An electric guitar played by George Harrison in 1963 was the highlight at the Julien’s Auctions sale of rock`n’ roll memorabilia, held Saturday at the Hard Rock Cafe in New York. The black-and-white 1962 Rickenbacker 425 electric guitar fetched $657,000 during fast and furious bidding from in the room and on the phone. The guitar was originally purchased at Fenton’s Music store and refinished by the owner from a Fireglo finish to the black George requested to match John Lennon’s similar Rickenbacker. Harrison played guitar on 1963 appearances on the British TV shows “Ready Steady Go!” and “Thank Your Lucky Stars” with the Beatles.
He also played the guitar during the sessions when the Beatles recorded “I Want to Hold Your Hand” and “This Boy” in October 1963, months before they brought “Beatlemania” to the United States, launching the British Invasion of rock bands.
Other items in the sale included a white jumpsuit worn by Elvis Presley during a 1971 concert that fetched $197,000; Lady Gaga’s 1990 Red Rolls-Royce Corniche III automobile, sold for $125,000; Elvis Presley’s 1955 contract with Col. Tom Park which sold for $93,750, Elvis Presley’s 1955 contract with Col. Tom Park which sold for $93,750, Elvis Presley’s 1955 contract with Col. Tom Park which sold for $93,750, Beatles First State Butcher Arm album sleeve sold for $31,500; Johnny Cash’s Martin Acoustic guitar sold for $12,500 to name just a few.
