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There is a story behind every object sold at Sotheby’s. But over the course of 270 years, we have conducted some especially legendary sales, including property from the estate of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, jewels owned by the Duchess of Windsor, and the first Russian space history auction.
A Trusted NameEvery item offered by Sotheby’s is sourced and authenticated by the world’s most distinguished team of experts. And every object comes with a five-year guarantee. That means you can be confident that what you see is what you get, without exception.
Although Sotheby’s regularly makes news by selling fine art for millions of dollars, the vast majority of items are offered at much more affordable prices. Collectors and first-time buyers alike will be thrilled by the jewellery, watches, prints, photographs, and design objects that come to auction at Sotheby’s.
At Sotheby’s, beauty comes in many forms.
Here are a few standout selections from our sale archives.
Elvis Presley
Peacock Jumpsuit
Elvis’s custom-made “peacock” suit—which he believed to be a good luck charm—was by far his most extravagant costume, designed by Bill Belew and J.C. Costume Company of Hollywood for $10,000. It can be spotted on the cover of the singer’s 1975 album Promised Land.
Apple I Computer
Designed and hand-built in Steve Jobs’ parents’ garage, the original Apple was also the first ready-made personal computer ever developed. At the time of auction in 2012, this was one of six known to be in working condition.
The Declaration of Independence
In January 1777, emboldened by recent military victories at Trenton and Princeton, Congress ordered a second printing of the Declaration of Independence, this time including the names of the members of Congress. This rediscovered copy is the only one remaining outside a museum.
Edvard Munch
The Scream
Edvard Munch’s The Scream, sold in 2012, is the only privately owned version of the work, which has been copied by everyone from Andy Warhol to The Simpsons.
Bob Dylan
Original Working Autograph Manuscript of “Like a Rolling Stone” – The Final Draft Lyrics as Recorded [June, 1965]
Arguably one of the most important songs in music history, Bob Dylan’s “Like a Rolling Stone” broke industry auction records when the only known draft of the final lyrics sold.
Adidas AG Nigo®’s
Stan Smith Prototype Shoes
These shoes from the personal collection of NIGO® (a Japanese designer, music producer, and creative entrepreneur hyphenate) were a gift from the brand Adidas. “I wanted to have an estate sale of my own but obviously I couldn’t get any enjoyment from it myself if I was dead,” he said at the time. “So I decided to do it now.”
The Casablanca Piano
It was over this piano, while Sam (actor Dooley Wilson) sang “As Time Goes By,” that Humphrey Bogart uttered the classic line: “Here’s lookin’ at you, kid.”
