Monroe & Presley Auction
Celebrity auctions have made big news so far in 2009, most notably Michael Jackson’s celebrity sell-off which was ultimately canceled. Julien’s Auctions , which has orchestrated numerous celebrity auctions—for names like Cher, U2, Bob Hope, Elton John and Ozzy Osbourne—is planning a particularly interesting event in this year’s annual summer sale.
The 2009 auction, which will be held June 26-27 at Planet Hollywood Resort in Las Vegas, features over 700 celebrity items, including approximately 150 items from the life of Marilyn Monroe and unique lots from the life of Elvis Presley. The conservative estimate from the auction house estimates $800,000 - $1,000,000 to be generated in revenue, with a 100% sell-through rate, arising from low auction reserves.
To see some of the most interesting and expensive lots from Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley featured in this year’s auction, click ahead!
By Paul Toscano Posted 11 June 2009
Marilyn Monroe Orange Blouse
Estimated Auction Value: $7,000 – $9,000
Sherbert orange long-sleeved boat neck Pucci blouse of silk jersey, size 12, label reads, “Emilio Pucci/ Florence Italy” and “Made in Italy exclusively for Saks Fifth Avenue.”
Elvis Autographed Photo
Estimated Auction Value: $2,000 – 4,000
Color photograph inscribed to Dr. Nick by Elvis, “To Dr. Nick, My friend and Doctor. Sincerely, Elvis Presley.” This photograph was the cover of a menu used at the Hilton in Las Vegas and was displayed in Dr. Nick’s professional office. A copy of “Dr. Nick’s™ Memories of Elvis” DVD accompanies this lot. In it, Dr. Nick discusses this item and the other items owned by him in this sale.
13 1?2 by 11 inches, framed
Marilyn Monroe Umbrella
Estimated Auction Value: $16,000 – $18,000
Evans Sweson Frame white umbrella with wood hook handle. Used in 1949 photo shoot on Tobey/Jones Beach with photographer Andre De Dienes. It was Marilyn’s first visit to New York and a pleasant reunion with old friend De Dienes. Yellowing and staining present due to age and use.
Marilyn Monroe Evening Jacket
Estimated Auction Value: $20,000 - $25,000
Blue and dusty rose colored chiffon jacket with silk embroidered flower details, pleated ruffle edging at hems and collar, hook and eye closure with tightly fitted waist, worn by Monroe in The Prince and the Showgirl (Warner Bros., 1957). Monroe played Elsie Marina, American showgirl and Laurence Olivier played Charles, the Prince Regent. The off screen relationship of the pair was reportedly contentious.
Elvis Presley Prescription Bottles
Estimated Auction Value: $800 – $1,200 per bottle.
Original prescription bottle for Antivert 25mg chewable tablets, Bacteriostatic Water for Injection, Sodium Chloride, Vibramycin 100mg, “Combid Span,” Urecholine 25mg, Brethine 5mg, Vicon-C, and Benadryl 50mg with original date of prescription. Included in the lot is a DVD discussing the individual items.
Marilyn Monroe Bricks
Estimated Auction Value: $100 – $200
Two construction bricks from a poolside wall at Monroe’s Brentwood home, obtained from the home’s subsequent owner, Betty Nunez. One brick reads, “12305 St. Helena Drive Taken 9/30/97 (poolside),” in black marker.
Marilyn Monroe’s Script
Estimated Auction Value: $8,000 – $10,000
Marilyn Monroe’s personal script from the film Some Like It Hot (UA, 1959), 156 pages with blue cover that reads “Some Like It Hot/Screenplay by/Billy Wilder — I.A.L. Diamond,” includes title page with list of characters and actors, also present are nine additional blue pages with script changes, dating from October and November 1958. Monroe and director Billy Wilder encountered many well documented problems on the set.
More about the movie "Some Like It Hot"
Elvis Presley Desk and Chair
Estimated Auction Value: $8,000 - $10,000
Wood desk made by Elvis’ uncle, Vester Presley. Kidney shaped desk with three-drawer console on left side and support leg at right, features metal drawer pulls, accompanied by brown mid-century chair with silver metal hardware, on rollers. At the time it was built, it had a built-in tape recorder and TV.
Elvis conducted his business from Graceland from this desk and frequently had his hair cut and dyed while sitting in this chair. The desk was given by Elvis to Dr. Nick to be used in the home Elvis built for Dr. Nick in 1976.
Marilyn Monroe Fur Stole
Estimated Auction Value: $12,000 – $15,000
White fox fur stole with a triple-pleated ivory silk lining, label reads, “Teitelbaum Furs/ Beverly Hills.” Often worn by Monroe, accompanied by photographs of Monroe wearing this stole.
Marilyn Monroe Signed Check
Estimated Auction Value: $600 - $800
Marilyn Monroe signed check, written to Dr. A Gottesman in the amount of $200.00 on September 23, 1953, signed by Monroe with her address listed below her signature as “882 N. Doheny Drive.” Monroe lived at this address from 1953–1954. Dr. Gottesman was her psychoanalyst.
Name of bank on check: Bank of America
Elvis Presley Lapis Stone Ring
Estimated Auction Value: $20,000 - $40,000
Lapis lazuli and diamond ring, mounted in 18k yellow gold. Centering an oval tablet of lapis lazuli and flanked by fourteen diamonds totaling 0.45cts., and graded H-I color and VS clarity. The mounting has a satin finish. The ring weighs 32 gms., and is size 9.25. This ring was worn by Elvis on his pinkie both on and off stage and gifted to Dr. Nick after a concert because it matched his shirt.
Marilyn Monroe MSG Make-Up Receipt
Estimated Auction Value: $600 - $800
Receipt in the amount of $125.00 (over $840.00 when adjusted for inflation) reads, in part, “Make-up for special appearance at Madison Square Garden…” issued by Marie Irvine of Long Island. The special appearance mentioned was the birthday celebration of President John F. Kennedy, Monroe’s last public appearance before her death. There Marilyn sang her now famous rendition of “Happy Birthday Mr. President.”
Marilyn Monroe Birthday Card
Estimated Auction Value: $8,000 – $10,000
Painted birthday card from Monroe’s 34th birthday signed “Joseph Krutak—60.” Signed by the cast of Let’s Make Love (20th Century Fox, 1960) including director George Cukor and actor Yves Montand. Accompanied by a reproduction photograph of Monroe with this item and Montand.