This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/28/2022
A George Harrison signed letter dated May 3,1974 regarding one of the most famous electric guitars in rock and roll history - the legendary cherry red Gibson Custom Les Paul guitar that was given to him by Eric Clapton in 1968 and stolen from Harrison's bedroom in Beverly Hills in 1973. Before Clapton, this historic guitar had been owned by John Sebastian of the Loving Spoonful and Rick Derringer. Dated May 3, 1973, Harrison has beautifully signed this letter in blue ballpoint pen - a gorgeous example of Harrison's signature. Harrison has written the letter "To Whom It May Concern" authorizing the bearer to accept the gun on his behalf should it be recovered. Harrison describes the guitar as a Gibson Custom Les Paul custom cherry guitar with serial number 7-8789. He states that it was stolen out of home on April 13, 1973 and sold to Whalin Sound City in Los Angeles who subsequently sold it to musician Miquel Ochoa in Mexico. When the guitar appeared on a police stolen-property bulletin George Whalin called Ochoa's contact number, his friend Mark Havey; this began a lengthy negotiation which resulted, ultimately, in Harrison via Havey trading Ochoa a sunburst Les Paul and a Fender Precision Bass for the return of Lucy. Harrison later referred to the incident as a "kidnapping"; he kept Lucy until his death in 2001.
In 2014, the History Channel show Brad Meltzer's Lost History featured this story. This letter is also featured in the book "Beatles Gear: All The Fab Four's Instruments From Stage to Studio" by Andy Babiuk. A photo of this letter appears in the book along with the story behind it (the book cover and page are shown here but are not included with the lot). Measures 8.5 x 11. Very good condition. Comes with a letter of authenticity from Beatles handwriting expert Frank Caiazzo and a Gotta Have Rock & Roll Certificate of Authenticity.