Mark Knopfler is set to net the incredible sum of £8 million after auctioning off 120 of his guitars and amplifiers.
The 74-year-old Dire Straits guitarist showcased an impressive selection of his beloved instruments, essential to his 50-year career.
But he won't be going home with all the winnings, as the rocker has modestly offered to donate 25 percent of the total hammer price to charity.
The money will be split equally between the British Red Cross, Tusk and Brave Hearts of the North East.
London auction house Christie's, which is hosting the pre-sale exhibition, will also donate £50,000 to each of the four charities.
Mark Knopfler has now got his money's worth as he has auctioned around 120 of his guitars and amplifiers and is expected to rake in a staggering £8 million
The 74-year-old Dire Straits guitarist showcased an impressive selection of his beloved instruments, essential to his hugely successful 50-year career
The Teenage Cancer Trust will also benefit from Mark's goodwill, having donated £403,200 to the charity, funded by his 2021 Gibson Les Paul 'Gold Top' guitar.
The iconic instrument has been signed by 33 stars including the late Jeff Beck, Ronnie Wood, Sir Brian May, Sting, Sir Ringo Starr and Bruce Springsteen.
“This auction has been an incredible journey and I am thrilled that these beloved instruments will find new players and new songs, as well as raising money for charities that mean a lot to me,” said Mark.
“It's been heartwarming to see how much these guitars mean to so many people, and I'm also happy that they will continue to bring joy to many people through the songs I've recorded with me over the years.”
“I wish you fellow players, enthusiasts and collectors all the best.”
The London auction saw registered bidders and buyers from 61 countries take part, with the final total price, including buyer's premium, coming in at a staggering £8,840,160.
Sales were led by Mark's vintage 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard, which sold for £693,000, setting a new world auction record for the model.
Further auction world records were set by the Pensa-Suhr MK-1 from 1988, which Mark played at Nelson Mandela's 70th birthday tribute concert at Wembley Stadium and sold for £504,000.
London auction house Christie's, which is hosting the pre-sale exhibition, will also kindly donate £50,000 to each of the four charities, it said
The Teenage Cancer Trust will also benefit from Mark's goodwill, having donated £403,200 to the charity, funded by his 2021 Gibson Les Paul 'Gold Top' guitar
The iconic instrument has been signed by 33 stars including the late Jeff Beck, Ronnie Wood, Sir Brian May, Sting, Sir Ringo Starr and Bruce Springsteen
The Red Schecter Telecaster, which Knopfler bought in 1984 to record the Dire Straits hit Walk Of Life, sold for £415,800, setting another record for the model
Further auction world records were set by the Pensa-Suhr MK-1 from 1988, which Mark played at Nelson Mandela's 70th birthday tribute concert at Wembley Stadium and sold for £504,000
Bidders and buyers from 61 countries were registered at the London auction. The final total, including buyer's premium, was confirmed at a staggering £8,840,160
A guitar from Eko Music Group Ranatai, Italy, circa 1968, is also on display during the pre-sale exhibition of guitars from the British singer's personal collection
The Red Schecter Telecaster, purchased in 1984 to record the Dire Straits hit “Walk Of Life,” was also on display in the exhibition.
The Red Schecter Telecaster went under the hammer for an impressive £415,800, setting another record for the model.
Amelia Walker, specialist head of private and iconic collections at Christie's in London, said: “We are absolutely thrilled with the outstanding result of this auction, a testament to the phenomenal global appeal of Mark Knopfler and Dire Straits.”
“Christie's London has been full of music and excitement over the past two weeks, with the exhibition attracting fans from around the world.”
“More bidders registered at the auction than ever before.
“We feel privileged that Mark has tasked us with finding new owners for his old 'friends', some of whom appear on his upcoming new album One Deep River, due out in April, and that we have helped “To raise money for his chosen charities.”'
The Red Schecter Telecaster, bought in 1984 to record the Dire Straits hit Walk Of Life, went under the hammer for £415,800, setting another record for the model
The Red Schecter Telecaster went under the hammer for an impressive £415,800, setting another record for the model
Amelia Walker (pictured), private and iconic collections specialist at Christie's in London, said: “We are absolutely thrilled with the outstanding result of this auction, a testament to the phenomenal global appeal of Mark Knopfler and Dire Straits.”