Lot 207

Previous image preload Next image preload

Description:

John Lennon Childhood Commemorative Napkin Ring
One would, most assuredly, be hard-pressed to locate an earlier artifact related to John Lennon than this engraved sterling silver napkin ring. The napkin ring was obtained by our consignor from the individual who procured it directly from the estate of John's "Aunt Mimi" (Mary Elizabeth Smith) after her death in 1991. As one of four sisters of John's mother, Julia Lennon, Aunt Mimi insisted that John move in with her after Julia took a live-in boyfriend when John was five. John's father, Freddie, went to sea as a ship's steward shortly after John's birth, and remained at sea throughout World War II. John still saw his mother frequently, and though she had a profound effect on him well beyond her premature death in 1958 resulting from being hit by a car, Aunt Mimi exerted considerably more influence on him through his teen years. It was Mimi who bought John his first guitar, even though she cautioned him "The guitar's alright as a hobby, but you'll never make a living out of it." She also agreed to give John the opportunity to study at the Liverpool College of Art after a dismal academic tenure at Quarry Bank High School.

The sterling silver napkin ring, with a hallmark dating it to 1950, measures 1 3/4" wide and 5/8" thick, with rolled edges and a cross-hatch design within which surrounds a panel reading "John". Engraved within the band is Lennon's birth date "9th Oct. '40". The ring comes with a typed letter mistakenly identifying the silver ring as a christening gift to John. Perhaps it was produced to commemorate John's tenth birthday. Several other items are mentioned, including artwork by John as a three year-old, and several books found in the attic of Mimi's home and given to her friend, Alice Williams. These have been subsequently sold at auction, and never questioned. A truly special artifact related to an iconic figure of the 20th century.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Shipment is sent USPS priority, USPS International Express (for most overseas) or UPS Ground at the auctioneer's option, signature required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling, shipping and insurance charges will be added to the invoice in one entry. Buyer's should be aware that large, framed, fragile or odd shaped items can incur substantial shipping and packing charges. Customer's who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee.

October 21, 2009 2:00 PM EDT
Uncasville, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 22.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 + $1,000