$610,000
A 1962 Rickenbacker 425, serial number BH 439, purchased by George Harrison in September 1963 in Mount Vernon, Illinois, while on a two-week visit to see his sister, Louise. Harrison met a few other young musicians during his stay and told them about his interest in buying a Rickenbacker. They took him to Red Fenton’s Music Store, where Harrison looked at Fenton's selection and chose a style that he liked. The guitar he chose had a Fireglo finish, not black as Harrison preferred, so the shop owner offered to refinish it for Harrison. The color was important to Harrison so that it would match John Lennon’s similar Rickenbacker. A week later the refinish was complete and Harrison began playing the guitar. After Harrison’s return from the States, he used the guitar for The Beatles' first appearance on the television program Ready Steady Go ! on October 4, 1963, and on the program Thank Your Lucky Stars in December 1963. Harrison took the guitar on the band's October 1963 week-long tour of Sweden. He interchangeably used his Country Gentleman and the 425. Harrison was photographed with the guitar extensively on this tour, and the entire band was photographed posing with the guitar as well. This is purported to be the only known photograph in existence of all four Beatles holding a single guitar. Harrison played this guitar as The Beatles recorded “I Want to Hold Your Hand” at Abbey Road Studios. This song, The Beatles' fifth single, gave The Beatles their break in the
Auctioneer:
Juliens Auctions
Date:
2014-05-17
