AN EXTREMELY rare Sex Pistols record known as the “holy grail” has been sold for an eye-watering price.
The valuable copy of the controversial single God Save The Queen was printed almost half a century ago.
BNPSThe 1977 copy of God Save The Queen was printed during record company A&M[/caption]
GettyPunk group the Sex Pistols released God Save The Queen more than 40 years ago[/caption]
The record was released in 1977 during the band’s time with record company A&M.
After having a huge falling out, bosses broke the contract with the band and the record was instantly withdrawn from sale.
Almost all 25,000 copies of the song were quickly destroyed – and the item is one of the very few that survived.
The rare record lists the band’s members as Paul Cook, Glen Matlock, Johnny Rotten and Steve Jones.
Auction manager Dan Muscatelli-Hampson said: “There are varying reports of how many copies of the Sex Pistols single on A&M survived following the cancelling of the contract – possibly only as few as 25.
“The band were paid possibly as much as £125,000 for the week long deal with A&M.”
God Save The Queen is the band’s second single and it was released by Virgin during her majesty’s Silver Jubilee in May 1977.
The single was given the the UK’s national anthem name – which was deemed to be offensive.
Although the BBC refused to play the song, it still reached number two on the UK charts.
Dan added: “Sex Pistols Caird Hall poster is extremely significant.
“They were originally supposed to perform at Caird Hall on the date as printed on the poster but cancelled when they were offered a chance to perform on TV host Bill Grundy’s show.
“Their infamous appearance on that show caused many of their planned tour dates to be cancelled following the public outcry.”
The piece of British history sparked a bidding war at Omega Auctions, of Newton-le-Willows in Merseyside.
And it has now sold for a whooping £21,250 from an initial hammer price of £16,500.
Auctioneers said it is the most expensive ever Sex Pistols A & M record – beating the previous top price of £19,320 set at the same auctioneers last year.
“Punk is certainly one of the fastest growing sectors within the collectables market and the £16,500 hammer price for the Sex Pistols A&M 7 is the highest price ever paid for a copy.
“For all those who were around through the late 70s and early 1980s – now is the time to get up in the loft and see what you’ve held on to!,” Mr Muscatelli-Hampson said.
Suprising household items that are worth a fortune and how to find them
Experts believe the average UK attic hides valuables totalling a staggering £1,922, and around £33billion worth of “junk” lurks in our cupboards and drawers
Antiques expert Charlie Ross, who regularly appears on Bargain Hunt and Flog It!, has listed several items to look out for in your home.
’90s vinyl
“Records made from about 1992 to 1999 are especially valuable as not a lot was made at that time. Vinyl from bands like Mansun might sell for £80 or Kula Shaker, £65,” said the expert.
Star Wars
“What really sells well is carded figures, One auction recently sold a rare character called Yak Face, from Return Of The Jedi, for over £1,500,” said Charlie
Fountain Pens
The Bargain Hunt presenter said: “A rare Namiki fountain pen once sold for £6,000 at auction, while auction house Dreweatts sold a limited-edition Montblanc for an incredible £14,000.”
Old mobiles
“Even if they are not worth a huge amount now, there is no doubt that they will become valuable, so they are worth keeping. The first one of any particular series might also be worth something in years to come”. said Charlie.
Autographs
“If you have a collection of all the Beatles’ autographs, you are sitting on a fortune!” Charlie added.
“I recently met a chap who had a book full of cricketers’ autographs – even that was worth £100.”
Comics
“A Batman Adventures Comic from 1993 could make you around £800. Comics are valuable as they are typically limited edition and quite rare,” explained the expert.
For more information on hidden valuable items, read here.