BEATLE FLICKER-PICTURE RINGS

Produced by Vari Vue/Pictorial Productions Incorporated (New York).

The rings alternately featured photos of the individual Beatles and the corresponding text “I’m John,” “I’m Paul,” “I’m Ringo,” “I’m George,” or “Beatles.” 

The ring had a diameter of about 3 cm, and the image area measured approximately 20 mm x 14 mm. The original rings were made of silver or gold-colored plastic and sold for 29¢ each. Reproductions made of blue or other colored plastic exist. But this is where the licensing issues become unclear. Some Beatles collecting experts believe that Vari-Vue did not have an official license. It appears, however, that the Saymore Company, Memphis, TN, held the license, so it may have purchased the top portion of the Vari-Vue Flicker image and attached it to its own display.

The Vari-Vue Company also produced plastic TV sets featuring a flasher of each Beatle that switched from the image to the name. For retailers, the flasher rings were displayed on a 20 cm x 30.5 cm cardboard sheet containing 24 rings. Each Beatle, along with his name, was depicted on the top of the pink, red, and black cardboard sheet.

“Watch ’em move—Official Beatles Flicker-Picture RINGS—Get all four different rings,” was written on the front of the card. On the back, it read: “These flip buttons were manufactured under official license of the BEATLES and our rights will be fully protected. The Saymore Company, Memphis, TN.”