A book signed by Sir Paul McCartney has sold for nearly £1,000 after being discovered in an Oxfam charity shop in Aberystwyth, Ceredigion. The copy of Paul McCartney In His Own Words, a collection of interviews with the Beatles star, had been donated as part of a wider collection of 1970s memorabilia before staff realized it contained a rare inscription from one of music’s most famous names.
A Hidden Treasure on the Shelf
The book had been sitting in the shop for several months before its value was spotted by shop manager Joan Randle. It was placed alongside other 1970s items and was not immediately treated as anything unusual.
Randle said: “The book had actually been sitting on a shelf for a few months alongside lots of other 1970s memorabilia.
“I’d been planning to use some of the items in a fun window display, so it wasn’t something we’d paid particular attention to at first.”
The Moment the Signature Was Found
The discovery came when Randle had time to look more closely through the donated items. What seemed like a regular book quickly became one of the most exciting finds of her time at the shop.
She added that one afternoon she found herself “with a bit of spare time” and decided to work her way through the pile.
“It was one of the very last things I looked at.
“When I opened the book and saw Paul McCartney’s signature, I could hardly believe it… it was one of the best moments of my 10 years working in the shop.”
A Rare Inscription From a Music Legend
The book is signed on the inside front cover in black ballpoint pen by Sir Paul. The message reads: “All the best! to ye!”
After the discovery, the book was sent to auction with Bonhams, where it sold for £950. The full amount raised will go to Oxfam, turning a single donated item into a meaningful contribution for the charity.
Oxfam staff have so far been unable to trace the donor, meaning the person who gave the book away may not know how valuable their donation turned out to be.
The Beatles Legacy Behind the Find
The discovery also highlights the lasting popularity of Sir Paul McCartney and The Beatles. In 1957, a 16 year old John Lennon created a group called the Quarrymen. Paul McCartney later joined, and over the next five years the band transformed into The Beatles.
They were joined by George Harrison on guitar and Ringo Starr on drums. The group released their first UK No. 1 single, From Me To You, in 1963 and went on to have 16 more UK No. 1’s.
In total, The Beatles spent 65 weeks at the top of the UK charts. In April 1964, they also became the first act to hold the top five places on the United States Billboard singles chart at the same time.
One Donation With a Global Impact
An Oxfam spokesperson said: “This is a fantastic example of how a single donation can make a real difference.
“We’ve just launched an emergency appeal following the devastating earthquake in Venezuela and every donation to our shops helps ensure Oxfam can respond when communities are hit by disasters around the world.
“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who donates to Oxfam.
“Whether it’s a signed collectible, a well-loved book or an everyday item, every donation and every sale helps us stand with people when they need it most.”
The signed McCartney book may have spent months unnoticed on a charity shop shelf, but its sale shows how ordinary donations can carry extraordinary value. For Oxfam, the rare find is more than a piece of music history. It is a reminder that every item given to charity can help support people in moments of urgent need.
