Two culturally important pianos will go under the hammer this March (2026). Both instruments currently form part of the Jim Irsay Collection which will be auctioned by Christie’s in New York.
Jim Irsay was a billionaire businessman and owner/CEO of the Indianapolis Colts (a major NFL US football team). He was also a philanthropist and fanatical music lover. Over decades Irsay assembled a staggering array of artefacts including: instruments from the likes of The Beatles, Johnny Cash, Kurt Cobain, Eric Clapton, Bo Diddley, Bob Dylan, Jerry Garcia, David Gilmour, Elton John, Prince, Janis Joplin, Les Paul, John Coltrane, and Miles Davis; original manuscripts by Jack Kerouac, Jim Morrison and Steve Jobs; and legendary sporting artefacts linked to Muhammad Ali, Jackie Robinson, Wayne Gretzky and Secretariat.
Irsay’s collection of guitars is often cited as the greatest on earth, once reportedly drawing a $1 billion offer from a private buyer in the Middle East.
Following Jim Irsay’s death in May 2025 at the age of 65, his collection is being sold with a portion of the proceeds donated to charitable causes he supported throughout his life. Irsay is famously quoted as saying that you never see “a U-Haul following a hearse”, making the point that he was just a temporary custodian of these unique objects. While his collection was famous for its guitars, two significant pianos feature in the sale.
Elton John’s Steinway Model D
This 1972 Steinway Model D Concert Grand Piano (serial no. 436549) was acquired by Sir Elton John in August 1975. It was one the musician’s touring pianos and would have been used for some of his most memorable concerts up until 1988. Steinway initially designated the instrument a loan piano, before it was finally purchased by Elton.
While not definitively documented, it is thought that Elton also lent this piano to Freddie Mercury for Queen’s 1977 A Day at the Races tour.
The piano shows obvious signs of touring. However there is a lovely inscription in black marker on the piano’s frame… Enjoy this as / much as I have / Elton John X.
The piano was acquired by Jim Irsay in July 2021, having been sold at a Heritage Auctions event. The hammer price was $915,000. Christie’s has put an estimate of between $600,000 and $1,000,000.
John Lennon’s Broadwood Upright Piano
This Victorian cottage upright piano (serial no. 41142), manufactured in 1873 by John Broadwood and Sons is the one on which Lennon composed “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds”, “A Day in the Life”, “Being for the Benefit of Mr Kite”, and many more well-known works. These three titles are detailed on a brass plaque which was affixed to the bass end side panel under Lennon’s instructions.
The piano was in Lennon’s possession from at least May 1965 until 1975 when it was gifted to an unknown associate.
Lennon’s Broadwood was sold through Gotta Have Rock ‘n Roll Auctions to Irsay in April 2019 for $718,750. A World Piano News article relating to this sale, and with more information on the piano, can be found here. Christie’s estimate is $400,000 to $600,000.
Auction Details
The Jim Irsay Collection: Hall of Fame sale takes place live at Christie’s New York on March 12, 2026.
John Lennon’s Broadwood upright piano is Lot 11, and Sir Elton John’s Model D Concert Grand piano is Lot 26.
Full catalog details and bidding registrations are available on Christie’s website. Final results will be updated here on this page following the close of the sale.
AUCTION RESULTS:
Elton John’s Steinway Model D sold for $508,000, whilst John Lennon’s Broadwood upright piano realised a record breaking $3,247,000, over five times the estimate. Figures include all fees.