Sporting serial numbers 3 and 4, the auction includes two prototypes of the limited edition run of guitars that replicated Eric’s original Cherry red ’64 ‘Cream’ ES-335 that he purchased in 1964. The original guitar was sold in the 2004 Crossroads auction for $847,500. Each one comes complete with a replica of the famous ‘Cream’ stencilled case.

“To be honest,” Saiichi tells us, “these guitars look identical to the limited edition models that Gibson issued – they come in their original cartons with all the usual case candy and I have to say they look fantastic.” Of course what sets them apart is their ‘prototype’ serial numbers and the provenance that comes from being in the Clapton auction. The guitars are sold individually, not as a pair.