Lot 52

Vintage Lyle Tuttle Tattoo Body Shirt [Fashion - Couture - John Lennon - San Francisco] (New York, ca. 1972) Frame: 34 x 35 in. (86.4 x 88.9 cm.), Shirt: 24 x 50 in. (61 x 127 cm.)

Previous image preload Next image preload

Vintage Lyle Tuttle Tattoo Body Shirt [Fashion - Couture - John Lennon - San Francisco] (New York, ca. 1972) Frame: 34 x 35 in. (86.4 x 88.9 cm.), Shirt: 24 x 50 in. (61 x 127 cm.)

Estimate: $800 - $1,200

Current Bid: $350

(1 Bid)

by Bray & Co. Auctions
July 26, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
Live Auction
33 Jewell Court
Portsmouth, NH, US 03801

Vintage Lyle Tuttle Tattoo Body Shirt [Fashion - Couture - John Lennon - San Francisco]
(New York, ca. 1972)
Original "Body Shirt" depicting the tattoos of legendary San Francisco tattoo artist Lyle Tuttle (1931-2019). Varsity House Inc., New York, ca. 1972. Size men's medium. Following its appearance in the March 1972 issue of Life magazine, the shirt became a counterculture phenomenon. Professionally framed behind museum glass.

As Tuttle often recounted, one day in the 1970s he was walking down a street in New York when he spotted a man wearing one of his "Body Shirts." Approaching him, Tuttle unbuttoned his own shirt and remarked, "I have the real thing." The wearer was none other than John Lennon.

  • Dimensions: Frame: 34 x 35 in. (86.4 x 88.9 cm.), Shirt: 24 x 50 in. (61 x 127 cm.)
  • Condition: Bray & Co. Auctions is committed to providing accurate and thorough catalog descriptions, but prospective bidders are strongly encouraged to examine property in person or request additional information prior to bidding. Condition statements are offered solely as a courtesy and reflect our general observations at the time of cataloging; they should not be regarded as complete or definitive descriptions of condition, nor as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Certain imperfections, restorations, or signs of wear may not be specifically noted in written reports but may be visible in the accompanying photographs, which form part of the overall condition description. Please consult our Terms of Sale for additional information, and contact Bray & Co. Auctions with any questions or requests for supplemental photographs or condition details.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, COD (cash on delivery), Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Bray & Co. does not offer in-house shipping. Shipping and all associated costs are the responsibility of the buyer. A list of preferred shippers and carriers is available upon request. Bray & Co. shall have no liability for any loss, damage or delay from the packing or shipping of property by a third party. If you have questions about shipping, please contact us at [email protected] or (603) 427-8281.

Items can be picked up in person by appointment only at our gallery at 33 Jewell Court in Portsmouth, NH. Please contact us at least 24 hours in advance of pickup. *All first-time buyers that wish to pick items up in person must pay with cash.

Bray & Co. Auctions

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 28% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000