A 1963 drum kit played by Ringo Starr on some of the Beatles' most famous early recordings will be sold at Julien's Auctions.
The Ludwig Oyster Black Pearl three-piece drum kit is valued at $300,000-500,000 ahead of the December 4-5 sale.
 Ringo was the last Beatle to join the band |
It's one of the most significant items of Beatles memorabilia to come to auction in recent years and will lead a dedicated sale of items from the personal collections of Starr and his wife Barbara Bach.
Julien's comments: "The kit was used by Starr in more than 200 performances between May of 1963 and February of 1964 and used to record some of The Beatles biggest hits including: 'Can't Buy Me Love,' 'She Loves You,' 'All My Loving,' 'I Want to Hold Your Hand,' 'Money,' and 'I Wanna Be Your Man,' and many others.
"Paul McCartney also used the Oyster Black Pearl kit on his first solo album, McCartney. This specific drum kit has not been seen in public for more than 50 years."
Other high profile lots include a Jumbo Silver Sparkle kit that featured in the video to Hello, Goodbye (1967).
It's expected to make $100,000-200,000.
Darren Julien, CEO of Julien's Auctions, comments: "I am not sure I can find the right words to describe how remarkable this auction is.
"To be able to say you are representing such music royalty as that of Ringo Starr and Barbara Bach is not only an honor but one of the greatest privileges of my life and professional career."
There are a number of important Beatles artefacts up for auction in the coming months, including their first contract - signed in Hamburg in 1961.
The contract they signed with Brian Epstein in 1962 is for sale at Sotheby's on September 29.
We have a signed photograph of Ringo Starr for sale.
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