Cat Stevens / Yusuf Islam - owned and used 1975 Ovation Cust...

Hammer

£7,500

Cat Stevens / Yusuf Islam - owned and used 1975 Ovation Custom Legend 1619-1 electro-acoustic guitar, made in USA, ser. no. 048531; Back and sides: Lyrachord, various scuffs and marks; Top: sunburst finished spruce, lacquer crack to the centre table parting, further dings and marks; Neck: mahogany, various dings, maple centre stripe slightly raised; Fretboard: rosewood; Frets: mild wear; Electrics: working; Hardware: good; Case: original hard case; Weight: 2.47kg; Overall condition: good

*Sold with four RIAA certified sales award gold discs presented to Cat Stevens, including 'Buddha and the Chocolate Box' - to commemorate the sale of more than one million dollars' worth of records; 'Mona Bone Jakon' - to commemorate the sale of more than five hundred thousand copies; 'Catch the Bull at Four' - to commemorate the sale of more than one million dollars' worth of records; and 'Greatest Hits' - to commemorate the sale of more than five hundred thousand copies

** Given to Cat Stevens' nephew, Robert Gordon, following the 1976 Majikat tour and sold to the vendor in July 2003, when Robert was eleven years old. Sold with two hand written letters of authenticity from Cat Stevens' brother David Gordon and nephew Robert Gordon stating the guitar was given to Robert, circa 1976, when he was informed that it was used on the Magikat tour. The gold discs are believed to have been rescued by David from the office wall during the time he was coverting to Islam. Please note that the letter from brother David lists the model number, rather than the serial number in error. 

Cat Stevens started using Ovation guitars during the 1970s as, although he preferred vintage Gibson instruments, they offered the best solution for live amplified sound. Cat Stevens famously auctioned off his guitars for charity in 1979 to devote himself to educational and philanthropic causes in the Muslim community