The NEMS Contract – Sign It On The Dotted Line!!!
When I ran the now defunct Beatles in Print page on Facebook, I posted the following item on that page and it seemed to generate a lot of keen interest.
Most Beatles collectors would probably agree that one of the most desirable pieces of Beatles memorabilia to have an authentic set of their four signatures. I was fortunate to have purchased a set from the Sotheby’s auction house before the price explosion of autographs occurred following the death of John Lennon. Collecting is often a feature of being at the right place at the right time and going with your instincts. I could kick myself as I once had the opportunity to purchase John Lennon’s handwritten lyrics to “Because” and I did not pull the trigger figuring it was way too expensive.
Well, you can “imagine” what I think of that decision now! However I was happy with this purchase, it features all four of the Beatles signatures on a NEMS stock transfer issued in 1967 several months following the death of their manager, Brian Epstein. What is unusual about this document is that it also features the signatures of Brian Epstein’s mother, Queenie Epstein, and his brother Clive Epstein. The signature of Ringo is very rare as well as he signs the document in his real name-R. Starkey (Richard Starkey). Documents with the signatures that appear with this configuration are extremely rare. Signatures from 1967 are also well-sought after as that was the year credited to be the apex of their career.
A photo of part of the back of the stock transfer that features the four signatures of the Beatles.
The front page of the NEMS stock transfer.
