'This is mad': Inside the Rory Gallagher auction frenzy

It was an emotional day in London as 94 items belonging to the legendary guitarist were put up for auction 

The scene in the auction room at Bonhams during the Rory Gallagher sale.

Rory Gallagher’s 1961 Stratocaster might not have quite made the estimate of £750,000-£1m, but its sale for £700,000 (£889,400 when you add Vat) still marked an incredible price for the iconic instrument. When news emerged that the Strat was coming back to Ireland, there was even some relief that the price didn't spiral upwards. 

Throw in other hefty prices across the 94-lot auction at Bonhams in London, and the sale was obviously a success. The collection made a total of £2.3m overall. Everything was sold - a 'white glove' sale, as they call it in the trade.