Early Memorabilia

Articles covering memorabilia from rock's earliest days through the 1950s. We focus on pioneering artists like Elvis, early instruments, vintage posters and jazz collectibles.

Autographs

Autograph collecting is affordable and portable, but authenticating old signatures is nearly impossible and often costs more than the item itself.

Clothing

Finding authentic 1950s rock star clothing is nearly impossible because musicians of the era simply threw it away.

Collecting 78s as Memorabilia

Rare 78 rpm records are highly collectible pieces of music history, though finding them in good condition has become increasingly difficult.

Country Music Memorabilia

Country music memorabilia from the early era commands the highest prices, but most pieces are locked away in museums or private collections like Marty Stuart's.

Early British Pop Memorabilia

How 1950s British rock'n'roll started in Soho coffee bars and what memorabilia from that era is worth collecting today.

Early Rock 'n' Roll Memorabilia

Early rock 'n' roll stars like Elvis, Buddy Holly and Jerry Lee Lewis left behind collectible memorabilia that commands serious money at auction.

Elvis Presley

Elvis became the first rock star to be heavily merchandised, and his collectible items from toys to stage clothes remain highly sought after today.

Frank Sinatra and Rat Pack

Frank Sinatra ruled Las Vegas in the 1950s with the Rat Pack, and you can still buy memorabilia from that era at reasonable prices.

Instruments

Vintage instruments from the 1950s and earlier are rare and expensive, with prices determined by rarity, musician demand, and the challenge of proving authenticity.

Is Collecting 78s Worthwhile?

Finding 78 rpm records takes patience and luck, with most coming from other collectors or secondhand shops rather than new releases.

Jazz Memorabilia

Jazz memorabilia from legendary artists like Lionel Hampton and John Coltrane commands high prices at auction, though the market remains small and rare.

Merchandise

Elvis merchandise flooded the market in the 1950s, launching an entirely new business that few expected to last this long.

Merseybeat Memorabilia

Merseybeat memorabilia from 1960s Liverpool includes vintage Mersey Beat newspapers and original vinyl records from the Beatles and other regional hits.

Posters of Rock

1950s rock posters and concert bills can be valuable if rare and in good condition, though reproductions are common so authenticity matters.