Expert: Pattie - 10/1/2008

Question
I own a purple Fender guitar autographed by George Harrison 1 year before he passed away. This guitar is in a shadowbox with his picture etched in gold, his name in gold, and his greatest hits album, with half of the album out of it's jacket. I am trying to get an appropriate value on this for insurance purposes. I have not been able to locate one anywhere to compare it to, and am hoping that you may help. This is a beautiful piece that I plan to pass on to my grandson. Thank you in advance for any help that you may give, Barry

Answer
Hi Barry!

Well, I need a little more information really before I can give you any sort of accurate appraisal.

1. Did George actually play the guitar, even once, and if so, is there proof of it?
2. How was the autograph obtained? Were you or anyone you know present when he signed it?
3. If you or someone you know were NOT present when he signed it, what sort of provenance do you have to authenticate the autograph? Is there a photograph of him signing it, for instance?
4. Does it come with a certificate of authenticity by a reputable expert in Beatle autographs?
5. Is the guitar personalized, like "to Barry"?

Unfortunately, not only are they the most bootlegged band in history, they are also the most "forged" band in the world. Genuine autographs of any of the four Beatles have skyrocketed in value, especially those of John Lennon and George Harrison. Some forgeries are so good, that the Beatles themselves would almost be hard-pressed to determine their authenticity.

I can tell you that if it is a genuine autograph and you have proof of such, then it's certainly quite valuable and I'm very comfortable advising a minimum of $2500 for insurance purposes. An exact value is difficult to do without first seeing the item. There is a man named Frank Caizzo, who is the worlds leading authority on Beatle autographs. He's the guy most people go to for advice and appraisal and he's the one who authenticated the ones I own of John and George. An autograph authenticated by Frank specificaly actually raises the value of the item. You can reach him here:

   Frank Caiazzo
   The Beatles Autographs
   637 Wyckoff Avenue
   Suite 338
   Wyckoff, New Jersey  07481
   USA

   Telephone:
   212-643-4525

   e-mail:
   info@beatlesautographs.com

Just as an FYI though before contacting Frank. He will ask the same questions that I asked above and also does charge for his services, although that investment can certainly be rolled into the value of the instrument.

I wish I could give you a definite answer, but I do hope I've been of some assistance to you. Sounds like you've got a great collectible and a VERY lucky grandson. Thanks for the question!

Peace,
Pattie
8^)