Our resident Beatles Memorabilia expert Terry Crain takes a look at another great piece of memorabilia – the Beatles Beach Hat.
Beatles Beach Hat
Now Beatles fans could “follow the sun” in a stylish protective fashion! It was likely a scientific fact that the sun shone more brightly on Beatles fans at the beach, and what type of headgear could they trust? Well, The Beatles Beach Hat, of course!
Manufactured in the U.S., the beach hat (or “sports hat” in some advertisements) was available in red and white, black and white, or blue and white fabric. Pressed onto the white space of the cap were graphics with Beatles faces and facsimile autographs in black ink. When fanned out, the hat was 9″ in diameter.
The Beatles Beach Hat
The Beatles Flocking
The advertisement for the hat lured the consumer with enticing language: “Cotton Twill Stitched Brim Hat with The Beatles Flocking. Blue and white and red and white. One size fits all. Hurry! 99¢. Be In Rhythm with ’em!”
The label inside the beach hat contained the logo from the United Hatters, Cap and Millinery Workers International Union (Union Made). It also had a tag that said: “Made in U.S.A.”
The hat first came out of England in black, then headed across the waters to the U.S. with the additional red and blue colors to the inventory for the American market.
Puritan Fashions had the license from NEMS to produce the beach hats via the U.K. company Kangol and U.S. solicitor/middleman Budd Hellawell. Many of the early Sixties ads for Puritan products included their sweatshirts, shirts, and beach hats grouped.
Kangol Wear
Kangol Wear UK
An interesting side note: Kangol Wear in the U.K. talked via phone on February 10, 1964 (the day after the first Ed Sullivan appearance), to Puritan representative Bud Hellawell. It granted Puritan a sublicense to manufacture and distribute “hats” in the United States. During that phone call, Kangol reminded him that he owed them $1000 as a “down payment” for the license.
NEMS and the Business of Selling Beatles Merchandise in the U.S. 1964-1966 (2ND EDITION)
The book covers the approximately 150 licensed items that dotted store shelves and helped fuel the band-crazed fan during the time right after the band landed in America and performed on The Ed Sullivan Show. Toys, games, dolls, jewelry, clothing, wigs, and more!
Companies designed most Beatles memorabilia and merchandise for young female fans. Revell model kits bucked that trend. The company already produced models of planes, ships, and other male-orientated products, so why not the Fab Four? In 1964, the Beatles’ “Authentic Kits” models joined the market.
Like other band items, Revell was cautious about investing their inventory into producing all four Beatles as models. So, after researching that Paul and Ringo were the two most popular Beatles in the U.S. at that time, they designed them first by early August 1964.
Tony Bulone and Magda Kopec did Paul’s original Revell model sculptures for molding, then Kopec did the other three Beatles. Bulone’s daughter, Jill Houghton, added, “Elvis sat for [her dad] once, about the time Elvis was going in the military.” After demand for the models stayed strong, Revell produced all four Beatles by the end of 1964.
All the Fab Four in 1964
“In 1964, hot on the heels of Revell’s popular Rat Fink line came the company’s issue of the four members of The Beatles. They apparently beat rival Aurora to the punch in obtaining the license to the group’s likenesses – Revell was known much more for their kits of automobiles, planes, and battleships than characters; that’s where Aurora excelled.
“All four likenesses were accurately sculpted, complete with accurate depictions of their instruments (Ringo only had a snare drum, rather than a full drum set), and all were posed in the standard stances that their fans could even recognize in silhouette. John Lennon is unusually pictured playing his acoustic with electronic pickups, rather than the more famous Rickenbacker of his early days. Today the Paul and Ringo figures are the most commonly found of the set of four, with George being much more difficult and John being the toughest of them all.” – The Michigan Toy Soldier Company Blog.
UK Version in 1965
Revell made the models, designed to be painted, from white plastic. The U.K. version came out in the spring of 1965 when their U.K. branch picked up the license – had more vivid colors on the boxes and used the British spelling on the package for “moulded.” When the models were first issued, only the John and George kits were released in the
Make Yourself A Beatle
The UK
U.K. market, with Paul and Ringo only available in the U.S. The U.K. versions were marked “Revell (G.B.) Ltd.” and were missing the U.S. price code marker next to the model number. Other than the information on the box, the actual U.S. and U.K. models were identical.
Each box measured 9″x6″x2″ and featured vivid color graphics drawn by artist Donald “Putt” Putman. Once completed, the model measured officially at 2½”x6″x9½”. The description listed that each figure stood 9″ tall – except Ringo, whose model stood 7″ when completed. Inside the model, boxes were individual plastic bags with instructions/assembly directions.
Printed on the box exterior was a description written for each Beatle. For example, John’s story read, “Features…This beautifully detailed reproduction of John Lennon with guitar stands a full 9” high. Each feature is so life-like that it is a “must” for every teenage room. A few simple pieces…a few dabs of paint…and John will be your very own.” There was a slight variation in the name and instrument on the other individual boxes.
John – Kookiest Of Them All
The box for the model of John was labeled “Kookiest Of Them All” (H-1352:150). Paul as “The Great McCartney” (H-1350:150). George as “Lead Guitar – Loud and Strong” (H-1353:150). Ringo’s label read, “Wildest Skins In Town” (H-1351:150) model.
They also printed a short biography on the side of the box:
“John…the most “way-out,” he writes many of the Beatles’ songs with Paul McCartney. It was John’s inspiration that started the group and today he is considered to be the leader of the Beatles.”
Paul – the Zaniest Beatle
“Paul…an irrepressible, good-humored member of the McCartney clan, he is loved by thousands as the zaniest Beatle. His black hair and his hazel eyes have won as many hearts as his left-handed stroking of the bass guitar. Not only does he possess a clever tongue and wild imagination, he is also regarded as the best-looking Beatle.”
George – Freedom of Expression
“George…the youngest of the Beatles plays lead guitar for the group. He has always defended “freedom of expression” and at one time considered being an artist. Offstage he is quiet and sensitive…but on stage, he comes on loud and strong.”
Ringo – Craggy Features
“Ringo…is the pulsing, throbbing creator of the Beatle rhythm. Best known for craggy features and jeweled fingers, his beat has brought ecstasy to worshippers all over the world. The pounding crescendo of these drums has made “Ringo” a name to remember…everywhere.”
The company produced promotional posters advertising the Beatles Model Kits. These posters featured printed drawings of Paul and Ringo on each end and stated, ‘Build the Beatles Revell Authentic Kits $1.50 each. Printed in the U.S.A.’ They measured 25½” x11″ (65cm x 28cm).
“Around 1965, my father had a friend who worked for Revell. One day, the friend told him, “Hey, you got a son, right? Well, I have a garage full of Revell models. Bring him by. He can help himself to as many as he wants.” My dad didn’t believe in ever turning down anything that was free, so I soon found myself in his friend’s garage staring at crates of new, unopened Revell models…from 20 to 50 (I’m guessing) of everything the company had put out in the preceding decade. “Help yourself,” the friend said. “Take as many as you want. I’m going to throw them out one of these days. I need the space for my new band saw.” – Mark Evanier “The Beatles Model Kits” (via News From Me Blog)
Shop display flyers/brochures featured the Paul and Ringo model. They measured 8½” x11″ and were two-sided, with Paul on one side and Ringo. John and George were not pictured but described as “available at a later date.” It proudly boasted that “35,000,000 fans say this kit can’t miss!”.
“I started at Revell (at the) end of 1968. When I had my very first day at the company (Revell), I made a ‘company trip’ with my new boss. When we visited the shipping department, I saw a single small model kit on an empty shelf. This model kit was Paul McCartney. I asked him if I could buy it. It was OK, and I did; it was my very first purchase at Revell. After this first model kit, I became interested in this theme and wanted to know how Revell came to this strange product. At that time, there was a second European Revell-sister, Revell (G.B.) Ltd. in Potters Bar. Our English friends were (a long time before Revell Germany) in the position to create their own products, especially for the U.K. market. Such a project was ‘The Beatles.’
Our English friends took care of the license, which was given by NEMS Enterprises London/England in 1964. The production run was done at Revell in Venice/Calif., the main company of Revell. All four figures were in the international catalogue from 1965 until 1966 only. After that, I suppose the licensor changed, and the license fee became too expensive.
There was never a special leaflet with the pictures of the kits. Also, those kits were never the big seller in Germany. At that time, The Beatles were of less interest. For example, ‘Ringo’ never was sold on the German market, only the other three.
During my job at Revell, I became Head of Product Development at the beginning of the Seventies. Many, many times, I tried to re-introduce the Fab Four because we still owned the molds. But no matter who was the licensor, I never got the permission for a reissue. There were a couple of owners of the rights on The Beatles (Apple, Michael Jackson, Sony, etc.), but all couldn’t give me the OK. The reason was Yoko Ono; she didn’t allow any replica of her husband, John. A few years ago, we were asked by a new licensor to make model kits of The Beatles, but only from the Yellow Submarine comic, but at those figures, nobody was interested.
(About the sculptures which became the molds) The original but necessary bigger scale sculptures had been done in England. The sculptures were shipped to Revell Inc., Venice, U.S.A. And as I know, all the molds from them were made in Canada close to the U.S. border. Today one mold is stored in the U.S.A. and one at Revell in Germany. One mold includes two figures.” – Ulli Taubert (Revell employee, 1968-2017)
There were reproductions of these models made from “heavier” resin by a company out of Hong Kong. Many had extra thin plastic hanging from the pieces.
The Revell Molds
The Instructions
Revell reports that the original molds for the models (each included two figures) still exist. Stored in Buende, Germany, the molds are in excellent condition, even with their age. The company reports that there are no plans to reissue the original model kits right now. Revell researches the possibilities of bringing them back from time to time, but they are not allowed to run the molds because the iconic “Beatles” and “Fab Four” names have copyright protection.
Apple Corps
Revell Industries had its merchandising license included in contracts supplied to Apple Corps Limited on August 8, 1968, by the firm Wright, Webb & Company. The company was named in a NEMS Enterprises, Ltd vs. Seltaeb, Incorporated lawsuit filed in the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, First Judicial Department, dated: New York, New York, July 6, 1965. On April 19, 1965, they received a letter (reported by L.C. Schlesinger, an employee of the company) about an “amended complaint” pertaining to the lawsuit.
In addition, Revell (through their attorneys Gladstone & Lowell, Esqs.) requested that they be “held harmless in this matter.”
One of Revell’s attorneys, Stanley H. Lowell (of the law firm Gladstone & Lowell), reported receiving an “amended complaint” letter about the lawsuit. He told Selteab that “…royalty payments due Seltaeb Incorporated would not be released until Seltaeb Incorporated entered into an indemnity agreement with Revell.”
NEMS and the Business of Selling Beatles Merchandise in the U.S. 1964-1966 (2ND EDITION)
The book covers the approximately 150 licensed items that dotted store shelves and helped fuel the band-crazed fan during the time right after the band landed in America and performed on The Ed Sullivan Show. Toys, games, dolls, jewelry, clothing, wigs, and more!
What happened the day after The Beatles’ Ed Sullivan Show debut? All the young lads across America met their buddies at lunch and excitedly talked about learning to play guitar! Where could they learn chords? Where do they find such instruments? Coincidently, their own The Beatles Guitar was already in the works!
The Beatles Guitar
Mastro Industries manufactured five different Beatles guitars/ukuleles – plus variations and display models in the U.S. in the Sixties (the Selcol company produced seven other Beatles guitars in the U.K.) Also manufactured about this time was an unlicensed 5″ model made in Hong Kong
Beatle-ist – 30½”
Yeah Yeah – 22″
Four Pop – 21″
Beatles Jr. – 14¼”
Mini – 5½”
“In March of 1964, Maestro Industries, Inc. introduced the Beatles line at the Toy Show in New York. This line included four-string guitars, six-string guitars, plastic bongo drums, and plastic banjos. In 1965, the available line of plastic instruments included various guitars, ukuleles, wind instruments, and percussion instruments, and productions and introductions of new variations continued for a few years thereafter.” – French American Reeds, Inc. – History (2020).
The Beatle-ist Guitar
Mass-produced by Mastro in 1964, the ‘Beatle-ist’ plastic six-string guitar was pink and burgundy, 30½” long, and covered with the band’s faces, names, and autographs on the front of the body. The front of this version read “The BEATLES – Beatle-ist Guitar,” shrink-wrapped and packaged on a backing card with a pick, instruction booklet, and a strap. The instrument came with three colored nylon and three wound strings, labeled in Mastro’s catalog as “No. 340.” They were packaged six to a shipping box as a 21″ x32″ x12″ unit weighing 18 lbs. Mastro also produced another version in orange and burgundy. There was an advertised promo version “with highlighted faces,” but one hasn’t turned up yet.
Another guitar produced by Mastro was the ‘Yeah Yeah’ six-string guitar. It was red and burgundy, 22″ long, and came with the Beatles’ title, faces, and autographs on the body (their faces on the crown.) Earlier promotional versions had the faces printed “highlighted” on a white background. Initially sold shrink-wrapped to a sealed backing card with a pick and instruction booklet, the original retail price doubled that of the “Four Pop” ukulele. The instrument came with six nylon-colored strings and was labeled in Mastro’s catalog as “No. 330.” They were packaged twelve to a shipping box as a 17″ x16″ x24″ unit weighing 14 lbs.
Mastro Beatles Guitar
The Beatles Guitar/ Ukulele
Another design by Mastro was the ‘Four Pop’ four-string plastic guitar/ukulele. It was 21″ long with a red and pink body, three colored nylon strings, and one wound string. This version also came in orange and red. It had the band’s faces on the front and guitar head and autographs on the body, and it came shrink-wrapped on a backing board with a red toy pick, an instruction/songbook, and a strap with “Made in the U.S.A. Under License” printed in black. Some designs included “Four Pop” or “FOUR POP” written on the body. A scarce promo version of the ‘Four Pop’ guitar exists. It had a red body and a burgundy neck with Beatles images on the headstock. This design was sold in shops for a short period before they switched to the more familiar red body and pink neck style. The “Four Pop” was labeled in Mastro’s catalog as “No. 320″ and packaged twelve to a shipping box as a 16″ x16″ x23” unit weighing 14 lbs.
“We made so many ukuleles and the Ringo bongo drum. The ukulele had pictures of the Beatles’ four heads on the top. That period was something else. We sold so many instruments.” – Maria Maccaferri (The Ukulele Occasional)
The Junior Four-String
The ‘Junior’ four-string (3 colored nylon and one wound string) plastic guitar/ukulele was 14¼” in length. It came in three color combinations. One version was pink and burgundy, with another being orange and red (with a small and large graphic of Beatles pictured on the body and crown/head with a 9¾” scale). A third version was a red and maroon promotional display version.
The item had “Jr. Guitar” printed on the front, was packaged on a colorful sealed backing card/board, and included a pick and an instruction booklet/songbook with “Made in U.S.A. Under License” printed in black. There were two variations: the headshots were small, and the other headshots were more significant. The “Junior” was labeled in Mastro’s catalog as “No. 300″ and packaged twenty-four to a shipping box as a 16″ x11″ x16” unit weighing 26 lbs.
“Because of the plastic used [they had] developed a kind of partnership with Dow Chemicals in order to find the best “resonating” polystyrene. The best one they called “Styron.” All the ukes were made in Styron.” – Antoine Carolus (UkeHeidi)
Mastro Advert
Mastro also made “Pin-Up” guitar brooches. Each of these measured 5½” in length. These little plastic pink guitars (with two rubber bands as ‘strings’) were produced with a small hook in the back (lapel clip) for fans to wear as pins. Mastro made two slightly different versions, one with a blue silkscreen-type print and one with dark pink. They had Beatle faces and first-name autographs on the front. The display card for the pins measured 10”x10” and held 12 guitars. It also had a Beatle image on it. There were also some shipping boxes that you could transform/fold into a countertop display.
The NEMS Agreement
The NEMS agreement was with Selcol Products Limited, 114-116, Charing Cross Road, London, W. C. 2. The date of the agreement for the manufacturing license was December 16, 1963, for the ‘different types of guitars.’ Selcol then sub-licensed the guitars to Mastro in the U.S. for manufacturing. Selcol, in the U.K., was an associate company of The Selmer Company, which made plastic toys and garden furniture. In 1968, Selcol Plastics closed.
Find out more about this guitar and Beatles memorabilia in Terry’s excellent book:
NEMS and the Business of Selling Beatles Merchandise in the U.S. 1964-1966 (2ND EDITION)
The book covers the approximately 150 licensed items that dotted store shelves and helped fuel the band-crazed fan during the time right after the band landed in America and performed on The Ed Sullivan Show. Toys, games, dolls, jewelry, clothing, wigs, and more!
A budding painter could be immersed in the artistry of The Beatles with a ‘Paint Your Own Beatle’ set. The set was available in four different paint-by-number versions, one for each Beatle. Produced in 1964, the collection came with oil-colored paints, two bristled brushes, a thinner/brush cleaner, and an 11″x14″ numbered, ready-to-paint canvas board for you to paint a life-like portrait. Artistic Creations made it, Incorporated at 12825 South Broadway in Los Angeles, California.
The box, which was14″x19″, advertised “Paint Your Own Beatle” and included a graphic depicting the finished product. “Sensational Real-Life Oil Portrait. Do it yourself by the numbers. It’s fun; it’s easy! So great… you’ll want to do all four Beatle portraits” “Everything you need to create an exciting oil painting.” “Not a print, not a picture…genuine 11″x14″ oil painting. Paint it…frame it…hang it! The Official Beatles licensed oil paint kit by Artistic Creations, Inc.”
Printed on the box exterior was a list of the contents:
–Giant 11″x14″ Paint By Number Portrait
–Genuine Pre-Mixed Oil Colors
–Two Genuine Bristle Paint Brushes
–Supply Of Special Brush Cleaner Liquid
–Print Of Finished Paint-By-Number Portrait
–Complete Easy To Follow Instructions
Congratulations
Printed detailed instructions inside the box said, “Congratulations! You have just purchased a genuine Artistic Creations Numbers Oil Painting Set…Before You Start Your Painting Read These Simple Instructions.” It then went on to list nine instruction items to follow to paint your picture correctly. The kit series listed for these were “Beatles 102-5.” Individual kit numbers were Ringo – #102, George – #103, Paul – #104, John – #105.
Columbia Record Club published a flyer for this item. The cover displayed a 6″x8″ painting of Ringo and said, “A first for club members – Paint Your Own Beatle or other famous personality…”
Create an Exciting Oil Portrait of The Beatles
A print graced the lid “window” of a paint by number kit. It showed what the completed painting would look like if you followed the directions. The print measured 11″x14″ and had a biography of the Beatle on the back.
The Painted Beatles
“The full set comes with a guide print with a bio on the back, printed on thin paper. The actual painting is on very hard cardboard.” – Ricky Glover.
Find out more about Beatles memorabilia in Terry’s great book:
NEMS and the Business of Selling Beatles Merchandise in the U.S. 1964-1966 (2ND EDITION)
The book covers the approximately 150 licensed items that dotted store shelves and helped fuel the band-crazed fan during the time right after the band landed in America and performed on The Ed Sullivan Show. Toys, games, dolls, jewelry, clothing, wigs, and more!
“I’m looking through you…” Not with this item. Celebrate the moptops as you neatly tend to your style! No wonder it takes you so long time to start your day. How can you be expected to be prompt when you constantly gaze into your Beatles mirror and dream of the Fab Four?
Photos of The Beatles
Manufactured by Bassett Mirror Company, 1290 Philpott Drive, Bassett, Virginia, this rare mirror measured 15″x21″ housed in an 18″x32″ wood frame and embellished with four 3¼”x3½” color photos of the Beatles along the top. The advertisement for this artifact read:
Advert for the Beatles Mirror
Dating for a hard day’s night at Convention Hall with John, Paul, George, and Ringo? Like you’ll scream, screech, shriek over this beat teen treat in Pittsburgh Plate Glass topped with built-in picture frames and 4 full-color photos of the world’s wildest 4! Back panel opens…. change pix at any time, even replace Liverpool’s answer to the high cost of haircuts! Dig yours in white, maple, or decorator green. And you’ll want to hold Gimbels’ hand for the hip low price!”
Gimbel Brothers (Gimbels) was an American department store.
The sticker attached to the mirror read, “This is a High Fidelity Mirror of Twin-Ground Pittsburgh Plate Glass.” The shipping box read “Bassett Mirror Co. Bassett, VA. Caution-Do Not Lay Flat. Furniture, Including Mirrors or Glass, Fragile, Handle With Care.”
“Bassett has been America’s first name in home furnishings since 1902 when my great-grandfather opened his first furniture factory on the eastern slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.” – www.bassettmirror.com.
Bassett Mirror Co. Inc. was named in a NEMS Enterprises, Ltd vs. Seltaeb, Incorporated lawsuit filed in the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, First Judicial Department, dated: New York, New York, July 6, 1965.
Find out more incredible stories in Terry Crain’s book:
NEMS and the Business of Selling Beatles Merchandise in the U.S. 1964-1966 (2ND EDITION)
The book covers the approximately 150 licensed items that dotted store shelves and helped fuel the band-crazed fan during the time right after the band landed in America and performed on The Ed Sullivan Show. Toys, games, dolls, jewelry, clothing, wigs, and more!
On December 23, 1963, Paul Russell, National Album Merchandising Manager for Capitol Records, sent out a memo for sales managers and regional managers. He outlined the promotional aspect of the initial “Beatles Campaign” idea. One part of the campaign was the distribution of Beatles’ “booster buttons.”
Beatles Booster Buttons
Capitol Records had authorized Kenmar Sales Inc. out of Los Angeles to manufacture these buttons, using a design from Snapix, another button manufacturer out of Hollywood, CA.
Be A Beatle Booster Buttons
The memo read: “‘BE A BEATLE BOOSTER” BUTTONS’ – Shortly after the first of the year, you’ll have bulk quantities of a unique see-through plastic pin-on button. Inserted in each button is a shot of the Beatles, with each boy identified. What to do with the buttons? First, have all of your sales staff wear one. Second, offer them to clerks and jocks. Third, arrange for radio station give-always of the buttons. Fourth, keep some in reserve for the requirement which will be listed below under ‘Tabloid.'”
The Beatles Fan Button
A few weeks later, on February 21, 1964, Green Duck Metal Stamping Company was granted a license by Seltaeb (the U.S. Beatles merchandising company) to make official Beatles buttons in the U.S.
Worried about legal issues, Capitol stopped the distribution of their Kenmar buttons but shunned marketing Green Duck’s button.
Snapix Picture Buttons
Snapix tested the license manufacturing rights and continued with the Capitol button design by manufacturing their own Beatle button, using a different image on their celluloid piece. They advertised these buttons in Spring 1964 in various teen magazines.
Legal Action!
As expected, the Green Duck Company threatened legal action. Snapix stopped their Beatles button campaign, defending their action by noting (from their own research) that because their market license was so limited, “it was not worth the effort to obtain a license.”
Find out more fascinating stories of Beatles memorabilia in Terry Crain’s incredible book
NEMS and the Business of Selling Beatles Merchandise in the U.S. 1964-1966 (2ND EDITION)
The book covers the approximately 150 licensed items that dotted store shelves and helped fuel the band-crazed fan during the time right after the band landed in America and performed on The Ed Sullivan Show. Toys, games, dolls, jewelry, clothing, wigs, and more!
