BEVERLY HILLS, CA.- A 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard Sunburst Left-Handed Solid Body Electric Guitar, Serial # 9 0136, one of only two 1959 left-handed ‘bursts ever made – and one of just four left-handed ‘bursts made out of 1,600 created between 1958 and 1960 – brought $194,500 on Saturday, Oct. 27, to lead Heritage Auctions’ $1.24+ million Vintage Guitars & Musical Instruments Signature® Auction. All prices include Buyer’s Premium.

The guitar was part of a consignment of instruments and equipment from the United States Marshals Service, with profits from the sales benefiting victims of the Aspen Energy Oil and Gas Investment Scheme.

The other top highlights from the U.S. Marshals Service grouping included an almost equally legendary 1960 Gibson Les Paul Standard Sunburst Left Handed Solid Body Electric Guitar, Serial # 0 1475, just one of two known, with the other instrument known to belong to Sir Paul McCartney. The guitar realized $134,500, more than doubling its’ pre-auction estimate of $60,000+.

“The 1959 left-handed ‘burst is about as rare, and famous, as any guitar in the world,” said Mike Gutierrez, Consignment Director at Heritage Auctions.” Collectors came after it in a very serious way, resulting in the almost $200,000 price realized. That enthusiasm translated to the rest of the offerings in the auction, as well, resulting in a 96.5% sell-through rate by total value.”

A circa 1977 Overdrive Special Dumble OD-50WC Brown Suede Guitar Amplifier, Serial # 0077, from the Estate of Point Blank Guitarist Kim Davis, a relatively early Dumble 50 watt amp, drew a good deal of attention from collectors, and spirited bidding, as it rose to finish the day at $35,000.

Fender guitars were among the most sought-after offerings of the auction, with a 1956 Fender Stratocaster Sunburst Solid Body Electric Guitar, Serial # 08916, going to a new home for $30,000 and a 1953 Fender Esquire Butterscotch Blonde Solid Body Electric Guitar, Serial # 4741, came in at second on the list among the maker’s offering at $23,125.

Further highlights include, but are not limited to:

1962 Fender Telecaster Custom Sunburst Electric Guitar, Serial # 93125: From the Estate of Point Blank Guitarist Kim Davis. Realized: $22,500.

1956 Gibson Les Paul All Gold Solid Body Electric Guitar, Serial # 6 3145: Realized: $22,500.

1959 Fender Stratocaster Blonde Hardtail Left Handed Solid Body Electric Guitar, Serial # 51672: Consigned by The United States Marshals Service. Profits benefit victims of the Aspen Energy Oil and Gas Investment Scheme. Realized: $21,250.

1951 Fender Esquire Blonde Solid Body Electric Guitar, Serial # 1794: Early transition Esquire from 2 to 1 pickup. Interesting to note that this guitar was reportedly used in the writing and recording of Sheb Wooley's 1958 #1 hit, “Purple People Eater.” Realized: $21,250.

1954 Fender Telecaster Blonde Solid Body Electric Guitar, Serial # 6708: Realized: $18,750.