Are you a vintage enthusiast? Do you have a keen eye for rare and luxurious items?
If so, then attending vintage auctions might be the perfect hobby for you. These auctions are not only a great way to find unique and timeless pieces, but they also offer an exciting opportunity to witness history being sold to the highest bidder.
In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the most expensive items ever sold at vintage auctions. These luxurious and one-of-a-kind pieces have captured the attention of collectors and enthusiasts from all around the world.
Read on to learn more!
1. Marilyn Monroe’s “Subway Dress”
This white halter dress, designed by William Tavilla, became an instant sensation as it blew up around her legs while standing over a subway grate.
In 2011, it was sold at a Profiles in History auction for a whopping $4.6 million, making it one of the most expensive dresses ever sold at an auction. The dress is not only a symbol of Hollywood glamor and Monroe’s iconic status but also represents the allure and mystique of vintage fashion.
2. The British Guiana One Cent Magenta Stamp
This rare stamp was issued in 1856 and is considered to be one of the most valuable objects on Earth by weight.
In 2014, it sold at a Sotheby’s auction for $9.5 million, making it the most expensive stamp ever sold at an auction. The stamp’s high value is a result of its rarity, historical significance, and exquisite design featuring a ship and Latin motto.
3. Patek Philippe Henry Graves Super complication Watch
It was commissioned by American banker and collector Henry Graves Jr. in 1933 and took eight years to complete. This intricate timepiece features 24 different functions, including a perpetual calendar, a minute repeater, and a moon phase display.
In 2014, it was sold at a Sotheby’s auction for a record-breaking $24 million, making it the most expensive watch ever sold. This luxury watch not only represents exceptional craftsmanship and engineering but also holds immense historical significance as one of the most coveted objects in horological history.
4. The Flowing Hair Silver Dollar
The Flowing Hair Silver Dollar is considered to be the first dollar coin ever issued by the United States Mint in 1794. Only 1,758 of these coins were made before the design was changed, making them extremely rare and valuable.
In 2013, one of these coins sold at a Stack’s Bowers Galleries auction for $10 million, making it the most expensive coin ever sold at an auction. The Flowing Hair Silver Dollar not only holds historical significance as the first dollar coin but also represents a piece of American numismatic history and is highly coveted by collectors.
5. Fauteuil Aux Dragons by Eileen Gray
This chair was commissioned by French fashion icon Suzanne Talbot and features intricate Chinese-inspired dragon motifs in its lacquered frame. In 2009, it sold at a Christie’s auction for $28 million, making it the most expensive piece of 20th-century furniture ever sold at an auction.
The Dragon Chair not only represents Gray’s exceptional design skills and artistic vision but also reflects the popularity and influence of Chinese art during the Art Deco era. Its high price is a testament to its rarity and timeless beauty.
6. Roman Era Statue of Artemis and the Stag
This stunning piece depicts the Greek goddess Artemis, known as Diana in Roman mythology, with her signature bow and arrow standing atop a stag. It is believed to have been created by an unknown sculptor from the Eastern Mediterranean region and was acquired by art dealer Giacomo Medici in the 1970s.
In 2007, it was sold at a Sotheby’s auction for $28.6 million, making it the most expensive ancient Roman sculpture ever sold. The statue not only represents the beauty and intricacy of Roman art but also reflects the admiration and reverence for Greek mythology during this time period.
7. Leonardo Da Vinci’s Codex Leicester
Leonardo Da Vinci’s Codex Leicester is a collection of scientific writings and drawings by the multi-talented artist and inventor. It contains his observations and theories on various subjects, including astronomy, geology, and physics.
The codex was named after Thomas Coke, the Earl of Leicester, who purchased it in 1717. In 1994, it was sold at a Christie’s auction for $30.8 million, making it the most expensive book ever sold at online vintage auctions.
8. Marie Antoinette’s Pendant
It was originally commissioned by King Louis XVI as a gift for his wife but never made it into her possession before she was executed during the French Revolution.
The pendant was then passed down through royal families until it was sold at a Christie’s auction in 2018 for a record-breaking $32 million. This piece not only represents the opulence and extravagance of the French monarchy but also holds historical significance as a tangible connection to Marie Antoinette’s tragic life and death.
9. The Clark Sickle Leaf Carpet
The Clark Sickle Leaf Carpet, also known as the “Mystery Carpet,” is considered to be one of the most valuable and rare carpets in the world. It was made in Persia during the early 17th century and features a vibrant pattern of sickle-shaped leaves on a red background.
In 2013, it was sold at a Sotheby’s auction for $33.8 million, making it the most expensive carpet ever sold at an auction. This piece not only represents exceptional craftsmanship and artistry but also reflects the popularity and influence of Persian carpets during this period.
10. The Pink Star Diamond
The Pink Star Diamond, also known as the Steinmetz Pink, is a 59.6-carat rare pink diamond that was discovered in South Africa in 1999. It was then sold to diamond cutter Isaac Wolf, who spent two years perfecting its cut and color.
In 2013, it was sold at a Sotheby’s auction for an astounding $83 million, making it the most expensive diamond ever sold at an auction. This magnificent gem not only represents the unparalleled beauty and rarity of natural pink diamonds but also holds immense value as a highly coveted object in the world of luxury items.
Explore The Most Expensive Items Sold at Vintage Auctions
Overall, the most expensive items sold at vintage auctions represent a diverse range of luxury goods that hold immense value and historical significance to collectors and art enthusiasts.
From iconic Hollywood memorabilia to rare ancient artifacts, these items not only showcase exceptional craftsmanship and design but also reflect the ever-evolving tastes and interests of high-end buyers.
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HussaiN is a full-time professional blogger from India. He is passionate about content writing, tech enthusiasts, and computer technologies. Apart from content writing on the internet, he likes reading various tech magazines and several other blogs on the internet. Email ID: arrowtricks.pvt@gmail.com
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