Jim Irsay, or James Stephen Irsay, the American billionaire businessman and the principal owner of the NFL's Indianapolis Colts, did not just collect priceless items from across time and legends but built a shrine of cultural memory. His collection reads like a ledger of ancient poetry preserving the track of human creativity and history in every chord, every vintage sheet music, or manuscript. Irsay's collection is now up for auction, not as mere artifacts but as historical fragments that are being uncovered again. 

The world seems to be ready to listen to the stories of those who once performed on the stage, led nations, and healed through words, the moment bidding opens for Irsay's iconic items. 

Almost two hundred guitars are at the heart of Jim Irsay’s music archive, each a legendary container. Some are vintage icons, others were in the hands of rock stars. Among the highpoints are a 1963 Gretsch 6120 Country Gentleman that was lent to John Lennon for The Beatles' 'Paperback Writer' single (1966) session; a 1964 Rickenbacker Rose Morris Model 1996, which was used by Lennon during The Beatles' 1964 Christmas tour; a 1964 Gibson SG; and a 1969 Fender Mustang, used by Kurt Cobain on 'In Utero' (1993), and famously in the 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' music video (1991).​

The custom Tiger guitar of Jerry Garcia, built by Doug Irwin, is included in the collection. Guitars that Jimi Hendrix, Prince, Pete Townshend, Eddie Van Halen, U2’s The Edge, etc., played at various times over the years are all available here for auction on the official site. To top it off, the collection also includes an early Martin acoustic guitar (1850s), a 1952 Fender Telecaster, and a 1958 Gibson Les Paul Standard Burst Top, among others. There are also signed photographs and handwritten letters, lyrics, and memorabilia, as Irsay’s collection extends beyond guitars. 

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The legendary musical collection does not end there, as Irsay's museum of culture tends to archive trends from Beatlemania to the creation of generational anthems. 

Beyond the six-stringed relics, the collection contains rare pianos, drums, lyric sheets, and stage-used artifacts, all rooted in performance. Some of the items up for sale are Elton John's Steinway & Sons Grand Piano, used during his 1975 Dodger Stadium performance; an alto saxophone used by John Coltrane during his 1966 Japan tour; and a trumpet played by Miles Davis on albums 'You're Under Arrest' (1985) and 'Aura' (1989).

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The collection also features The Beatles' iconic memories and immense stardom that none can compare.

Going way beyond melodies, the auction dives into the pages of history and the lines of literature. Treasures in store include Jack Kerouac's original 120-foot typescript scroll manuscript of On the Road (1957), the original working manuscript of Alcoholics Anonymous by Bill W. Wilson, a John Hancock-signed lottery ticket (1765) for Thompson's red convertible Red Shark, a 1823 copy of the Declaration of Independence, and the First Declaration of Thanksgiving.

Straight from American political history, the collection that could compete with Netflix's political dramas, also includes letters by George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, as well as Abraham Lincoln, including memorabilia such as his presentation cane, pocket knife, and even two tickets. It also has President John F. Kennedy's rocking chair, the top hat worn by Harry S. Truman on his 1949 Presidential Inauguration day, and a signed Apple II manual by Steve Jobs, and other items.

Completing the multiversal auction of cultural gems are historical artifacts from sports legends, cinema, and pop culture history. Included is a range of important and peerless Muhammad Ali material, his boxing legacy preserved beyond the iconic biopic, intertwined with signed gloves, his walk-out robe, and photographs enclosed in this archival collection. Thrilla in Manila, are also available for sale in the auction. There are also rare film props, unseen original documents, and manuscripts that bridge the worlds of athletics, music, and literary counterculture.

From the pop culture of the past, Jim Irsay's billion-dollar collection also preserves rare books, documents, and manuscripts on American history.

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Which items from the Jim Isray collection surprise you the most? Comment below.