John Lennon's Stolen Glasses Have Been Recovered, And They are Worth Millions

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John Lennon's Stolen Glasses Have Been Recovered, And They are Worth Millions

BBC

The "Imagine" singer's untimely death shocked the world. Then the estimated cost of his possessions were publicly revealed, which shocked us even further.

"John Lennon (left) signing a copy of Double Fantasy for Chapman several hours before the murder."Rare Historical Photos

The Beatles co-founder was murdered in New York City by die-hard fan Mark David Chapman in 1980. After his death, John Lennon's belongings are among the most expensive and desired celebrity items.

In 2011, his tooth sold for more than $30,000, and so was a lock of his hair in 2016. Around the same time, Lennon's instruments, lyric sheets, manuscripts, and artwork have respectively sold for million of dollars. For example, his Gibson J-160E guitar sold for more than $2.4 million.

In 2006, more than one hundred items were reportedly stolen from Yoko Ono, Lennon's widow, in New York.

Then it felt like all was lost, until...

A 58-year-old man was arrested in Berlin, Germany on suspicion of handling stolen goods. According to a spokesman for the Berlin prosecutor's office, another suspect, who lives in Turkey, has not been arrested. It's believed that the second suspect used to work as a chauffeur for Lennon's wife.  

John Lennon and his wife, Yoko OnoWikipedia Commons

However, many of Lennon's stolen possessions were recovered by local authorities at a Berlin auction house in July.  

Images of some of the items were released online.

John Lennon's diaries. BBC
Lennon's sheet music.The Telegraph UK
"A recording made during a Beatles concert on show."The Telegraph UK
John Lennon's iconic round glasses.BBC

Authorities say it's unclear when the recovered items will be returned to the late singer-songwriter's estate.

Moojan has been a writer at Shared for a year. When she's not on the lookout for viral content, she's looking at cute animal photos. Reach her at moojan@shared.com.