The Beatle Hair Brush

Pocket-sized brushes (2'/2" x 3/2 inches) featuring Beatles images.

Sold with “Autographed picture cards.”

The brush was produced under the names “The Beatle Hair Brush” and “The Original Beatle Brush” in 1964 by Genco (Belliston Products Inc., Ogden, Utah).

“Unbreakable—easy to clean,” this flat brush was sold in red, blue, or white/transparent plastic. It featured the Beatles’ logo in relief alongside the faces of the Fab Four and the sales message stating: “For boys and girls ... for men and women.” The Beatles’ faces were based on photographs by Dezo Hoffmann.

And as a fantastic bonus, many included the notice: “Free! With purchase of brush. Autograph picture card for your wallet,” which was offered for just 39 cents each; later, some were sold for 49 cents. Apparently, the company felt consumers needed to be reminded to “insert your finger into the ring” when using it. The print and faces were the same color as the brush.

In addition, the packaging stated: “Easy to use! Feels 900d. Fits snugly in pocket! For long or short hair. Stores neatly in ladies’ wallet. Use to shampoo! Massage the scalp... It’s a dandy clothes brush!”

Many reproductions were made in the 1970s and 1990s. While the original brush was available only in red, white, blue, or clear—as were the faces and the print—the reproductions were available in many different colors and featured the words “the Beatles brush” in black letters. The header cards for these reproductions were also modified. The original label featured portraits of the band members printed vertically along the side, while the reproduction label showed their heads horizontally at the top.

The NEMS agreement was with Lester Belliston, c/o Froerer, Horowitz, Parker, Richards, and Thornley. The date of the manufacturing license agreement was March 12, 1964. The initial term of the license was for “Pocket Brush,” and the territory listed for distribution was “world excluding U.K., Eire, and C.l!”