Seeing like Lennon saw? Beatle's glasses to be auctioned

Glasses that changed the world? Maybe not literally. But John Lennon's tinted Windsor glasses are undoubtedly one of the most recognizable accessories in music history, and they'll soon be changing hands for a hefty sum.

Auction house Propstore is celebrating Lennon's 85th birthday with an impressive collection of memorabilia, directly from the legendary Beatle's estate. Among more than 500 lots, there's one undisputed eye-catcher: his tinted Windsor glasses, worn during his infamous "Summer" tour. Lost Weekend-period in 1973-1974. Expected return? Around $400.000 (€376.000).

The glasses not only appeared on the cover of his single "Mind Games," but were also worn on his nose during a memorable night at the Troubadour Club in Los Angeles. Lennon and his good friend Harry Nilsson, while intoxicated, disrupted a Smothers Brothers performance, got into a scuffle, and… lost the glasses. The frames later resurfaced and are now ready to leave the stage and find a new owner.

According to propstore expert Mark Hochman, the glasses are "not only instantly recognizable but also deeply personal, capturing a pivotal moment in Lennon's life and career." And let's be honest: Lennon glasses are now more than just optical items. They're heirlooms.

From canvas to cassette: Lennon leaves behind more than just music

In addition to the glasses, the artwork is also on display Shroud of Tourin auctioned; a witty Lennon parody of the famous Shroud of Turin. He sketched it during the filming of How I Won the War On a piece of military canvas, the piece depicts Lennon wearing a pair of glasses, the words "Love" and "Hate" on his knuckles, and references to Batman, Elvis, marijuana, and more. A Lennon puzzle in the picture. Expected sales: between $33.000 and $66.000 (€31.000 to €62.000).

Also under the hammer: original cassettes with Give peace a chance en Remember Love, a clapperboard from the video clip I'm Losing You, and a 1969 Toronto Rock and Roll Revival concert poster. Earlier, a Patek Philippe watch and his “Help!” guitar sold for record amounts.

The live auction will take place on October 23rd at London's Cumberland Hotel. A day later, there will be an online-only session dedicated entirely to Oasis. And for those wondering if John Lennon could have come up with this himself? Probably. As he once said: “Reality leaves a lot to the imagination.”

And these glasses? They leave everything to the imagination…