Auctioning a tooth???

I was somewhat taken aback to read today that the late John Lennon's tooth is to be auctioned.

A molar from the Beatle legend's mouth will go on the auction block next month, and the reserve price has been set at $16,000.

. . .

The biter was handed down to Dorothy "Dot" Jarlett when she worked as Lennon's housekeeper at his home in Surrey, according to her son Barry. Jarlett was employed between 1964 and 1968, when giving teeth to the help was all the rage among the world's most famous rockers.

"She was very close with John, and one day whilst chatting in the kitchen, John gave my mother the tooth (he had been to the dentist to have it removed that day) and suggested giving it to my sister as a souvenir, as she was a huge Beatles fan," he said. "It has been in the family ever since."

There's more at the link.

This opens the door to all sorts of comments, doesn't it?

• Since the tooth was removed because of decay, and Lennon loved cats, could we call this tooth his Mac-cavity?
• Given the long history of complaints by many recording artists that recording companies are exploiting (if not cheating) them over rights, royalties, etc., could Lennon's tooth become a symbol of in-dentured servitude?
• Since the Beatles' music is now available from Apple's iTunes, could they buy the tooth and make it their new symbol - as "i-Chewns"?

I know, I know . . . "Don't give up your day job!"





Peter