Noel Gallagher's guitar used to write Oasis hit (What's the story) Morning Glory? sells for £71,000 at auction

The Epiphone EJ-200 acoustic guitar is said to have been used by Gallagher to write much of the iconic band's best-selling album. The record, which includes Wonderwall and Don't Look Back in Anger, has sold more than 22 million copies and yesterday [April 23] one of its 'integral' instruments was flogged too.

Experts estimated it would fetch between $60,000-$80,000 (£45,000-£60,000) but it smashed expectations by fetching a whopping $96,000 (£71,230). Sotheby's listing image shows Noel's signature written in black pen on the wooden body and it was sold with a letter of authenticity signed by the star himself.

Their description hails it as 'playing a central role in the creation' of (What's The Story) Morning Glory? and being 'integral to its song writing process'.

Noel's handwritten lyrics for Don't Look Back in Anger also went under the hammer and exceeded its estimate of $30,000-$40,000 (£22,000-£30,000) to fetch $38,400 (£28,522). It includes chord notations on ruled paper and the listing claims it was likely written for another band member in around 1995. It was sold framed and with a signed letter from Oasis guitar technician Jason Rhodes.

Sotheby's auctioneers opened their two-week bidding window for their Rock and Pop auction on April 9 and it was closed at 5.13pm yesterday [April 23].

The guitar's listing read: "Noel Gallagher's Epiphone EJ-200 acoustic guitar played a central role in the creation of an album that became, in effect, a greatest hits collection. Oasis' sophomore album (What's the Story) Morning Glory? was an instant smash hit that would define an entire musical movement.

"Arguably the most distinct and iconic release of the band's discography, the guitar on offer was integral to its songwriting process. As one of the crown jewels of Britpop, Morning Glory catapulted Oasis into international superstardom.

"Gallagher's songwriting on the album, some of which took place on this very instrument, is both nostalgic and forward-looking, reflecting the band's enduring influence across generations. That influence feels especially relevant today as the band enjoys a renewed cultural spotlight."