Meet Rick Lisnek: Inside the Collection
You love them — Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!
Jul. 5, 2020
After seeing the Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show, Rick Lisnek was never the same. He devoted a large part of his life to collecting everything related to the Fab Four, and now displays it all in his gallery-like basement. Among his most prized items are the infamous censored "Butcher" album cover, a very rare tin of Beatles talcum powder, and some hotel bed sheets on which the band members once slept — or did they? We’ll find out!
Rick was joined by his brother Paul, who has helped him acquire many of his items (and whose own amazing collection was profiled in our first season).
We brought along Jeff Augsburger, author of a Beatles memorabilia price guide. Jeff appraised Rick's collection — and brought two items of his own.
1. Paul McCartney Autograph
Jeff notes that getting Paul's full name is key — the legend often just signs "Paul" — not to mention the legibility. This signature is worth $1,000!
2. Beatle Bugles
Jeff explains that these megaphones likely date back to a 1966 concert in Memphis. They are worth $900. A third variety — white with red art — was made, as well.
3. Beatle Bugle "Neck Chain"
What makes these "Yell-a-Phones" worth so much is the included "Neck Chain" for fans to wear.
4. 'Yesterday and Today' Album Covers
The infamous "Butcher" cover of this American album was immediately banned by the record label. However, the LP had been pressed. Thus, three "States" of the record now exist. First State versions are the original "Butcher" art untouched. Second State version (right) have the replacement "slick" applied to cover up the art. Finally, Third State versions (left) have the replacement slick peeled off, revealing the original artwork underneath! This particular display is worth $1,000.
5. 1963 Beatles Talcum Powder
Yes, Brits were able to buy this Beatles talc in 1963 — before they broke in America. Of particular interest is the older "Beatles" logo, as featured on Ringo's drumset, before the group switched to its iconic "Drop T" logo.
6. Talcum Powder Tin Details
Check out these great portraits from the back of the tin! The talc is still inside!
7. Beatles 45 Turntable
This 1964 record player is considered a "keystone item" for any Beatles collection.
8. 45 Player Lid Detail
Here we see the art detail on the inside of the record player cover. This "fair condition" item is worth about $3,500.
9. Whittier Hotel Bedsheets
The Beatles once stayed in The Whittier Hotel in Detroit. The hotel, in turn, cut up the boys' bedsheets into tiny squares and sold them to fans. Rick had a set of four — but Jeff points out that they are fakes. The real ones have yellowed far more with age, especially seen in a brown glue blob behind the sheet swatch. Also…
10. Real vs. Fake Whittier Hotel Bedsheets
The image of the hotel on the real versions show a sailboat in front of the building (left). The fakes do not have the boat (right).
11. Beatles Dolls
We love these cartoonish likenesses!
12. Beatles Figurines
Rick's basement is devoted to the Beatles.
13. Maestro Beatles Toy Guitar
Jeff has brought this toy guitar sold circa 1964.
14. Toy Guitar Instruction Booklet
Here is the accompanying booklet that came with the toy guitar.
15. Dodger Stadium Ticket
Rick does not have a concert ticket. Jeff does — this 1966 stub from the gig in Los Angeles.
0 Comments
