$418,000
A custom prototype guitar made in 1966 and owned by John Lennon and played by both Lennon and George Harrison. Lennon can be seen playing it during the filming of the second promotional video for "Hello, Goodbye" at the Saville Theatre in London, November 1967. The footage of Lennon playing this guitar was not included in the final promo video that was released. The guitar is documented in Andy Babiuk’s book Beatles Gear : All the Fab Four’s Instruments , from Stage to Studio . Harrison was photographed playing the guitar by Beat Instrumental magazine as the band played "I Am the Walrus" in a scene for Magical Mystery Tour at West Malling Aerodrome in Kent, September 1967. The photo appeared in the November 1967 issue, page 26, and the magazine is included with this lot. Lennon gifted the guitar to Alexis “Magic Alex” Mardas, a member of The Beatles' inner circle from 1966 to 1969. The guitar was a birthday present to Magic Alex, and a plaque affixed to the back of the guitar reads "To Magic Alex/ Alexi thank you/ for been [sic] a friend/ 2-5-1967 John." According to Mardas, the date refers to his 25th birthday earlier that year and not the date the guitar was given to him. Alexis Mardas was introduced to the Beatles in 1966, and Lennon was so impressed with his scientific skills, he called him his “new guru” and nicknamed him "Magic Alex.” Mardas was one of Lennon’s closest friends from 1966 to 1969, with John standing as best man at his wedding in May 1
Auctioneer:
Juliens Auctions
Date:
2013-05-18
