John Lennon's own sunglasses from 1966
Incredible but true.
John Lennon's very own pair of gold rimmed round wire sunglasses dating from July 1966.
Brian Epstein booked a quick Far Eastern tour for the Beatles in the Summer of 1966. Upon arrival unbeknownst to them the decision to allow them to play the first ever pop concerts at the sacred area of Budokan caused a furore throughout Japan which resulted in death threats being issued against the band.
Faced with such a dilemma - the world's biggest band became 'prisoners' in their hotel in Tokyo. A young TV Nippon TV producer Junishi Yore was assigned as the band's translator during the stay. Apart from his official duties at the numerous press releases held at the Hilton Tokyo - the fact that they were forced to spend so much time together meant that Junishi & John Lennon became friendly.
When it came for the Beatles to leave Tokyo John gave Junishi his prized sunglasses as a thank you for looking after them.
The glasses remained safely with Junishi until that fateful day in 1980 when he heard of John's untimely death and in his grief (and in accordance with Japanese folklore) he pushed out the lenses as a lament to the dead Lennon - in his words - so that he " he could see us after death".
The glasses are offered for sale accompanied by Junishi's charming and poignant note.
Whilst this story might make these 'damaged goods' for some to us they make the glasses not only unique but spiritual. We like to think that John Lennon he knew he was going to get shot and that one daythis guy would press out the lenses so that, even dead, he could see.
991 are proud to offer John Lennon's sunglasses from 1966 -uniquely special, extraordinarily rare
Interested in owning John Lennon's sunglasses call Saul on 01474 815007 or email Lennon@991.com