The Acoustic Black Widow instrument, used by the rock legend, was left to his father following the star's death in 1970 but it has since changed hands and the current owner is reportedly planning to sell it.

When staff at Experience Hendrix, LLC were contacted by auction bosses to authenticate the guitar, they alleged the company is the rightful owner and are now preparing for a legal battle for its return.

They are also demanding $750,000 (£468,750) in damages, according to TMZ.com.