The Fine Art & Collectibles Sale
Lot 137:
Description
7 1/8 x 7 1/8 in
Provenance and Authentication:
This lot is accompanied by supporting documentation provided by the consignor. According to the accompanying materials, the signature was reviewed with reference to factors including ink characteristics, material aging, stylistic consistency, and historical context. These materials relate to the reported signature, provenance, and authentication history of the piece, and are presented as received for bidder review in accordance with the auction terms and conditions.
John Lennon remains one of the most culturally significant figures in twentieth-century music, whose work with The Beatles and subsequent solo career reshaped modern popular music. Yoko Ono, as both artistic collaborator and life partner, holds an inseparable place within Lennon’s later creative legacy, making dual-signed material particularly meaningful to collectors.
"(Just Like) Starting Over, " released in 1980 as part of the Double Fantasy era, represents one of Lennon’s final musical statements. As such, signed material connected to this period carries heightened historical and emotional weight within the market.
This example features both John Lennon and Yoko Ono signatures prominently on the picture sleeve. Lennon’s autograph is executed in bold blue marker, displaying fluid line movement, looping structure, and expressive curvature consistent with known late-period examples. Ono’s signature appears separately in a slightly more compact and controlled hand, providing a clear visual distinction between the two signers.
The placement of both signatures across the central image creates strong visual balance while preserving the iconic photographic composition. The contrast between the dark monochrome sleeve and blue ink further enhances legibility and display appeal.
From a rarity standpoint, genuine Lennon signed items are inherently scarce, and dual-signed examples with Yoko Ono are especially desirable due to their direct association with Lennon’s final creative period. Compared to standard solo signatures, co-signed pieces offer stronger narrative and contextual significance.
Condition-wise, the sleeve shows visible wear, including surface creasing and edge handling, consistent with age and use. The vinyl appears intact, though the collectible value is primarily driven by the signed sleeve rather than playback condition.
In the market, Lennon signatures occupy a top-tier position within music autograph collecting. Dual-signed pieces tied to the Double Fantasy era tend to perform strongly, particularly when signatures are bold, well-placed, and clearly legible.
The combination of two historically linked signatures, late-career relevance, and strong visual presentation places this example within a highly desirable category of Beatles-related memorabilia.
Overall, this piece represents a compelling intersection of music history, personal narrative, and autograph significance, offering both emotional resonance and solid collector demand.
Condition: ALL PROPERTY IS SOLD AS IS, WHERE IS, WITH NO RETURNS OR CANCELLATIONS.
Additional photographs and condition reports may be provided upon request as a courtesy only. Any condition report, catalogue description, image, certificate, report, document, authentication statement, authentication opinion, specialist opinion, or communication regarding origin, date, age, attribution, authenticity, authorship, signature, condition, provenance, or value is an opinion only and not a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Yakon Auctions.
The absence of reference to defects, restoration, wear, damage, handling marks, conservation, alteration, or repair does not mean the lot is free from such matters. Photographs are for reference only and may not accurately reflect color, tone, dimensions, condition, signature details, or the true state of the lot. Buyers should review all images carefully, as they form part of the description.
Provenance is provided by the consignor, prior owner, or most recent owner and may not be supported by records. All reports, COAs, appraisals, authentication letters, provenance statements, invoices, labels, or related documents, including any opinions, analyses, or conclusions therein, are provided as received from the consignor, prior owner, or third party, and have not been independently verified by Yakon Auctions. Such materials are for reference only and are not guarantees of authenticity, authorship, signature, origin, age, period, provenance, condition, or value.
All artworks, antiques, collectibles, autographed items, signed memorabilia, music memorabilia, records, photographs, posters, entertainment collectibles, and related items are offered based on information and documentation provided with the lot. Unless expressly stated, Yakon Auctions has not independently authenticated any signature, inscription, attribution, authorship, association, provenance, pressing detail, edition, period, origin, or related documentation.
Terms such as "attributed to, " "after, " "manner of, " "circle of, " "school of, " "in the artist’s style, " or similar language mean the lot is not guaranteed to be by the named artist, maker, signer, studio, or period. Exact authorship, origin, attribution, or date may be unknown, and the lot may not be included in any official catalogue raisonné, archive, registry, or recognized reference source.
Yakon Auctions makes no express or implied warranties or guarantees regarding authenticity, authorship, signature, origin, age, period, condition, provenance, attribution, description, value, or marketability. Buyers are responsible for due diligence and should seek independent expert advice before bidding.
No return, refund, cancellation, or bid retraction will be accepted based on disputes regarding authenticity, attribution, authorship, signature, condition, provenance, description, estimated value, market value, or buyer’s post-sale opinion.
Original invoices, reports, certificates, or documents shown in listings will be included only if all items listed on that document are purchased. If only part of the document relates to the purchased lot, a digital copy may be provided upon request at Yakon Auctions’ discretion.
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