Three of George Formby's banjolele's are going under the hammer at a Bonham's auction next month (June 18). The Dallas E Banjolele, which was used by Formby at live shows in the '30s was sold to Beatle George Harrison via an auction. However the Beatle sold the instrument back to the family after meeting with Formby's nephew Jeffrey at a gig in Welwyn Garden City. Harrison offered it back to the family as a gift, however Formby preferred to purchase it. The auction will also include a letter, dated 1961, sent by Harrison to Formby. The goldplated banjolele is estimated to be sold for between £20,000-35,000. Another of the instruments, the Abbott 'Monarch', or ‘Little Strad’ used for the recording of his most famous song, 'When I'm Cleaning Windows' is expected to fetch an estimated £25,000 - 45,000. George Formby’s Dallas C banjolele will also be sold at the Knightsbridge auction house, estimated at £20,000-30,000. For a full listing of upcoming sales, check Bonham's website here: www.bonhams.com
Three of George Formby‘s banjolele’s are going under the hammer at a Bonham’s auction next month (June 18).
The Dallas E Banjolele, which was used by Formby at live shows in the ’30s was sold to Beatle George Harrison via an auction.
However the Beatle sold the instrument back to the family after meeting with Formby’s nephew Jeffrey at a gig in Welwyn Garden City. Harrison offered it back to the family as a gift, however Formby preferred to purchase it.
The auction will also include a letter, dated 1961, sent by Harrison to Formby.
The goldplated banjolele is estimated to be sold for between £20,000-35,000.
Another of the instruments, the Abbott ‘Monarch’, or ‘Little Strad’ used for the recording of his most famous song, ‘When I’m Cleaning Windows’ is expected to fetch an estimated £25,000 – 45,000.
George Formby’s Dallas C banjolele will also be sold at the Knightsbridge auction house, estimated at £20,000-30,000.
For a full listing of upcoming sales, check Bonham’s website here: www.bonhams.com
