Lennon's support of postal staff was typical of his political activism

Depicting a clenched fist, the stamps were expected to fetch up to �800.

A signed copy of the album Revolver was the most successful item at the auction , fetching �21,600. A 1960s table owned by Lennon also reached �2,400.

A collection of photographs depicting The Beatles in Australia was expected to sell for as much as �15,000 but remained unsold at the Sotheby's sale.

Dozens of other lots featuring the famous Liverpool band, including tickets and signed programmes, made thousands more pounds.

A street sign from the road where George Harrison grew up in Liverpool sold for �780.

Autograph interest

"Overall, the Beatles collection did well but people are still buying collectively," said Stephen Maycock, rock and pop memorabilia specialist.

"Autographs are guaranteed to sell. Although, it's surprising that they still make money as they are not a scarce commodity.

"Most were signed in 1963 but the band only signed a certain number so one day they will dry up, I suppose. They will all be in private collections but I suspect this will not be for a long time," he said.