The late Jim Irsay, owner of the Indianapolis Colts, amassed an enviable collection of musical instruments and other cultural items during his lifetime. Christie's began auctioning the assets on March 3rd, and the sales continue through the 17th. On March 12th, a six-string with loads of Pink Floyd heritage set a new record.

David Gilmour's "Black Strat" became the most expensive guitar ever sold, bringing $14.55 million, and $12.1 million before fees. The instrument was used on all of the "big four" Floyd albums: Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here, Animals, and The Wall. Irsay had purchased the guitar for $3.975 million in 2019, following Gilmour's decision to part with his iconic axe.

Estimates for the Fender Stratocaster prior to the sale were $2-4 million. Gilmour's guitar comfortably beat the former high-water mark of a little over $6 million, paid in 2020 for a Martin acoustic used by Kurt Cobain during Nirvana's MTV Unplugged performance.

Also of note in the Irsay auction results: Jerry Garcia's "Tiger" guitar, which sold for $11.56 million.