Rare Beatles Memorabilia: Lennon Books Ltd & Lennon Productions Ltd Stock Certificates Issued to John Lennon & Yoko Ono
Presented are a pair of exceptionally rare Beatles-era stock certificates, authentically connected to John Lennon, Brian Epstein, Yoko Ono, and the iconic Apple era. These are the only 2 known stock certificates issued for Lennon's Company. One issued to John Lennon and one to Yoko Ono.
- Lennon Books Limited stock certificate (1966) – issued to John Winston Lennon of “Kenwood,” Cavendish Road, St. George’s Hill, Weybridge Serrey in 1966. Signed by Brian Epstein as director.
- There were 100 shares issued at $1 each. This certifcate to Lennon is for 99 of those shares. It is believed that 1 share was issued to Brian Epstein's management company NEMS Enterprises as a "subscriber share" to legally form the entity under British Law.
- It is widely documented that Epstein was made director of Lennon Books Ltd on January 10, 1966.
- Lennon Productions Limited stock certificate (1969) – issued to Yoko Ono Lennon of 3 Savile Row, London, in 1969. Signed by Director Peter Brown. The certificate was issued on January 28, 1969, two days before the Rooftop Concert. We believe (not confirmed) the 1 share of Lennon Productions issued to Yoko Ono in 1969 was transferred from Epstein's share after his death in 1967 as the new Lennon Productions Limited still maintained 100 outstanding shares.
Historical Addresses Connected to the Certificates
Kenwood, Cavendish Road, St. George’s Hill, Weybridge, Surrey
Kenwood was the legendary 1913 mock-Tudor mansion in the ultra-exclusive, gated St. George’s Hill estate in Weybridge, Surrey, where John Lennon lived during the height of Beatlemania from the summer of 1964 until late spring 1968. It was within these walls that Lennon penned some of the Beatles' most revolutionary tracks for Rubber Soul, Revolver, and Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.
3 Savile Row, London
3 Savile Row, London is one of the most culturally significant addresses in rock music history, serving as the high-altitude stage for The Beatles' final public performance. 3 Savile Row was the Beatles headquarters (Apple Corps) purchased in 1968. The stock certificate was issued on January 28th, just two days prior to their iconic Rooftop Concert on January 30th, 1969. Unsure of how to end their upcoming documentary film, the Beatles, alongside guest keyboardist Billy Preston, climbed the stairs to the building's roof on a freezing Thursday afternoon. They performed a raw, unannounced 42-minute lunchtime set that included "Get Back," "Don't Let Me Down," and "I've Got a Feeling".
Why These Certificates Matter
- Historically significant Beatles provenance tied to John Lennon, Brian Epstein, Yoko Ono, and Apple Corps.
- Two of the most important Lennon-related corporate documents from the 1960s, rarely surfaced in the market.
- Includes authentication: The Lennon Books Limited stock certificate and Brian Epstein autograph is authenticated by renowned Beatles authenticator Frank Caiazzo. The Brian Epstein signature is also authenticated by PSA DNA. Certificates of Authenticy from both are included.
Certificate Details
- Condition: Excellent (as pictured). Ships insured with signature required.
- Dimensions (approx.): 12 7/8" x 7 5/8"
- Set: This is a 2-piece set; certificates are not sold separately.
- Includes: Certificates of Authenticity from PSA DNA & Frank Caiazzo (see above & pics).
Historical Context: Lennon Books Limited → Lennon Productions Limited
Lennon Books Limited was established in January 1966 to manage Lennon's personal revenue and literary royalties from poetry books, short stories, and illustrations. Brian Epstein was appointed director. John Lennon held 99 shares and listed his residential address on primary documentation. In 1969, the business evolved into Lennon Productions Limited, expanding into film and other creative ventures including projects with Yoko Ono.
Brian Epstein: The Fifth Beatle
Brian Epstein was the visionary English music entrepreneur who discovered and managed the Beatles, transforming them from a rowdy, leather-clad regional act into the most famous band in history.
Affectionately and universally recognized as the "Fifth Beatle," Epstein was the structural and emotional anchor of the band. His sudden death in 1967 at the age of 32 sent the group into a downward financial and personal spiral from which they never fully recovered.
Peter Brown: Apple Corps Leadership & Signatory
As the former personal assistant to Brian Epstein and a primary board director at Apple Corps, Brown effectively took over administration of Lennon's personal accounts. Historic corporate checks issued by Lennon Productions Limited during the late 1960s feature Brown's co-signature right alongside John Lennon's. He remained Epsteins and the Beatles personal assistance until the band's dissolution. He helped found and served as a board member of Apple Corps and assumed Epstein's duties after the manager's death. He was the best man of John Lennon and Yoko Ono's wedding in 1969.
Shipping & Handling
Carefully packaged and insured for transit. Signature Required.
