The Iron Throne, Taylor Swift’s cowgirl boots, and Bruce Lee’s nunchaku: This week’s auction block roundup
Each week Quartz highlights the upcoming 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 10 most fascinating objects being sold at auction this week.
Julien’s: Taylor Swift’s cowgirl boots
Fargo Boots custom-made these gold cowgirl boots for Taylor Swift during her sophomore “Fearless” tour in 2009. The boots – which are signed by Swift – were manufactured in Italy. Bidding has already exceeded the estimated value of $2,000. Live bidding on the boots will begin on September 27 at 7 p.m. Pacific Time.
Heritage Auctions: The Iron Throne
This replica of the most iconic prop from “Game of Thrones” was molded from the original Iron Throne used in the show and transported throughout the world for promotional events. Live bidding on the Iron Throne will remain open until October 18, and the proxy bids on the prop have already exceeded $25,000.
Julien’s: Bruce Lee’s nunchaku
Iconic actor Bruce Lee used this pair of stunt nunchaku in the 1973 film “Enter the Dragon.” Valued between $30,000 and $50,000, live bidding on the nunchaku will begin on September 27 at 7 p.m. Pacific Time.
Julien’s: Issa Rae’s Barbie premiere dress
Marc Bouwer custom-designed this gown for Issa Rae to wear at the Los Angeles premiere of Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” in 2023. Rae, who played President Barbie in the film, was inspired by former First Lady Michelle Obama’s style throughout the “Barbie” press tour. Bouwer adjusted his original design to match the presidential aura that Rae wanted to evoke in her red carpet looks. Worth an estimated $8,000, live bidding on the gown will begin on September 24 at 10 a.m. Pacific Time.
Heritage Auctions: First edition copies of the “Lord of the Rings”
These first edition, first impression copies of “The Fellowship of the Ring,” “The Two Towers,” and “The Return of the King” are in exceptionally good condition. Live bidding on the trilogy will open on October 10, but proxy bidding has already exceeded $62,000.
Julien’s: 1996 Versace evening gown
This beaded silk chiffon leopard-print Versace (CPRI) gown made an impression when it was first released in 1996 and continues to hold a place in fashion history today. Elizabeth Hurley donned a version of this dress to celebrate the opening of Versace’s flagship store on Fifth Avenue in 1996; nearly 30 years later, Halsey wore a version of the design to the 2024 MTV VMAs. Worth an estimated $10,000, live bidding on the gown will begin on September 24 at 10 a.m. Pacific Time.
Julien’s: BTS music video costumes
BTS members — RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook — wore this set of seven costumesin their 2020 music video for “Life Goes On.” Worth an estimated $80,000, live bidding on the costumes will begin on September 27 at 7 p.m. Pacific Time.
Swann Auction Galleries: Margaret Bourke-White’s Chrysler Building photograph
This photograph, taken by trailblazing female photographer Margaret Bourke-White, depicts the Chrysler Building while it was still under construction in 1930. Worth an estimated $30,000 to $45,000, bidding on the photograph will begin on September 26 at 12 p.m. Eastern Time.
Heritage Auctions: Black matte Birkin Bag
This charming black matte Birkin Bag is decorated to evoke the image of a building overlooking a street. Worth an estimated $95,000, proxy bidding on the 2022 alligator handbag will remain open until October 3.
Heritage Auctions: Jon Snow’s sword
Carried by Kit Harington, who played Jon Snow, throughout the filming of “Game of Thrones,” this sword was featured in some of the most iconic scenes in the hit television series. Live bidding on the sword will take place between October 10 and October 12, but proxy bidding has already exceeded $30,000.
