prior to offering to the Fab Four. Easily the most rare Beatles signed photo we have had the privileged of handling! Authenticated by Frank Caiazzo with a full letter of authenticity & we guarantee this lot to pass Third Party Authentication (PSA/DNA, JSA, Beckett), and full certification can be arranged for an additional fee. Contact us at info@iconicauctions.com for further information. Please make sure to read our Terms & Conditions relating to authentication to familiarize yourself with our policies.