Being a First Generation Beatles Fan & having quite an extensive personal collection, I hope to give some insight to those of you who weren't here during the early years & are serious collectors.  So many things are now being mass re-produced and a great deal of things that were not issued during the early 60's, are being presented as authentic, original, and genuine items of Beatles memorabila.  Many items during the ealy 60's have imprinted in minute print, usually on the underside of an item, NEMS ENTERPRISES, INC. or SELTAEB.  These were found on almost all officially licensed Beatles Memorabilia from t-shirts to wallets to dolls to hairspray!

Some items had no distinct packaging at all, while many other items came in boxes, plastic bags with The Beatles logo, likenesses or reproductions of their signatures and cardboard inserts. 

Those of us who seriously collected anything and everything we could, did our very best to preserve various items to retain the pristine condition we purchased them in.  Other collectors displayed their Beatles collectibles without a second thought to heat, light, dust or other elements.  Unfortunately for some, sometimes items were improperly stored & did not fare as well.

Many times, a collector will come across a dealer or vendor selling an item as being "recently discovered in a warehouse" and these unscrupulous people will insist that the item(s) are authentic, original, genuine from the early 60's.  BEWARE! Items that look & smell too new, usually are things that were reproduced and are being palmed off as new.  In doubt of an item's autheticity?  Bring along a seasoned, veteran collector.  Or check first with a reputable source, such as Rick Rann's Lists, BeatleFan, Beatleology publications.  Their are several books published which maybe helpful when it comes to collecting Beatles Memorabilia but even some of those authors are not 100% knowledgeable on every single item.

Unfortunately, nowadays, many dealers are also pricing items so far out of range, it has become impossible for serious collectors to afford a certain item.  Once in a great while, one may come across a fan who for various reasons has decided to sell an item or items from their personal collection.  That is when you may be able to get a treasured collectible for a fair price.  Many times in combing yard sales, swap meets and/or flea markets, one may come across someone who has no clue as to what they have in their possession or it's true value.  That is when some of the best deals are found.

If  looking for Beatles autographs, know with whom you are dealing!  COA's may be forged. One of the most reputable people with whom I have known for many years and is very honest when it comes to selling Beatles autographs is professional press photographer, Vinnie Zuffante.  Vinnie not only can certify that the autographs he sells are legitmate but more often than not, he also has a photo that someone else has taken of him obtaining the autograph as well.

Original Beatles Fan Club items from the 60's thru the termination in 1970 are also very much sought after. Especially the press photos & other extras included in a membership kit.

Original Photos taken by fans are now very difficult to come by, as  some fans had learned the hard way, that even when they had their photos copyrighted, someone would find a way to have a negative made & circulated unauthorized copies.