Whether it was their incredible music or the timing of the unbridled excitement that surrounded the ‘British Invasion’ in the 1960s, few will ever argue that the Beatles were among the most celebrated bands in music history. In fact, from a sales standpoint, the Beatles are the best-selling band in history, with estimated sales of over 800 million physical and digital albums worldwide. However, while the Beatles have sold more albums than any other band, finding a signed Beatles professional contract is another story. To put it bluntly, signed Beatles contracts rarely ever hit the market.

By the early 1970s, infighting and growing creative differences had ripped apart the most storied band in musical history. Adding to these differences was a disagreement over a needed appointment of a financial adviser. John Lennon, George Harrison and Ringo Starr favored Allen Klein, who had managed the Rolling Stones and Sam Cooke. However, Paul McCartney wanted Lee and John Eastman, the father and brother of his wife Linda whom he had married on March 12, 1969. As tensions mounted, it became apparent that the differences would not be reconciled. On December 31, 1970, McCartney filed suit for the dissolution of the Beatles' contractual partnership, a move that was subsequently followed by years of animus between the two sides.

This particular contract was likely signed in the early 1970s, after the band’s breakup in the first year of the decade. This contract is addressed to the Fab Four’s accountants in London and it details an accounting of the band’s assets, liabilities, and money between the dates of December 1st, 1966, and March 31st, 1968. Adding to the intrigue of this contract is the fact that it reflects a time when things were contentious between the Beatles and why James Paul McCartney did not sign it.

Measuring 11 ½ x 8 inches, the contract features the signatures of three Beatles, as well as two, unidentified, Apple Corps executives. John Lennon has signed this document in black felt tip pen, George Harrison in blue ballpoint pen, and Ringo Starr in blue felt tip pen. Notably, Ringo signed this document with a truncated version of his birth name, “R. Starkey.” Again, it is difficult to over-emphasize how rare it is for a signed Beatles contract to hit the market. This tremendous item is an incredibly rare piece of Beatles' history, and items from the Beatle’s business affairs are always very sought after. This item is accompanied by three LOAs, one from Frank Caiazzo, the foremost Beatles authenticator, another from well-known Beatles authenticator Perry Cox, and a third from PSA/DNA (W05542) authenticating the signatures.

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