Miles Davis fans have a chance to bid on a trumpet the legend designed and played when the instrument goes up for auction at Christie’s next month.
Davis commissioned the trumpet, which features a decorative pattern of crescent moons and stars, in 1980 from the Martin Company. Right now, the auction house is valuing the trumpet between $70,000 and $100,000. It will be featured in “The Exceptional Sale” at Christie’s in New York on October 29.
The trumpet is currently owned by George Benson – the famed jazz guitarist occasionally collaborated with Davis. The horn hasn’t been sitting in storage, however. Keyon Harrold used the trumpet to record tracks used in 2016’s Davis biopic Miles Ahead starring Don Cheadle.
This particular horn is one of three similar ones Davis had made after returning to music following a 5-year hiatus. The one up for auction features a deep-blue lacquer finish. Of the other two horns one has a red finish with the same moon and stars pattern and remains with Davis’ family. The third horn has a black finish and is buried with Davis in Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx.
