An early version of one of Maton’s classic electric models, the Bigsby-equipped MS-500 was played frequently by the Beatles guitarist while his number one fling, a Gretsch Country Gentleman, was under repair throughout the summer of 1963.
Harrison last used the guitar over 55 years ago at The Beatles final show at Liverpool’s Cavern Club on August 3 before it was purchased by Roy Barber of Dave Berry and the Cruisers, who later auctioned it in 2002.
The auction follows the recent sale of Harrison’s first ever electric guitar – a Hofner Club 40 – which had previously been privately held for more than 50 years.
Harrison’s MS-500 was last sold at auction in 2015 for $485,000 in New York, where it was later exhibited at The Beatles Story Museum in Liverpool until earlier this year. The guitar is expected to reach $500,000 USD when it goes under the hammer next month at Gardiner Houlgate.
Feast your eyes on this iconic guitar here.
