Jim Irsay really knows how to pull some strings.
During the David Gilmour Guitar Collection auction at Christie’s New York on Thursday, Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay picked up a few precious items, including a 1969 black Fender Stratocaster known as “The Black Strat” for a record $3.975 million. That guitar is featured on emblematic Pink Floyd albums such as “Dark Side of the Moon” and “The Wall.”
He also purchased a 1969 Martin D-35 acoustic guitar for $1.095 million and the travel case used for “The Black Strat” for $175,000.
Irsay celebrated by tweeting, “The incomparable David Gilmour … the greatest ‘phrasing’ guitarist in the world!! Honored to bring The Black Strat to the public. The most expensive guitar EVER purchased. And for charity!!!”
Irsay spent a total of $5.245 million, making up 24% of the auction’s $21.491 million in sales.



