Ringo takes stock

1963 drum kit.

After having sold their homes in England and Monaco, Ringo Starr and his wife Barbara Bach have been taking stock - and found that they have too much stuff. Ringo is 75 years old and not getting any younger, so what are they to do with it all? The answer is to get rid of some of it by auctioning it off.
And being Ringo, there are lots of interesting Beatles related stuff. Among the cutlery, the saucers, glasses and dinner services are items like his 1963 drum kit and the #000000001 edition of "The Beatles" (White album),  several guitars, including a Gretsch which was a gift from George Harrison and a Rickenbacker from John Lennon.

Over 800 items will be offered Dec. 4-5 at Julien's Auctions in Beverly Hills, California. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the couple's Lotus Children Foundation that focuses on social welfare issues around the world.

Highlights and their pre-sale estimates:

• Ringo's first 1963 Ludwig Oyster black pearl three-piece drum kit that he used in over 200 performances and recordings between May 1963 and February 1964. Paul McCartney also used the set on his first solo album, "McCartney." $300,000-$500,000.
• John Lennon's 1964 Rose-Morris Rickenbacker with a fire-glo sunburst finish that he played during The Beatles' 1964-1965 Christmas shows. He made a gift of the guitar to Ringo in 1968. $600,000-$800,000.
• A 2000 Mercedes Coupe, first owned by George and acquired by Ringo after the guitarist died in 2001. $60,000-$80,000.
• A seven-tom drum kit inspired by drummer Hal Blaine and commissioned for Ringo by George in 1968. Only five sets of the custom kits are known to exist. $10,000-$20,000.
  

Highlights will be on display for a week at The Hard Rock Cafe New York in Times Square starting Nov. 16. They also will be shown at the Museum of Style Icons in Ireland and at Julien's prior to the sale.


Julien's anticipates the sale could top $5 million-$10 million.

"It's really a once in a lifetime opportunity. Ringo will never do this again. They are the only items he's letting go," said auctioneer Darren Julien.


Link to auction: JuliensAuctions.com/