George Harrison’s guitar, Elton John’s piano, Nirvana’s recording contract: This week’s auction block roundup
Each week, Quartz highlights the coming and ongoing sales at auction houses across the world. Among the items available are works of art, historical artifacts, and pop culture memorabilia that collectors won’t want to miss out on. While some of these objects go for millions, others are simultaneously affordable and unforgettable.
You can read previous weeks’ roundups here and here.
Continue reading to see the most fascinating objects being sold at auction in the coming weeks.
Julien’s: George Harrison’s guitar
George Harrison frequently played this 1958 Resonet Futurama solid-body electric guitar in the earliest days of the Beatles, before the band rose to international fame. Harrison used the guitar in over 324 Beatles performances — most of which fell between 1959 and 1961. Bidding has already begun on this legendary piece of rock ’n’ roll history, which is worth an estimated $600,000 to $800,000.
Julien’s: Nirvana’s recording contract
This 1991 recording contract from the David Geffen Company was evidently produced in a rush — both Kurt Cobain and Dave Grohl’s names are spelled wrong at various points in the 52-page document. Cobain, Grohl, and Krist Novoselic all signed the agreement, which was produced less than six months before Nirvana released their iconic album “Nevermind.” Bidding has already begun on the contract, which is worth an estimated $20,000 to $30,000.
Julien’s: Amy Winehouse’s locket
This octagon-shaped locket features a photo of Blake Fielder-Civil, who was married to Amy Winehouse from 2007 until 2009. Winehouse reportedly considered the necklace one of her most prized possessions and was frequently photographed wearing it at the height of her fame. Bidding has already begun on the locket, which is worth an estimated $3,000 to $8,000.
Julien’s: Elton John’s piano
Famed video and film director David LaChapelle first conceived of this signed 2008 Yamaha (YAMCY) Elton John DC1 Limited Edition Signature Series Red baby grand piano as a centerpiece for the legendary pop star’s Red Piano residency at The Colosseum at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas. The residency was originally scheduled for just 75 performances, but John eventually played 247 shows. Bidding has already begun on the piano, which is worth an estimated $30,000 to $50,000.
Swann Auction Galleries: Signed letter from George Washington
This letter — sent in January 1777 — includes war updates from then-General George Washington to Robert Morris, a member of the Continental Congress and a signatory of the Declaration of Independence. In addition to the letter being signed by Washington, fellow founding father Alexander Hamilton wrote a brief note at the bottom of the letter. Bidding on the document — worth an estimated $100,000 to $150,000 — will close on Nov. 14.
Swann Auction Galleries: Letter from Teddy Roosevelt to a little girl
Theodore Roosevelt penned this letter to a nine-year-old girl months before his death in 1919. The little girl, Betty Transeau, wrote to the former president to offer her condolences following his son’s death in World War I. Roosevelt thanked Betty for her letter and offered his condolences to the girl, who shared that her cousin was also killed in action. Bidding on the document — worth an estimated $2,000 to $3,000 — will close on Nov. 14.
Sotheby’s: Michael Jordan’s 1998 NBA playoffs jersey
Michael Jordan wore this jersey in the 1998 NBA playoffs, during what would become the iconic “Last Dance” era of his career. When Jordan wore this jersey on April 24, 1998, he scored 39 points against the New Jersey Nets. Bidding on this jersey — worth an estimated $800,000 to $1,200,000 — will close on Nov. 4.
Sotheby’s: Michael Jordan’s college practice gear
Jordan wore this University of North Carolina jersey and these Nike (NKE) sneakers to practice during his time as a student-athlete. Both items belonged to Charles E. Ragan, the assistant equipment manager for UNC’s athletic department from 1982 to 1985. Bidding on this set — worth an estimated $150,000 to $200,000 — will close on Nov. 4.
