Tiny address book with autographs from The Beatles sells for thousands

By Lula White

A tiny address book containing autographs by The Beatles has smashed estimates to sell for $6,217

The lot drew attention from across the globe, with the winning bidder hailing from the US, Joseph Trinder, auctioneer at Wotton Auction Rooms in Gloucestershire, said.

The tiny book, just 10 x 7 cm, bears the signatures of John Lennon, Ringo Starr, George Harrison, and Paul McCartney and was sold on Dec. 30.

Pre-sale estimates were $800 to $1,200.

“I’m thrilled to have achieved such a great result for this charming little book containing autographs of the Fab Four," said Joseph.

“It was fantastic to see interest from four or five countries. Ultimately, the lot was sold to an American bidder.”

Its rear cover is embossed with the name and address of Oddi’s Restaurant in Shepherds Bush, London, a celeb hotspot near the former BBC Television Centre in the 1960s and 70s.

The Beatles were frequent visitors to BBC television in their early years, appearing on shows like Pops and Lenny, Juke Box Jury, Blue Peter, and Panorama.

They also starred in iconic performances such as the global Our World broadcast of “All You Need Is Love” in 1967.

Family accounts reveal that the autographs were collected by the previous owner’s mother, who worked at Oddi’s Restaurant at the time.

She served the band during their visit and asked them to sign the first thing to hand, an old address book handed out by the restaurant as a keepsake.