Artistry of the Guitar

Auction Details

  • Auction: April 2 & 3, 2014 - 7:00PM (Each Day)

  • Public Preview:
    April 1: 10AM - 9PM
    April 2 & 3: 10AM - 7PM

  • Location:
    Bohemian National Hall
    321 East 73rd Street
    New York, NY

  • Online Bidding:
    www.liveauctioneers.com
    www.invaluable.com
    www.proxibid.com

  • Absentee Bidding:
    By e-mail, mail and telephone

  • Catalogue:
    $52 by Priority Mail in the U.S
    $88 by International Priority Mail

Featured Lots


1950
Gibson SJ-200


1930
Martin OM-45 Deluxe



C. 1890's Washburn Style 309
Grand Concert Presentation



1949
Epiphone Concert


1909
Gibson F-4 Mandolin



C. 1950's
Gretsch Synchromatic 400



1959
Gibson J-200


1955
D’Angelico New Yorker



1938
National Aragon De Luxe


The Auction

Every so often, a remarkable collection is sold at auction. In this way, paintings by Picasso, historic racing Ferraris and other forms of the most sought after items get dispersed to passionate collectors seeking the rarest and best. Such is the case with Guernsey's April 2 & 3 Auction of a stunningly beautiful collection of the finest guitars. Assembled by a gentleman over a period of four decades, there is little in the way of precedent when looking for a comparison to the extraordinary instruments that soon will be sold. The event will be held live at New York City's stylish Bohemian National Center with multiple accommodations for those unable to attend.


Imagine a broad array - nearly three hundred instruments in all - of historic Martin, Gibson, Epiphone, Gretsch, Washburn, Stromberg and Larson Brothers guitars. Bid on treasures created by such talented craftsmen as Torres, D'Angelico and Simplicio. The fifty extraordinary Martins include an 1840s Martin & Coupa, various OM-28, F-9, 00-45, D-28, and D-45 models and the rarest of the rare, a 1930 OM-45 Deluxe. Of the many Gibsons are Super 400s, SJ-200s, L-5s, Nick Lucas models and a one-of-a-kind Super 400 Flattop. The dozen D'Angelicos include New Yorkers, Excels, a Special, a Style A and a mandolin. And then there are instruments made noteworthy by the legendary musicians who played them. But this is just a taste, a sampling of the excitement in store for those who take part in what certainly will be a memorable event.


Guernsey's has produced a comprehensive, handsomely photographed catalogue documenting the many instruments in the auction. Several noted experts have provided detailed descriptions. To acquire the auction book and receive more complete details about this important auction, please contact Guernseys.



For additional information visit www.guernseys.com or contact Guernsey’s at 212-794-2280. For media inquiries or to request an interview, please contact Dara Busch at 212-584-4271 or Guernseys@5wpr.com

Guitar Condition Reports

In February, 2014, Guernsey's employed independent expert Fred Oster to view each of the instruments in the upcoming April 2 & 3 Auction for the purpose of determining which, if any, had any noteworthy condition issues. Mr. Oster is highly regarded for his experience with fine instruments, was the former Dept. Head of Musical Instruments for Christie's in New York and regularly appears on the Antiques Roadshow where he assesses guitars. He, along with his associate, Catherine Jacobs, spent considerable time viewing each of the auction instruments. The team's overall impression was that the vast majority of these beautiful instruments were in the condition one would hope to find them in after years of proper care. In most instances they exhibit a fine and appropriate patina. As such, in the opinion of these experts, condition comments for many of the instruments were unnecessary. Where comments were deemed appropriate, they appear here.

Catalogue

A beautifully designed catalogue will be available in an extremely limited edition. Click here to order your Artistry of the Guitar copy.


Online Bidding

Those who are unable to attend the auction but would like to participate can view the full catalogue online, and leave advance absentee bids, as well as bid live as the sale is taking place at www.liveauctioneers.com, www.invaluable.com and www.proxibid.com.


Estimates

Those intererested in bidding at The Artistry of The Guitar auction should review the Auction Estimates.


Post Auction Offers

All top bidders can review their offers by clicking on the final Post Auction Offers list.


Prices Realized

Those interested in reviewing The Artistry of the Guitar results. Please Click here


Links

Interested bidders should also review the Terms & Conditions, as well as the Bidder Agreement form, and the Absentee Bid form.