BNPS.co.uk (01202) 558833
Pic: Bonhams/BNPS

Pictured: Also being sold is a fascinating collection of documents, including Lennon's VISA permits, relating to the band's frequent visits to Hamburg. Lennon and Sutcliffe had to provide statements at a police station and, although they had no involvement in the incident, were asked to leave the country. Lennon's signed declaration, dated December 6, 1960, reads: "I have been informed that I can no longer work here. Kind-hearted letters penned by the Beatles to the German fiancee of tragic original bassist Stuart Sutcliffe have come to light.

Astrid Kirchherr grew close to the band after becoming romantically involved with Sutcliffe during their 1960 Hamburg residency.

Sutcliffe, a talented painter, left the Beatles the following year to enrol at the Hamburg College of Art, but he died of suspected brain haemorrhage in April 1962.

The Fab Four were shocked by his sudden death and stayed in touch with Astrid, a photographer, in the years that followed.