Lennon's Vox guitar organ prototype sells for $305,000

A Vox guitar organ prototype given to John Lennon in 1964 made $305,000 at Sotheby's Rock & Roll History auction in New York on June 24.

The lot comprises a Continental organ in tandem with a Phantom guitar, allowing both to be played individually or at the same time.

Vox guitar organ
The guitar organ proved difficult to play and never entered production

Company director Dick Denny presented it to Lennon (along with a range of other bands) in an attempt to garner publicity, but it turned out to be too complex to operate and never entered production.

Lennon later gave it to roadie Mal Evans, who consigned it to the sale.

A peacock jumpsuit worn by Elvis Presley achieved $245,000.

The lot was created by Bill Belew and the JC Costume Company and was worn by Elvis throughout 1974 and 1975. It cost around $10,000 new, making it the most valuable suit he ever wore.

There is a vast array of Elvis memorabilia available, yet the market remains buoyant in large part due to the sheer number of collectors. In May this year, his "Concho" jumpsuit sold for $197,000 at Julien's Auctions in Beverly Hills.

We have this signed photograph of Elvis during his army days available.

The sale included the lyrics to Bob Dylan's Like a Rolling Stone, which set a new world record for a pop music manuscript at auction.

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