The Beatles

the recipient's name, James J. Macdougall, typed at the foot, one page, Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood, St James's Palace, 8 Buckingham Gate, London, 7 October 1965, several folds, minor soiling, very slight fraying at extremities

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Warrant Officer Class II James J. Macdougall was sent this letter as an invitation to attend the Investiture at Buckingham Place on 26 October 1965, where he was awarded an MBE. His award is thought to have been made in part for his involvement in arrangements for Winston Churchill's funeral.

The Beatles each received the MBE at this ceremony and, as reported in the press, "for once in their astonishing lives the Beatles were not at the top of the bill. The Queen had dubbed half a dozen knights, adjusted a score or two of pendants, and pinned dozens of medals to emotional chests before they came into sight" (The Guardian, 27 October 1965).

As letters of invitation were to be shown on entering the gates of the Palace (no admission cards were issued), those attending would each be carrying their respective letters. James J. Macdougall evidently asked The Beatles to sign his.