Million-Dollar Star Wars Collection, Dylan’s $300K Guitar, and More Fresh News

Kenner Ben (Obi-Wan) Kenobi 23 Back-A, AFA 80 NM double-telescoping action figure on blister card, 1978. Image courtesy of Hake’s Americana

 

News and updates from around the arts and auction community:

  •  Wall Street investors are eyeing a Star Wars collection that’s being auctioned by Hake’s Americana on Nov. 16th. It’s regarded by many experts as the world’s finest fully graded assemblage of early Star Wars characters, playsets and vehicles. You won’t believe the jaw-dropping estimate on a 1978 Obi-Wan Kenobi action figure. [Read more from the York Dispatch]
  • A guitar played by Bob Dylan at notable concerts in the 1970s is expected to sell for more than $300,000 in a Nov. 11 auction hosted by Heritage in Dallas. Dylan played the guitar at George Harrison’s Concert for Bangladesh and during his Rolling Thunder Revue tour. [Read more from Billboard]
  • Whoever would have suspected Einstein had a theory for happiness? He apparently did, because in 1922 he wrote it on a piece of paper while staying at a Tokyo hotel and gave it to a bellboy in lieu of a tip. Einstein’s scribbled note just sold at auction for $1.3 million. [Read more from CBS]
  • A man’s wristwatch found in an attic has sold for $276,000 at an auction in Sweden. The Omega Speedmaster 2915-1 was made in 1958, and while it isn’t diamond-studded or the type of timepiece you’d keep in a bank vault, it’s in rarely seen all-original condition. [Read more from The Local]

For more news and updates, follow LiveAuctioneers on Twitter and Facebook.

Illustrated children’s books the big story at PBA Galleries Nov. 2

Dr. Seuss, ‘And to Think I Saw it on Mulberry Street,’ first edition of Dr. Seuss’s first book for children, Vanguard Press, 1937. Estimate: $3,000-$5,000. PBA Galleries image

 

SAN FRANCISCO – On Thursday, Nov. 2, PBA Galleries will offer more than 550 lots of illustrated books, including a generous amount of children’s literature. Absentee and Internet bidding is available through LiveAuctioneers.

Continue reading

Skinner launches auction devoted to space photos Nov. 2

Portrait of Buzz Aldrin with the photographer (Neil Armstrong) and the Lunar Module reflected in his visor, Apollo 11, July 1969. Estimate: $1,200-1,800. Skinner image

 

MARLBOROUGH, Mass. – Skinner will present “The Beauty of Space,” the first auction in the United States to focus solely on vintage photographs produced from 1961 to 1972 by NASA, on Nov. 2 at 10 a.m. Eastern time. The 445-lot single-owner collection showcases both iconic and rare gelatin silver and chromogenic prints providing an extraordinary photographic journey to the moon and back as seen through the eyes of the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo astronauts. Absentee and Internet bidding is available through LiveAuctioneers.

Continue reading

Material Culture presents international textiles auction Oct. 29

Lot 15: fine antique Chinese silk embroidered robe, Qing Dynasty. Material Culture image

 

PHILADELPHIA – Material Culture will offer a beautiful and rare assortment of woven masterpieces in its auction of fine international textiles and Oriental rugs on Sunday, Oct. 29, at 11 a.m. Eastern time.The auction will feature more than 400 lots of textiles and rugs, many museum quality, from estates and private collections from around the world. Absentee and Internet bidding is available through LiveAuctioneers.

Continue reading

Woodshed to offer works attributed to modern masters Nov. 1

Oil and enamel painting attributed to Mark Rothko untitled (‘Blue Square’). Estimate: $100,000-$200,000. Woodshed Art Auctions image

 

FRANKLIN, Mass. – Three oil and enamel paintings attributed to renowned American artist Mark Rothko (1903-1970) – two untitled abstract compositions and one untitled (Blue Square) – all framed, signed verso and dated 1948 – carry estimates of $100,000-$200,000 each in Woodshed Art Auctions’ Prestige Signature Collection auction ending Nov. 1. Absentee and Internet live bidding is available through LiveAuctioneers.

Continue reading