The artist behind an Ed Sheeran guitar which sold for more than double its estimated value passed up several tempting offers before letting it go under the hammer.

East Anglian Daily Times: Ed Sheerans Green T Fender Stratocaster went under the hammer at Bonhams. Photo: Carl Persson.Ed Sheerans Green T Fender Stratocaster went under the hammer at Bonhams. Photo: Carl Persson. (Image: Carl Persson)

Thankfully for Teddy M, he overcame his auction anxiety to see the ‘Green T’ Fender Stratocaster fetch five figures last Thursday.

Sheeran took the artist’s eye-catching instrument with him on his ‘X’ world tour – making it a star attraction in the Bonhams entertainment memorabilia sale, where it eventually went for £12,500.

“If not for Ed, it wouldn’t have achieved that value,” said Teddy M, who watched online in a Cotswolds coffee shop as the guitar eclipsed its £4,000-6,000 estimate.

“It was unknown territory. Auctions scare me at the best of times. I never knew what to expect.”

Teddy M’s unease momentarily resurfaced when a ukulele owned by Eric Clapton failed to sell – but his guitar had no such problem a few lots later.

Sheeran, who grew up in Framlingham, had commissioned Teddy M and New York graffiti artist John Matos (aka Crash), to design a guitar for his recent Boston stadium show with Coldplay’s Chris Martin.

But before complete, another guitar was needed for the former Thomas Mills pupil’s tour earlier this year – so Teddy M offered one of his in the meantime.

“It was great to see all these fan photos of Ed with something that belonged to me,” said the artist, who can also count Lindsay Lohan and family among his admirers, along with Fiat motoring company heir, Lapo Elkann.

“You can’t get much bigger than him in the music world at the moment. He has longevity, and I think whoever bought the guitar will see it go up in value.

“I’d had various very attractive offers, which were quite tempting, but having auction value can only help increase the profile of my work.”