New York
Elton has said goodbye to his leopard print Rolex Daytona after it sold for $176,400 at an auction in New York last night, smashing its presale estimate of $40,000 to $60,000 and setting a new world auction record for the model.
The Christie’s event is the biggest celebrity auction since Freddy Mercury’s treasures were sold in London last year, with The Collection of Sir Elton John: Goodbye Peachtree Road series of sales expected to bring in well over $20 million.
began with Opening Night, a sale honoring Elton John and his discerning eye for collecting. Elton John carefully curated a diverse array of items across various categories, and tonight paid homage to the significant contribution the Atlanta chapter had played in his collecting endeavors. The sale featured 49 lots, and was 100% sold, achieving a total of $ 8 Million. Sales will continue through 28 February, both live and online.
The first four lots featured in the auction each skyrocketed past their estimates— signature pieces synonymous with Elton John’s iconic style. A Pair of Silver Leather Tall Platform Boots, with red leather letters E and J circa 1971 sold for $94,500 – 19 times the low estimate of $5,000, and a signature pair of Prescription Sunglasses Sir Winston Eyeware, circa 1975 sold for $22,680, 11 times the low estimate.
Opening Night was led by Banksy’s Flower Thrower Triptych, a work Elton John acquired directly from the artist, which achieved $1,925,500. Elton John’s beloved 1990 Bentley Continental, a car that travelled with him internationally, from Atlanta to Los Angeles to the South of France, generated exceptional results. Inspiring lively and spirited bidding from 24 bidders online, on the phone and in the room, it sold for $441,000 against a low estimate of $25,000 to a buyer on the phone.
Outstanding results were achieved for the three wristwatches featured in the sale including a Rolex, Daytona Wristwatch with Leopard-print Dial which sold for $176,400 against its low estimate of $40,000, setting a new world auction record for the model. A Limited-Edition Cartier, Paris, ‘Crash’ sold for $277,200, almost four times its low estimate of $70,000. A Signed Cartier, Paris, Tank Normale sold for $176,400, almost nine times the low estimate of $20,000— another record for the model. The group in total achieved $630,000 against a total low estimate of $130,000 for all three timepieces.
Speaking to the strong bond between the Versace family and Elton John, a group of Vintage Gianni Versace silk shirts sold for $30,240, more than 7 times their low estimate of $4,000. A Versace (Rosenthal) Porcelain ‘Medusa Red’ Table Service sold for $55,440 against a low estimate of $4,000.
Tash Perrin, Deputy Chairman, Christie’s Americas, comments: “The view from the rostrum this evening was fantastic; with an incredible energy in the room and outstanding activity online. It was a privilege to auction Elton John’s inspiring collection. We were thrilled with the results of tonight’s top lot: the Banksy Flower Thrower Triptych which exceeded the high estimate. We were also delighted to see so many lots far surpassing their high estimate with objects ranging from a Versace dinner service set to EJ monogrammed boots. We could not be more excited as we embark on the Day Sales beginning tomorrow morning.”
The Collection of Sir Elton John: Goodbye Peachtree Road live sales continue tomorrow. The first session for The Collection of Sir Elton John: Day Sale begins on 22 February and the second session will take place on 23 February. Online sales remain open for bidding until 27 – 28 February.
