Goodwill to hold silent auction for signed Guns n’ Roses guitar

The Goodwill Industries of Alberta says it will be holding a silent auction for a signed guitar next week.

The Sherwood Park donation centre says in February, an unknown donor dropped off some music paraphernalia, with a guitar that was autographed by all members of the band Guns n’ Roses.

While the signatures are likely real according to music industry expert, a certificate of authentication can not be provided due to the unknown origin of the guitar, no official identification of the band signing the guitar — no photographic evidence — and due to the fact it’s not likely that the band will remember signing the guitar.

That being said, the donation centre did take the guitar to Clinton Beck, the President and Founder of Beck Antiques and Jewellery Inc. who has 35 years’ experience with historical items of interest.

Beck says “judging by the type of pen used, the dates beside the signatures, the type of guitar used and how the autograph strokes look, that it is extremely likely that these are real.”

With this, the Goodwill Industries silent auction will be hosted between March 25 and April 1, at the Sherwood Park Goodwill Retail Store and Donation Centre.

Bids must be made in person, and 91 per cent of funds will go to programs to help people with disabilities or barriers to find and gain meaningful employment.

“We are grateful for all donations and we know this particular will provide even more services in our community for those with disabilities,” said the Goodwill Industries of Alberta in a statement.