The Beatles Wallet
The Beatles wallet, manufactured by Standard Plastic Products in New Jersey, measured 10.5 cm x 9.5 cm. The wallet, which made you look “oh so cool” at school and wherever life took you, was made of vinyl with a photo of the band on one side and autographs on the other. Originally sold in 1964—many through magazine promotions—it included a nail file, a clear plastic comb, a coin purse, a mirror, and two black-and-white photo postcards autographed on both sides.
On the back of the wallet was the “SPP” logo and the notation “The Beatles, Copyright by Ramat & Co. LTD. London E.G.L.”
The wallets were sold in a variety of colors (blue, gray, hot pink, red, light brown, and peach) and were distributed by Ramat London. Included with the package was a red-and-white striped card listing the price (98 ¢) and a phrase designed to entice buyers: ‘Key ring, Coin purse, Mirror, Comb, Photo holder, Cardboard nail file’.
Retailers were provided with a cardboard display stand (43 cm x 58.5 cm) featuring the words “Beatles Wallet” at the top and a photo of the band. It could hold up to 12 wallets manufactured by Standard Plastic Products.
SPP also produced a rare coin purse/wallet with rounded corners in the UK, distributed by Ramat London, which featured an original photograph by Dezo Hoffmann on the front and the band’s autographs on the back, and was available in black, blue, brown, gray, pink, dark brown, and off-white. Later, the same product was also manufactured in Canada.
In the United Kingdom, a black vinyl wallet (11.5 cm x 8 cm) was manufactured with a different photo on the front and back, covered in clear plastic (without a strap). These typically did not have the inserts found in the U.S. versions. The black version is the rarest.
Ramat London also produced a vinyl wallet (12.5 cm x 10 cm) featuring a group photo on both sides, covered in clear plastic. The item had a snap closure with brass trim around the edges and was available in black, brown, green, or white.
It is interesting to note that another version of the Beatles wallet was produced for each band member. The material used was still colored vinyl (with a zipper closure), but the shape was that of one of the cartoon characters in which the Fab Four were the protagonists. There was also a checkbook-style wallet (measuring 8.5 cm x 17.5 cm).