Mighty meaty Beatles... Fab Four's infamous 'Butcher Cover' brings $26,300

As we've reported, a gorgeous 1960 Gibson Les Paul Standard Cherry Sunburst electric guitar, one of the most sought-after modern stringed instrumented ever made, proved its worth at $131,450 to lead Heritage Auctions' $1,682,831 Signature Music & Entertainment Auction, February 20.

But of course, many of the best lots were not instruments but music memorabilia.

The subject of much pre-auction buzz, a factory-sealed First State Beatles Yesterday and Today "Butcher Cover" did not disappoint on its way to becoming one of the most expensive pieces of vinyl in existence by bringing $26,290 when it came on the block.

"To serious collectors of both vintage vinyl and Beatles memorabilia, this is pretty much the holy grail," said Garry Shrum, Consignment Director at Heritage. "This was a very smart purchase by a serious collector. There are not likely many, if even a single better copy, of this legendary album anywhere."

Why would anyone find this offensive?

It was classic Rock 'n' Roll memorabilia the rest of the way, with a Beatles band-signed A Hard Day's Night promotional photo, the only known autographed copy of this famous image, bringing in an impressive $19,120 from a determined bidder.

A brightly coloured purple Jimi Hendrix-owned floral shirt, originally purchased from Jimi's renowned manager Chas Chandler in August 1994, and subsequently auctioned at Fraser's, London, brought $17,925.

The name of Elvis Presley is always a commanding presence in Heritage Music & Entertainment auctions, and The King was well-represented in Beverly Hills when two lots with Elvis provenance proved popular with collectors.

An Elvis-commissioned Ten Outstanding Young Men of America Award Watch with autographed program book and photo (1971), consigned by the young man it was originally presented to, brought $14,340. This should make an excellent investment.

Personal jewelry from The King continued its strong run in Heritage events when Elvis's Black Star Sapphire Ring, owned and worn by great musician, brought $13,145.

Rock 'n' Roll royalty was also very well represented by a superb 1957 Buddy Holly signed Royal Theatre contract, a rare instance of Buddy actually signing a contract himself - they were usually signed Holly's manager - and if such an important Rock 'n' Roll relic surviving, brought $11,950 from a determined bidder.