LONDON, UK (CelebrityAccess) – The much-anticipated auction of Mark Knopfler’s (Dire Straits) personal guitar collection has come to a close, with every single item finding a new home and a total of $11,227,003, premiums included. The star of the show was, without a doubt, Knopfler’s 1959 Vintage Gibson Les Paul Standard, setting a world auction record by fetching $693,000, well beyond the estimated range of $300,000-500,000. The auction witnessed the creation of several new world records, including those for a Pensa-Suhr and a Schecter.
Enthusiasts and collectors from 61 countries engaged in a fierce bidding war, turning the auction into a global spectacle lasting over six thrilling hours. Notably, a significant chunk of the total hammer price, twenty-five percent to be exact, will be generously divided among charities close to Knopfler’s heart: The British Red Cross, Tusk, and Brave Hearts of the North East. The final lot, a 2021 Gibson Les Paul’ Gold Top’ reissue signed by musical luminaries including Knopfler, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, David Gilmour, and more, raised a substantial $510,000, with every penny dedicated to Teenage Cancer Trust. Christie’s further amplifies the impact by contributing an additional $50,000 to the four charities.
Knopfler expressed his joy at the auction’s success, stating, “This auction has been an incredible journey, and I am so pleased that these much-loved instruments will find new players and new songs as well as raise money for charities that mean a lot to me.” He thanked Christie’s staff and the global community of fellow players, enthusiasts, and collectors.
Among the notable sales, the 1983 Les Paul Standard ’59 Reissue, famous for recording Dire Straits’ “Money For Nothing,” went for $592,200, while the 1988 Pensa-Suhr MK-1, crafted in record time for Knopfler’s performance at the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute concert, achieved a staggering $504,000, setting a new world auction record for a Pensa-Suhr.
This auction wasn’t just about guitars; it was a celebration of music and philanthropy. For more insights into this extraordinary auction, interested readers can explore further on the Christie’s website.
