Perhaps more remarkably, the Beatles’ musical memorabilia did not fetch the most significant sums of the night.
Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour’s ‘Black Strat’ (Fender Stratocaster) fetched just under £11m becoming the most expensive guitar sold at auction, while a guitar belonging to US rock star Kurt Cobain, the founder of grunge band Nirvana, sold for more than £5.2m.
The Fender Mustang had been used in the music video for the group’s hit song, Smells Like Teen Spirit.
Julien Pradels, president of Christie’s Americas, said: “Lot after lot, we felt like we were making history.
“The Irsay sale did justice to the brilliance of the collector, and the monumental pieces he brought together – iconic objects that tell the story of our culture and our times.”
