Jeffersontown man's huge Beatles collection on display before hitting the auction block

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB)-- A Jeffersontown man has devoted much of his life to collecting Beatles memorabilia. His huge collection is now on display at the Jeffersontown Museum and once the exhibit is over, the collection won't be going home with him.

Paul Ratterman's love affair with the Fab Four started on a Sunday night in February 1964 when "The Ed Sullivan Show" introduced the Beatles to America.

"Their performance was just electric. Of course the fans were going crazy," said Ratterman who was 8 years old at the time.

A few months later, Ratterman got a Paul McCartney Halloween costume. The costume is now one of his most prized possessions in a collection of Beatles memorabilia that includes hundreds of items.

"I remember going up to the store with my mom and her buying it for me," said Ratterman.

The collection is currently on display at the Jeffersontown Museum. The full cases act as a time machine for visitors, transporting them from the start of Beatle-mania to a more psychedelic time. No item is too small or too strange to display the faces of Paul, John, George and Ringo.

"What they didn't realize was they were putting George's name under Paul and Paul's beside George," said Ratterman, describing a harmonica with the Beatles' faces.

Ratterman says he became a serious collector in his 20s when he began searching through flea markets and yard sales, seeking out the most rare items. "I think it's the search. Go far and wide to see what you can find," said Ratterman.

The collection includes a record player which is one of just 5,000 sold in 1964. 250 remain including Ratterman's. "I've seen one of those in the original box that sold for $22,000," said Ratterman.

Ratterman also has a copy of the Beatles' rare "Butcher Album," which included a secret cover hidden beneath a reprint.

The thousands of keepsakes are fueled by his love of the music and lyrics. "The big theme of their music is love. It was all about love. And as an adult and being called to ministry I've realized where all that love comes from," said Ratterman.

While Ratterman's love affair with the Fab Four will continue, his collection won't be going home with him. He's decided that once the Jeffersontown Museum exhibit closes, he'll be auctioning off the collectibles.

"It'll be bittersweet. It's just been a lifetime of fun. It's just time," said Ratterman. "Their music has never been topped, don't know that it ever will."

Anyone interested in checking out the Beatles exhibit can visit the Jeffersontown Museum, where it's on display until June 17. The museum is located at 10635 Watterson Trail and is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.