Rory Gallagher’s Fender Stratocaster is for sale - with an estimate of £1 million

Rory Gallagher’s iconic 1961 Fender Stratocaster could sell for something in the region of £ 1,000,000.

The guitar is one of a host of 150 items set to be sold by Bonhams set to be sold by auction at Bonhams on October 17 in New Bond Street, London.

“The Rory Gallagher Collection consists of nearly 150 items including an exceptional selection of guitars, amps and accessories from Rory Gallagher's life and career, all offered directly from the Gallagher family,” Bonhams said.

“The collection is led by Gallagher's iconic 1961 Fender Stratocaster, arguably the most recognisable Strat in rock history. It will be offered with an estimate of £700,000 - £1,000,000.

“Rory Gallagher bought the guitar for £100 on credit from the owner of Crowley's Music Store in Cork, Ireland in 1963. According to legend, it may have been the first Stratocaster to ever reach Ireland. It became synonymous with Gallagher and its wear and worn finish have made it one of the world's most iconic electric guitars.

“It has featured in a number of landmark exhibitions, appeared on the cover of countless guitar magazines, and has been played by the likes of Johnny Marr and Joe Bonamassa. Since 2004, Fender has created and sold replica models of the guitar as part of their artist signature series.”

Gallagher was born in Ballyshannon in 1948, later lived in Derry and Cork and died in 1995 aged 47 due to complications following a liver transplant. He is known for his virtuosic style of guitar playing, and is often referred to as "the greatest guitarist you've never heard of".

Earlier this year, Tim Peacock, writing for IDiscoverMusic, said: “Guitar God Rory Gallagher was Ireland’s Hendrix and Clapton rolled into one.”

Each year at the Erneside town, the Rory Gallagher festival is celebrated in his honour on June Bank Holiday weekend.

"After nearly thirty years since my brother Rory's passing, I now believe it's time for other people to cherish Rory's 'orphaned' 1961 Fender Stratocaster and the rest of his incredible instrument collection,” Dónal Gallagher, Rory's brother and former manager, told Bonhams.

“Since 1995, I have always felt that there was a mission to be fulfilled to cement Rory's legacy and widen the knowledge of his music. So, in what is one of the most difficult and sensitive decisions to reach, I have decided to facilitate the release of his instruments for sale, so that these emblems of his legacy can be enjoyed by others."