Eric Clapton

serial number CZ510969, Daphne Blue finish, maple neck with skunk-stripe routing, red paper dot on back of headstock beside "Todd Klause Fender Custom Shop" transfer, twenty-two fret fingerboard with dot inlays, three Vintage Noiseless pickups, three rotary controls, selector switch, tremolo/bridge tailblock and white pickguard; and a black Fender hardshell contour case with black plush lining with white cloth sticker inscribed in black felt pen "DAPHNE BLUE 1", and tie on paper label inscribed on both sides in black felt pen "FENDER STRAT CZ510969 DAPHNE BLUE 1", one red and one green paper dot on two case latches

Excellent used condition. Back of guitar with numerous light surface marks visible only in strong light on the upper contoured part of the body and the back plate indicating extensive play. Numerous faint surface marks only visible under strong light, from guitar picks on bridge, middle pickups and scratch plate. Signs of usage on all three control knobs. Faint wear on fingerboard between twenty-first & twenty-second fret. Light scratch on end of fingerboard on treble side. Red paper dot sticker next to Todd Krauss custom shop transfer on back of headstock.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This guitar is one of three Daphne blue Signature Fender Stratocasters custom built for Eric Clapton and was used extensively on stage between 2009 until Autumn 2011. The pair to this guitar was sold at auction to benefit Clapton’s Crossroads Rehab Centre in Antigua (Bonhams, New York, 9 March 2011, lot 138), whilst the third Daphne guitar was acquired by Clapton in 2011 to replace the one sold. The red paper dot on the back of this guitar’s headstock, and the labels on its case "Daphne Blue 1" indicate that this particular guitar was Clapton’s main Daphne Blue Stratocaster; the other two partner guitars were the spares for it.  This was Clapton’s main stage guitar at The Crossroads Guitar Festival, Chicago, 26 June 2010.

The Luke Rees-Pulley Charitable Trust was established by Luke's family after his death in 2005. In memory of Luke's passion for his job as a London bus driver, the Trust now works to promote safe travel in Greater London and supports numerous projects relating to public transport throughout the city. These include working with the London Transport Museum to fund outreach projects in deprived inner city areas, endowing a research library at the London Bus Museum in Brooklands, and sponsoring apprenticeships in the transport industry.