614 :: Mark Knopfler - Studio used 1961 Valco for Gretsch 6161 guitar amplifier, made in USA, ser. no. T60717 *Purchased by Mark Knopfler at a guitar show in Nashville in the early 2000s. When recording, Knopfler would test multiple amplifiers for each track to achieve the optimal sound. Keyboard player and co-producer Guy Fletcher photographed this Valco 6161 as part of a lineup of thirteen amps during one such trial, documented in his 2011 online studio diaries chronicling the sessions for Knopfler’s seventh solo album, Privateering. The amplifier can be partially seen in the photograph, just behind guitar tech Glenn Saggers’ right leg (see images). Ex Lot 100, The Mark Knopfler Collection, Christie’s, London, 31 January 2024. Sold with a copy of the auction catalogue, lot tickets, and the purchaser’s invoice.

Lot Number 614. Mark Knopfler - Studio used 1961 Valco for Gretsch 6161 guitar amplifier, made in USA, ser. no. T60717 *Purchased by Mark Knopfler at a guitar show in Nashville in the early 2000s. When recording, Knopfler would test multiple amplifiers for each track to achieve the optimal sound. Keyboard player and co-producer Guy Fletcher photographed this Valco 6161 as part of a lineup of thirteen amps during one such trial, documented in his 2011 online studio diaries chronicling the sessions for Knopfler’s seventh solo album, Privateering. The amplifier can be partially seen in the photograph, just behind guitar tech Glenn Saggers’ right leg (see images). Ex Lot 100, The Mark Knopfler Collection, Christie’s, London, 31 January 2024. Sold with a copy of the auction catalogue, lot tickets, and the purchaser’s invoice.. Auctioned at The Guitar Sale - Four Day Sale on 5th December 2025

Mark Knopfler - Studio used 1961 Valco for Gretsch 6161 guitar amplifier, made in USA, ser. no. T60717 *Purchased by Mark Knopfler at a guitar show in Nashville in the early 2000s. When recording, Knopfler would test multiple amplifiers for each track to achieve the optimal sound. Keyboard player and co-producer Guy Fletcher photographed this Valco 6161 as part of a lineup of thirteen amps during one such trial, documented in his 2011 online studio diaries chronicling the sessions for Knopfler’s seventh solo album, Privateering. The amplifier can be partially seen in the photograph, just behind guitar tech Glenn Saggers’ right leg (see images). Ex Lot 100, The Mark Knopfler Collection, Christie’s, London, 31 January 2024. Sold with a copy of the auction catalogue, lot tickets, and the purchaser’s invoice.

Estimate: £6000-8000

Sold For: £5500.00

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Auction Details

Auction Details

Sale Date: 5th December 2025
Sale Name: The Guitar Sale - Four Day Sale