A WINCHAM man is celebrating ‘the find of the century’ after discovering the etchings of one of Liverpool’s most famous musicians by chance.

Music enthusiast Chris Hewitt, of Wincham, bought a vintage Vox 730 guitar amplifier as part of an exhibition about Joy Division, but it was only when it was under repair this year, that Beatle George Harrison’s signature on the chassis was revealed.

The 56-year-old, who runs his own CD and record label, alongside a rock music achieve of photographs, recordings and posters, said the amplifier was one of only 102 models that had been produced.

He bought the rare model of equipment because Joy Division’s original amp was stolen in 1980, on New Order’s first trip to America, and was required for the exhibition.

And after delving into the history of the music equipment, Chris is certain that it was the very same item that George used to record the lead guitar on the Revolver album and some of Sergeant Pepper.

“It is just an absolutely amazing find,” he said.

“The signature looks almost like a hologram - it was my repair man who discovered the signature on the chassis and although it was a bad thing the amp went wrong because it cost money, it also provided what has to be the find of the century.

“It is probably one of the most important amps in the history of popular music for the sound it gave to the lead guitar on those particular Beatles records.

“It was also used by George, Paul McCartney and John Lennon for guitar on the Sergeant Pepper sessions and was in the studio when the BBC and The Beatles did the first world television broadcast, All You Need is Love.”

The self-confessed Beatles fan said that he was planning to lend the amp to the Beatles museum in Liverpool and was also in discussion with ITV about a possible television programme.