In recent decades, various artists, furniture makers and even scientists have left beautiful pieces behind. Antiques come in many forms and prices. The various objects increase in value and become more sought-after. Not only for museums, but also for personal collections, as an investment or for reselling.
Discover some of the most valuable collectibles ever sold at auction.
1. A Persian carpet
Rare and in good condition. That is why this carpet broke records. The value of the carpet was estimated at $5 to $7 million and was finally sold in 2013 for way more: $33.76 million. It was one of the most important rugs in the William Andrews Clark estate.
2. This beautiful Ru Guanyao Brush Washer Bowl
The Ru Guanyao pottery is known for its intense blue-green glaze and ‘ice crackle’ pattern and is very rare. The bowl was eventually sold after only 20 minutes of bidding for $37.68 million.
3. Movie poster of the original Dracula
This is the original poster of the American horror film. This poster from 1931 is one of two copies that have survived to this day. On the poster you can recognise actor Béla Lugosi, he played the lead role in this surely successful film. The poster was sold in 2017 for $525,800.
4. Patek Philippe Supercomplication Pocket Watch
This pocket watch was made in 1932 by Patek Philippe. It is one of the most complicated pocket watches ever made. The design took no less than 3 years, and add an extra 5 years to effectively make the watch. The pocket watch was successfully sold in 2014 for $24 million.
5. Elizabeth Taylor’s La Peregrina Pearl Necklace by Cartier
This beautiful necklace is unique for several reasons. It was made by Cartier, the brand known for making beautiful, desirable jewelry. In addition, the necklace was made for actress Elizabeth Taylor to hold another very special gift: the beautiful La Peregrina Pearl. It was a gift from actor Richard Burton in 1969. The combination of Cartier, La Peregrina and Elizabeth Taylor make this piece very valuable. The necklace was sold at auction for $11,842,500.
explore more exclusive auctions
6. World Record Antique Doll
In January 2018, Theriault’s Auction House broke a world record, selling a French doll. The record-setting antique doll was created by Antoine Edmund Rochard and sold for $333,500. The doll spends her days in the Barry Art Museum of Norfolk, Virginia. This Rochard example “symbolizes the golden age of French dolls.” The doll was decorated with a painted necklace. Hidden inside 24 of the tiny jewels are micro-photographs depicting historic scenes in France, such as Fontainebleau, the Louvre, and the Hotel de Ville of Paris, among others. It’s all in the details.
7. Robby the Robot Movie Prop
Robby the Robot, a remarkable 2 feet film prop that is best known for the classic science fiction film Forbidden Planet. The robot became a cultural icon and was featured in many other films and series after Forbidden Planet. He was sold in 2017 for $ 5.357 million along with his futuristic Jeep.
8. Honus Wagner Baseball Card
The Honus Wagner Baseball card is the most valuable card of the early 20th century. Johannes Peter Honus Wagner was an American baseball shortstop, he is considered one of the best players ever. These exemplars are extremely rare and valuable. This one was sold in 2016 for $3.12 million.
9. Chippendale-Style Kentucky Desk
In late 2017, an antique desk made in Kentucky was the focus of the auction. The elaborately carved Chippendale-style desk, made of walnut, was built for Captain John Cowan by an unknown maker. John Cowan was one of the first settlers of Kentucky. The piece sold for $498,750: the highest price ever paid at auction for a piece of furniture from Kentucky and the second highest price for a piece of furniture from the South.
10. Carved Decoys by Important Makers
This creation by Thomas Chambers was sold for $270,000. Thomas Chambers was born in Toronto, Ontario and was one of Canada’s most skilled wood carvers. His decoys were very popular.
Discover our wide range of antique treasures and collectibles.
