A section of stage wall from the Beatles' February 9, 1964 appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show is valued at $800,000-1m ahead of a sale at Heritage Auctions in Dallas on April 26.

The band's appearance on the show marked their introduction to American audiences and the response was frenzied.

The 16 x 48 inch fibreglass piece was signed by all four members prior to the show, with each drawing a caricature of themselves next to their autograph, and was later presented to a young fan.

The section of stage wall was signed by the Beatles during their first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show, in 1964

Garry Shrum, consignment director of music memorabilia at Heritage Auctions, is left in no doubt as to the significance of the piece, commenting: "There is no more important band in rock and roll than The Beatles and there was no moment more important in solidifying their worldwide popularity than the moment they played Ed Sullivan on Feb. 9, 1964.

"Now, almost 50 years to the day since it was signed, this piece has emerged from private hands and is looking to take its rightful place as the single-most important piece of Beatles memorabilia in existence.

"Holy Grail is a term bandied about in memorabilia circles far too much, but in this case, it's hard to argue with the designation. This thing really is the Holy Grail of Beatles memorabilia. It's simply the best Beatles-signed piece there is."

Beatles fans on a lower budget may also like to view this piece we have for sale: a rare signed copy of A Hard Day's Night.

See all our Beatles memorabilia for sale.

Our free newsletter keeps you up to date with the latest on music memorabilia and other collectibles.