- George Harrison's guitar sets record at auction
- Iconic Beatles guitar goes under the hammer
- Sold for over 1 million
The Futurama guitar purchased by George Harrison in 1959 recently sold for an astonishing $1.27 million at an auction in Nashville, shattering expectations. Originally bought for around 58 British pounds, this guitar played a pivotal role in the Beatles' early history.
A young Harrison's milestone purchase
At just 16 years old, George Harrison, then an apprentice in Liverpool, acquired the Futurama guitar. With his mother co-signing a hire-purchase agreement, the instrument was paid off in 44 installments. This humble purchase marked the beginning of a legendary musical journey.
Beatles guitar goes under the hammer
Organised by Julien's Auctions, the Nashville event saw the guitar fetch more than double its estimated value. Commenting on the historic sale, Martin Nolan, Managing Director of Julien's Auctions, described the guitar as "one of the most important guitars in rock and roll history," underscoring its significance to the Beatles' iconic sound.
The Futurama guitar was later included in a 1964 competition for Beatles fans hosted by 'Beats Instrumental' magazine. However, the winner, AJ Thompson from Saltdean, chose a cash prize instead, reportedly worth about £100 at the time. The guitar eventually found its way into a collection purchased by a private collector in 2019.
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Other notable Beatles instruments
The auction house has a history of handling prestigious music memorabilia. Earlier this year, John Lennon’s Hootenanny acoustic guitar sold for $3 million, and another of his acoustic guitars fetched $2.4 million. These sales further solidify the enduring appeal of Beatles-related artifacts among collectors.
The sale of George Harrison’s Futurama guitar is a testament to its legacy, not only as a vital instrument in rock and roll history but also as a cherished piece of the Beatles' remarkable journey.
