Juliens Auction Realizes $1,232,667 at Played, Worn, & Torn Auction

Juliens Auction concluded its Played, Worn, & Torn auction on 22 October 2026, realizing a total of $1,232,667^[1] with a sell-through rate of 87.1%^[1]. The sale featured a diverse array of instruments and memorabilia, drawing significant interest from collectors and specialists. Juliens Auction serves as the official result source for the sale.^[1]

A major focal point of the auction was the personal collection of Bill Wyman, the bassist for The Rolling Stones. Among the featured instruments was a 1970s Dan Armstrong Model 341 London Series electric guitar in a natural finish. This guitar is crafted with a Honduran mahogany neck and body, featuring a rosewood fretboard with twenty-two frets, aluminum thumbnail inlays, a zero fret, a chrome string guide nut, and a black anodized aluminum headstock facade.^[2] It is equipped with six chrome-plated Schaller tuners, a chrome wraptail bridge, an anodized aluminum pickguard with aluminum knobs, and a sliding Dan Armstrong pickup with dedicated volume and tone controls. Wyman also owned a prototype bass version of this instrument, which he played during his performances on tour. The craftsmanship of the Model 341 reflects the unique design philosophy of the era, combining high-quality tonewoods with innovative hardware configurations.

In addition to the Model 341, the auction presented Wyman's Dan Armstrong Prototype 342 electric bass guitar, finished in sprayed gold. This prototype, which does not have a serial number, is historically significant due to its association with a famous promotional event in New York City. Wyman played this style of bass on a flatbed truck traveling down Fifth Avenue as a publicity stunt to promote the start of a major American tour.^[3] Although the bass was later refinished, it is identifiable in performance photographs by an added strap button on the treble side tip of the body. The instrument represents a key piece of performance history, capturing the energetic and unconventional promotional strategies employed by the band during their touring years.

The auction also featured a collaborative artwork by David Bowie and Beezy Bailey, titled "The Death of Mama Wati" painting, which is signed by both artists. This piece highlights the cross-disciplinary collaborations that often occur between prominent musicians and visual artists, adding a unique dimension to the sale's offerings. Another notable instrument from Wyman's collection was his signature Bass Centre bass guitar, finished in black with a red pickguard, which was played on stage during his performances with The Rolling Stones, further cementing his legacy as a foundational member of the group.

The results of this auction demonstrate the enduring appeal of historically significant musical instruments and memorabilia. From the custom-designed prototype bass guitars of Bill Wyman to collaborative artistic creations, these objects represent tangible connections to pivotal moments in music history. The successful sale of these lots highlights the specialized market for pieces with clear provenance and direct associations with iconic performers. Collectors continue to value instruments that offer both exceptional craftsmanship and a documented history of stage use, ensuring that these artifacts remain highly sought after in the global market.\n\nSource note: The auction house publishes this official lot page as part of the sale, providing a direct first-party source for the listed object.^[5][4]\n\nSource note: The auction house publishes this official lot page as part of the sale, providing a direct first-party source for the listed object.