The Auction
2020
In October 2020 the Vox Phantom came up for auction at Bonhams. These images are from the auction brochure, with thanks to Bonhams, whose help along the way we're genuinely grateful for.
Links: Promo Brochure · Another Promo · Post Auction Press
Why we bid
When the Phantom came up at Bonhams in October 2020, a lot of people who care about this band felt uneasy about it. An object like this can vanish into a private collection and never be seen again, and there was no way of knowing where it would end up.
We were long-term fans who happened to be in a position to bid. What settled it was that the money went directly to Natalie Curtis — her father still supporting her, forty years on. Having children of our own, that seemed like a worthwhile thing to be part of.
We had one idea about what to do with it if we won, and it hasn't changed since: get it in front of people. Everything else on this site follows from that.
About these images
The photographs here are Bonhams' own, made for the auction brochure and the press around the sale, which is why they look rather more composed than anything else on this site. We're grateful to Bonhams, who were genuinely helpful throughout and have stayed helpful since.
The autumn edition of Bonhams Magazine carried a piece by Jon Savage on the guitar's part in the band's best-known song; there's a short passage from it on our about page.
The links above go to the original lot listing and the press releases, including the one issued after the sale.
Images From The Auction
