This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/5/2012
Fantastic original color vintage glossy 3.5” x 5” candid photo of the Beatles, dated June 1964, with fill-in drummer Jimmie Nicol, at a Hong Kong press conference, signed on the reverse in black ballpoint, “Best wishes Jimmie Nicol,” “Paul McCartney,” “John Lennon,” and “George Harrison.”
On June 3, 1964—in the midst of Beatlemania and a world tour--Ringo Starr collapsed and was hospitalized with a severe case of tonsillitis. Beatles manager Brian Epstein and producer George Martin quickly scrambled to find a fill-in drummer and called upon local British drummer Jimmie Nicol. Touring with the group through Denmark, Hong Kong and Australia, Nicol played a total of eight shows over a ten-day timeframe before Ringo rejoined the group in Australia on June 14, 1964.Given his extremely short tenure with the band, group signed items from the Beatles featuring Nicol are scarce, with only an estimated two dozen items known to exist. The offered photograph--which was taken on June 8, 1964 during a press conference held by the group in Hong Kong—stands as the only known signed photograph of the group with Nicol to ever surface! The photo exhibits light scattered surface impressions and some light soiling on the signed reverse and is otherwise in fine condition. Acquired directly from the nephew of a Hong Kong policeman who was assigned to the security detail for the group during their stay in the country. The photo has been authenticated and encapsulated by PSA/DNA and is also accompanied by a full Letter of Authenticity from music autograph authority Roger Epperson/REAL Authentication.