Beatles Memorabilia Collector Jesse Barron

Jesse Barron is a collector of musician-based memorabilia with a heavy focus on The Beatles. We talked recently about his love for the Fab Four, and Jesse provided some great advice and thoughtful insight into his collection of their ephemera.

ephemera: When I came of age, The Beatles had long since broken up, but they seemed ubiquitous to me. They were ever-present in the pop culture, so even if I wasn't a huge fan, I became one to some degree. There are certain Beatles songs that just transcend generations. How did you become a collector of their ephemera?

Barron: Back in 2000, a friend saw a Beatles 45 on eBay and remarked that it was going for a lot of money. I thought to myself, 'I’ve got a Beatles record; I wonder how much it’s worth'. When I looked up the record--45RPM with picture sleeve--I found that its value was about $100. Sounded good to me, I had been given the single by my sister back in 1970. It got thinking – there aren’t that many 45’s left around these days, maybe I should try and get the other singles The Beatles had recorded. The single that started it all--“Hello Goodbye I am the Walrus”.

ephemera: The first 45RPM I owned was a Beatles single with Helter Skelter on the B side. I wonder how I ever lost track of that disc. What challenges to do you face as a collector of one of the most popular bands of all time?

Barron: One of the biggest challenges for me--and I’m sure most collectors--is spotting counterfeits. I do a couple of things to overcome the challenge of encountering counterfeits; first, I consult different memorabilia reference books and secondly, benefit from my own knowledge gained over the years of my collecting.  One other thing I do on occasion, is actually purchase the counterfeit item, if reasonably priced, knowing that it is counterfeit just to get a closer look at it first hand.
Not sure if it’s necessarily a challenge or an obstacle, but it’s when you do come across an item that has been torn, stained, written on, etc, but it’s still an item that I don’t have in my collection.
Sometimes, I’d rather get the item, even though it is not quite in Near Mint or even Good condition, rather than keep holding out for the one that’s in better shape especially when it’s an item that doesn’t come on the market very often.

ephemera: I like your advice about buying a counterfeit to get a good look at it. That's a great tip. What are some of your favorite Beatles items in your collection?

Barron: Geez – where to start ….. let’s start with my “Please, Please Me” 45 released in America with the Beatles misspelled as Beattles. My Yellow Submarine Bicycle was a real find, and definitely one of my favorites; it’s a full-size girls bike made by Huffy back in the 1960’s. The Russian EP’s, extended play 45’s, but spin at the 33 speed. An unlicensed item, The Swingers Music Set, a set of cake decorations that say nothing about the Beatles on the packaging, but it’s clear who the figures are meant to portray. And lastly, The Beatles Talcum Powder Tin. My tin has been opened, but still has powder in it.

ephemera: Those all sound like great finds. What’s your advice for achieving success as a collector?

Barron: If I had to try and pass on one or two small pieces of advise it would be to collect items that you like and that are for your personal enjoyment--don’t try to build an investment portfolio out it, and most of all know the price you are willing and able to pay for an item and stick to it. If you get out bid, you get out bid. You haven’t broken the bank and can live to bid another day.

ephemera: That's sound advice, and something I've heard other world-class collectors also say. For others interested in collecting Beatles ephemera, what resources do you recommend?

Barron: My top recommendation is the Price Guide for the Beatles American Records by Perry Cox and Frank Daniels. Rock-N-Roll Treasures: Identification & Value Guide by Joe Hilton and Greg Moore. The Beatles Memorabilia Price Guide by Jeff Augsburger, Marty Eck, and Rick Rann.

ephemera: Thanks, Jesse. I know a lot of Beatles People will enjoy seeing this interview and learning about collecting Beatles ephemera.

Search Abebooks for the books listed in this interview.

Comments

[Mimi]

Ooooh, that is fascinating. Thank you to Jesse for sharing.

[Kwyjibo]

Sounds like you have a great collection and thanks for the good advice.

[Julie]

Your collection sounds so interesting, and you really know what you are talking about!

[p.burgess]

i have a 1960s bin/storage stool approx 2ft high with the beatles faces around the side also has gold stars series around the top ,it has a brown cushioned lid and it mainly gold in colour,i no its a bit of an ask but i was wondering if you have any idea what im asking yours thankfully p.burgess

[Jesse Barron]

Please send me a picture of it if possible. you can visit my site at www.mybeatles.net. my e-mail is listed there, but it is [email protected]

Jesse

[collectibles]

That is a very rare and cool collection. I am a blind fan of Beatles so, i am thanking you from my heart. thanks a lot. Now you know i will visit your blog regularly for having some knowledge about my favorite Beatles.

[Nich]

Email: [email protected] My mum lived in England from age 5 to and lived in the States until her teens then moved to Canada when she married dad but they divorced in 1975 and I lived with my mum. My mum past away a couple of years ago and we cleaned her house i found lots of beatle stuff in 6 boxes. Most of the stuff is toys and Beatle games. But i am confused because her HELP single says from the movie "eight arms to hold you" I have never seen that movie and she has a pile of VJ she loves you and VJ Please Please me and Please Please Me in Mono and Stereo. And she has about five let it be albums not opened with picture books because one is opened and it has a lot of pictures in it. And she has a Beatle legal size poster saying "the BEETLES live here Saturday night free admission" on the bottom it says Manchester Hall. Aren't the beatles from liverpool. Why is it spelled with two E's. Does anyone know if these records are worth anything. I am now 32 and my dad said i can do with them what ever i want.

[Nich]

Can any one help me figure out what i have and what it is worth. I would like to sell the whole collection. I found something really neat last night it was a paper call THE MERSEY BEAT and it list the Beatles along with a lot of other bands playing around the liverpool area. The date on the paper is April 63 and my mum must have a membership because she has number 4 to 13. It says Beatles sign to Decca but were they not on capital records? If someone could help me please i would like to sell the whole collection for 5oo us dollars. I took the magizine to a dealer in Toronto and the man said it is fake because they didn't have issue numbers on them but offered 2oo dollars for it. Question did they really put issue numbers on it or is my mum stuff just junk. Also i took ticket stubs from concerts in Denmark,France, and all over England and one from Shea which is the only one not torn and the man said it was a fake and told me he would give me 100 more for the whole 6 boxes so i told him i needed to think about it. What should i do get 3oo for the boxes or should i put them on ebay. Oh yeah the last thing i thought was kind of neat was my mum had a "TWO LION" unopened but i have never heard of it and it says produced in South Africa. Can anyone explain this to me? Thanks if anyone can help.

[www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000139684368]

I have two spools of
@Beatles 1964 BBC session part 1 and 2 they contain unused material song with words different to those that were recorded, snatches of conversation etc, they have lain in my attic for over 40 years and I found them today whilst clearing out the attic I would be obliged if you would contact me if you are interested, I will sell to the highest bidder, I shall be away from 16th Oct until 24th Oct but can be contacted at the above e mail address or buy telephone on U.K. 01407-763209 or uk mobile 07790959675. I look forward to hearing from you
Youirs faithfully,
Hendrikus J. Klijn