(Entered May 2, 2000)

The recent Christie's auction of Beatles manager Brian Epstein's personal items did not reap the rewards that were expected. Among the 14 items up for auction were Epstein's diaries, a handwritten letter from Paul McCartney and an illustrated Christmas card from John Lennon. McCartney wrote the four-page letter to Brian in 1966 or '67 and in the text apologizes for the Coca-Cola stains on the pages. The letter was auctioned for approximately $8,500, quite a comedown from its estimated value of $15,000-$18,000.

Similarly, the Christmas card from John, reportedly from 1966, is inscribed with the message "Happy Christian Brian from John." The card sold for approximately $8,400.

Epstein's diaries sold for around $11,500, although their estimated value was $15,000-$23,000.