Gallagher’s Stratocaster has long been celebrated, appearing on numerous magazine covers and displayed in landmark exhibitions. It has also been played by famed musicians such as Johnny Marr and Joe Bonamassa, further cementing its status in music history. Fender began producing replica models of the guitar in 2004 as part of its artist signature series.
In a thrilling fusion of cinematic history and charitable cause, two limited edition Triumph motorcycles, personally owned and hand-signed by actor Daniel Craig, are set to go under the hammer at an upcoming auction. The motorcycles are the 003/250 Scrambler 1200 Bond Edition and the 001/250 Tiger 900 Bond Edition, both inspired by the models featured in the 25th James Bond film, No Time To Die. These exclusive editions sold out on their launch day, making them highly sought after by both motorcycle enthusiasts and James Bond fans alike.
The stegosaurus known as โApexโ has set a new record, selling for $44.6 million at Sothebyโs auction in New York on July 17, 2024, making it the most valuable fossil ever sold. This significant sale exceeded its pre-sale low estimate by over 11 times and concluded with applause after 15 minutes of bidding. Seven bidders competed for “Apex” during the live auction, with an anonymous buyer ultimately securing the fossil. The buyer intends to explore loaning the specimen to a U.S. institution, stating, “Apex was born in America and is going to stay in America!”
A notable inlaid iron jar and cover, decorated with intricate designs of birds and flowers representing the four seasons and commissioned by the renowned Meiji-era crafts entrepreneur Kawaguchi Yohei of Tokyo, sold for ยฃ114,700 ($146,000) at Bonhams New Bond Street. The item significantly exceeded its estimated value of ยฃ50,000-80,000 ($63,000-102,000) during the Fine Japanese Art Sale, which featured Meiji Masterpieces from a Distinguished Deceased Estate this May. The auction comprised 166 lots, achieving a total of ยฃ1,065,816 ($1,363,000), with a remarkable 98% sold by value.
A pair of rare Georges Jouve caryatides, circa 1946, originating from LโInstitut Harriet Hubbard Ayer et Alexandre de Paris on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honorรฉ, sold for ยฃ127,400 ($162,000) at Bonhams Design and Contemporary Ceramics Sale held online this April. The final price far exceeded the pre-sale estimate of ยฃ50,000-70,000 ($63,000-89,000). Jouve’s contributions to the field of ceramics were significant, and he played a key role in the post-war resurgence of interest in ceramic art. His works are celebrated for their elegance, craftsmanship, and the innovative use of materials and techniques. Today, Georges Jouve is considered one of the leading figures in 20th-century ceramics, and his pieces are highly sought after by collectors and museums worldwide.
In a spectacular display of auction prowess, the Jules Speelman Collection garnered a total of โฌ15.2 million at Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr in Paris, far surpassing its pre-sale estimate of โฌ4.2 million. The auction, consisting of 28 exquisite lots, was 93% sold by lot and 100% by value, underscoring the intense demand for Asian Art and Buddhist Sculpture curated over 60 years by the esteemed dealer and collector, Jules Speelman.
The auction was a resounding success, generating a total of ยฃ713,344. An impressive 91% of the lots were sold, with 97% sold by value, reflecting the strong demand and competitive bidding. The star of the auction was a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, stainless-steel automatic chronograph bracelet watch, reference 116500LN, circa 2019. Known as the LN reference ‘lunette noir’ due to its black Cerachrom bezel and white dial, this sought-after piece surpassed its pre-sale estimate, fetching ยฃ20,480.
The highlight of the auction was an extraordinarily rare Meissen group of lovers with a birdcage, which sold for โฌ171,850, more than quadrupling its low estimate. This piece, first documented in the work records of J.J. Kaendler in March 1741, captivated bidders with its historical significance and intricate craftsmanship. Another standout item was a rare Meissen crinoline figure of a lady from around 1737, which fetched โฌ127,400, exceeding its low estimate by over six times.
In New York, during Bonhams Fine Books and Manuscripts sale on April 10, a significant highlight emerged as a rare Gimbels Department Store version of the M101-4 1916 Babe Ruth Rookie Card fetched an impressive $762,500, surpassing its initial estimate. This particular card, renowned as one of the most sought-after trading cards in existence, carries historical significance dating back over a century.
Racing aficionados and collectors are gearing up for an electrifying moment at The Bonhams|Cars Monaco Sale, ‘Les Grandes Marques ร Monaco’, on May 10th, as one of the most historically significant Formula 1 cars makes its way to the auction block. The 1957-58 Lotus-Climax Type 12 chassis โ353โ, estimated at โฌ290,000 โ โฌ390,000 ($308,000 โ $415,000), is poised to steal the spotlight, offering enthusiasts a chance to own a piece of motorsport history.
