A $500,000 Patek watch, Prince's guitar, and an Abbey Road piano: Check out this week's auction block roundup
Each week Quartz highlights the upcoming and ongoing sales at auction houses across the world
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 you won’t want to miss out on. While some of these objects go for millions, others are simultaneously affordable and unforgettable.
Continue reading to see the ten most fascinating objects being sold at auction this week.
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Sotheby’s:
You can own a piece of music history with this piano, which was used by musicians in Abbey Road studios from 1973 through 2016. Countless bands and musicians, including Paul McCartney, Pink Floyd, Amy Winehouse, Lady Gaga and Radiohead used this instrument to record classic songs and albums. Worth an estimated $197,887, the Abbey Road piano will be available at Sotheby’s popular culture auction on August 29.
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Sotheby’s:
Just in time for Oasis’ reunion, one of the guitars used by Noel Gallagher prior to the recording of the band’s 1994 debut album ‘Definitely Maybe’ is for sale. The Epiphone Les Paul Standard Electric Guitar is worth an estimated $79,155 and will be available at Sotheby’s popular culture auction on August 29.
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Sotheby’s:
Music legend Prince used this guitar throughout his penultimate 2014 HitnRun tour. The HDC-77 Electric Guitar is worth an estimated $263,812 and will be available at Sotheby’s popular culture auction on August 29.
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Sotheby’s:
Featured in one of the most acclaimed films ever made, the titular ballet slippers from “The Red Shoes” (1948) were custom made for Scottish dancer Moira Shearer. The shoes are worth an estimated $19,784 and will be available at Sotheby’s popular culture auction on August 29.
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Wilson’s:
This rare diamond-encrusted watch was seized by United Kingdom police and will now be sold at a Wilson’s Auction, with the proceeds going to the British people. Worth an estimated $500,000, this is the first time a Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711/1300A will be sold at auction without a reserve price. The watch will be available for auction on August 30.
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Heritage Auctions:
This 1963 retelling of Peter Parker’s origin story was the debut of several iconic characters – including J. Jonah Jameson – while also featuring Spiderman’s first ever crossover with the Fantastic Four. This first edition comic book is worth an estimated $10,400 and is available for purchase from Heritage Auctions.
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Christie’s:
This 1985 personal computer belonged to the late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen. The Compaq portable 286 microcomputer is worth an estimated $30,000 and is currently available at a Christie’s auction.
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Doyle:
Originally published in 1910, this account of Theodore Roosevelt’s travels in Africa was signed by the late president. The two-volume book is worth an estimated $2,000 and will be available at a Doyle auction from August 27 through September 12.