(Reuters) - A drum kit played by Ringo Starr on recordings of some of the Beatles' early hits has been purchased by the owner of a National Football League team for US$2.2 million (S$3.1 million), according to the US auction house that managed the sale.

Starr used the Ludwig Oyster Black Pearl three-piece drum kit in more than 200 of the band's performances in 1963 and 1964, as well as playing it to record songs including "Can't Buy Me Love," "She Loves You" and "I Want to Hold Your Hand."

Julien's Auctions said Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay bought the drum kit, which has not been seen in public for more than 50 years, in an auction that ended on Saturday.

The first mono pressing of the Beatles' "White Album" in the United Kingdom fetched US$790,000 and a Rickenbacker guitar given to Starr by the late John Lennon sold for US$910,000, the auction house said.

The three-day sale in Beverly Hills, California featured more than 800 items, including career memorabilia and personal goods, owned by the musician and his wife, actress Barbara Bach.

The sale netted nearly US$10 million overall, Julien's Auctions said.

Some of the proceeds will go to The Lotus Foundation, which was founded by Starr and Bach to fund and promote charitable projects, according to the auction house.