Marley’s pre-owned broken guitar sold for J$22 million

The Ovation 1612-4 Custom Balladeer acoustic guitar and loaded pick-up previously owned by the late reggae legend Bob Marley raked in a whopping US$153,600 (approximately J$22.1 million) at the Icons & Idols Trilogy: Rock 'N' Roll auction hosted by Julien's Auctions last Wednesday.

The item was expected to fetch between US$80,000 (approximately J$11.8 million) and US$100,000 (approximately J$14.8 million).

The guitar was sold with an official letter of authorisation from Benji Levy's son, Jonathon Olsen, who said his late father gave the instrument to him before his passing.

According to the auctioneers, Marley gave the guitar to Levy in 1979. The letter of authorisation attached to the item on the auction's official website read "Levy and Marley became friends after they met at a car dealership in Jamaica where Levy was working. Levy was trying to persuade Marley that he should purchase a BMW. When Marley asked why that particular car, in a moment of inspiration, Levy explained that the initials BMW actually stood for Bob Marley and the Wailers!" It is said that after the guitar's neck was damaged, Marley gave it to Levy, who had it repaired.

The item was one of only two on the auction's list to rake in such a huge price tag. A New York City Record store business card signed by Marley was also sold. It went for US$2,560 (approximately J$381,000).

In January, Marley's Washburn 22-Series Hawk guitar was ranked as the fifth most expensive guitar on Earth. The instrument, which was valued at US$1.2 million (approximately J$171 million), was also classified as a national asset by the Government of Jamaica and was said to be one of only seven known guitars owned by the reggae legend.