DALLAS – Heritage Auctions offered select items from the Las Vegas estate of pop-singing sensation Phyllis McGuire in its Estate of Phyllis McGuire Auction Aug. 10.
Like so many of the Rat Pack-era McGuire Sisters’ songs, the results of the event were a huge hit. More than 1,000 bidders from around the globe took part in the event, leading the sale to perfect sell-through rates of 100% by value and by lots sold, and total sales of $1,853,356.
“The Phyllis McGuire Collection was an amazing group of material from a woman who had a fantastic taste and a remarkable sense of style,” Heritage Auctions West Coast Director of Trust and Estates, Carolyn Mani said. “Having the opportunity to present all of this in one auction was a great honor and I was thrilled with the results. To see so many people participate across the board was wonderful.”
A spectacular pair of French 19th-century Napoleon III gilt bronze mounted covered urns on fluted rouge marble columns soared to $106,250, more than 13 times its high pre-auction estimate, to stand alone as the event’s top lot.
A 20th-century Tabriz rug, one of six rugs sold in the event, brought $62,500, while a 19th-century Tabriz rug with a hunter’s motif finished at $42,500.
One of the most eye-catching lots in the sale was McGuire’s circa-2000 Bosendorfer Model 225 mahogany and pearwood inlay 92-key grand piano with conforming bench, a gorgeous performance instrument that was one of the centerpieces in her home and drew multiple bids en route to $50,000.
Also hitting a high note was a 19th-century French Erard floor harp, which drew nearly two dozen bids before closing at $19,375 – nearly four times its high pre-auction estimate.
Yet another lot that performed well was a 19th-century Charles Frodsham Louis XV-style gilt bronze mounted tall case clock that sold for $30,000.
In addition to her on-stage talent, McGuire was known for her glamorous style. Not coincidentally, the auction was full of magnificent pieces of jewelry, some of which raced past pre-auction expectations.
A dazzling diamond and white gold necklace with approximately 36 carats of diamonds, more than tripled its high pre-auction estimate when it reached $47,500, while a diamond, ruby, and platinum-topped gold bracelet more than doubled its high pre-auction estimate when it brought a winning bid of $40,000. A diamond, platinum, and gold necklace drew $22,500, while a diamond, emerald, and platinum bracelet inspired 16 bids before ending at $18,125.
More of the beautiful jewelry from McGuire’s estate will be offered in Heritage Auctions’ Jewelry Auction Sept. 27.
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