A rare and significant early Beatles record is expected to fetch at least £10,000 ($13,956) at auction next month.
The record, kept in a loft for decades, is described as "one of the rarest and most collectable of all Beatles records" by U.K. based Omega Auctions.
The record, a ten-inch 78RPM acetate, features the handwriting of Brian Epstein, who managed the band. One side features the song "Hello Little Girl", while "Till There Was You" is on the other.
One of the most popular and influential bands of all time, The Beatles – made up of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr – revolutionized popular music and penned iconic songs such as "Let It Be," "Hey Jude" and "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds."
According to a news release from Omega Auctions, Epstein gave the pressing to producer George Martin in a "desperate attempt" to get the group a recording contract.
In the release, Ian Shirley, editor of Record Collector Rare Record Price Guide, described the record as "one of those Holy Grail items like the original Quarrymen acetate that the band recorded themselves."
"This acetate is a unique item that, in many respects, helped Brian Epstein to start the ball rolling to musical world domination," Shirley added.
"It will fascinate Beatles collectors worldwide and no doubt attract bids from those with deep pockets."
The record was found in the loft of Les Maguire, who played keyboards for Liverpool band Gerry and the Pacemakers. Maguire was given the record by Epstein 53 years ago.
"I've never been a big fan of memorabilia, but people seem to like it," Maguire told the BBC.
"It's no good to me so I've given it to my granddaughter, who is hoping to buy a house after passing her accountancy exams. I hope it goes for a good price," he added.
The record will be sold by Omega Auctions on behalf of Maguire.