£30,000
Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits) - stage and studio used 1967 Baldwin Double Six twelve string electric guitar, made in England, ser. no. 20356; Body: trans red finish, typical lacquer cracking and other minor marks although very acceptable for age; Neck: maple, minor dings and some surface lacquer cracking; Fretboard: rosewood; Frets: light wear; Electrics: working; Hardware: generally good, missing bridge cover; Case: contemporary Burns hard case; Overall condition: good
*Purchased new by the vendor in the 1970s and shortly thereafter lent to an old friend, Mark Knopfler. Knopfler went on to use this Baldwin Double Six extensively in the studio and on stage, most notably on Dire Straits’ 1979 album Communiqué for the tracks Angel of Mercy and Portobello Belle. It was also played live during the 1981 On Location tour on Angel of Mercy. Period concert photographs, including images from the Getty Images archive, show Knopfler playing the instrument as early as 1979.
On 20th June 1986, Knopfler also played the instrument during “Sailing” with Rod Stewart at the Prince’s Trust Rock Gala. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjQJTwGEJJc
According to former Dire Straits bandmate Hal Lindes, it was also used on “Portobello Belle.”
It is understood the guitar was originally scheduled to be included in the line-up for The Mark Knopfler Guitar Collection auction, held at Christie’s London on 31st January 2024 but subsequently withdrawn prior to the sale upon realization of ownership and returned to its original owner, having remained in Knopfler’s working collection for nearly five decades.
Fees apply to the hammer price:
Room and Absentee Bids:
22% inc VAT*
Online and Autobids:
22% inc VAT*
