On the evening of February 21st, 2024, Christie’s highly anticipated auction of The Collection of Sir Elton John: Goodbye Peachtree Road began with opening night. The sale honoring Elton John and his discerning eye for collecting. Elton John carefully curated a diverse array of items across various categories, and last night paid homage to the significant contribution the Atlanta chapter had played in his collecting endeavors. The sale featured 49 lots, and was 100% sold, achieving a total of USD 8 Million.
The 'Goodbye Peachtree Road' Collection of Sir Elton John sold USD 8 Million on its opening night with outstanding results for the three wristwatches featured in the sale including a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Leopard Dial ref. 116598SACO Case No. K591067, Circa 2001 —with diamonds and orange sapphires— which sold for USD 176,400 against its low estimate of USD 40,000, setting a new world auction record for the model.
A Limited-Edition Cartier 'Crash' case no. A108446, no. 150/400, circa 1991 sold for USD 277,200, almost four times its low estimate of USD 70,000. A Signed Cartier Tank Normale sold for USD 176,400, almost nine times the low estimate of USD 20,000— another record for the model. The group of three watches in total achieved USD 630,000 against a total low estimate of USD 130,000 for all three timepieces.
Tash Perrin, Deputy Chairman, Christie’s Americas, comments: “The view from the rostrum this evening was fantastic; with an incredible energy in the room and outstanding activity online. It was a privilege to auction Elton John’s inspiring collection. We were thrilled with the results of tonight's top lot: the Banksy Flower Thrower Triptych which exceeded the high estimate. We were also delighted to see so many lots far surpassing their high estimate with objects ranging from a Versace dinner service set to EJ monogrammed boots. We could not be more excited as we embark on the Day Sales beginning tomorrow morning.”
Tash Perrin, Deputy Chairman, Christie’s Americas selling A Pair of Silver Leather Tall Platform Boots for USD 94,500
The first four lots featured in the auction each skyrocketed past their estimates— signature pieces synonymous with Elton John's iconic style. A Pair of Silver Leather Tall Platform Boots, with red leather letters E and J circa 1971 sold for USD 94,500 —19 times the low estimate of USD 5,000, and a signature pair of Prescription Sunglasses Sir Winston Eyeware, circa 1975 sold for USD 22,680, 11 times the low estimate.
Opening Night was led by Banksy’s Flower Thrower Triptych, a work Elton John acquired directly from the artist, which achieved USD 1,925,500. Elton John’s beloved 1990 Bentley Continental, a car that traveled with him internationally, from Atlanta to Los Angeles to the South of France, generated exceptional results. Inspiring lively and spirited bidding from 24 bidders online, on the phone, and in the room, it sold for USD 441,000 against a low estimate of USD 25,000 to a buyer on the phone.
Speaking to the strong bond between the Versace family and Elton John, a group of Vintage Gianni Versace silk shirts sold for USD 30,240, more than 7 times their low estimate of USD 4,000. A Versace (Rosenthal) Porcelain 'Medusa Red' Table Service sold for USD 55,440 against a low estimate of USD 4,000.
The Collection of Sir Elton John: Goodbye Peachtree Road live sales continues today. The first session began today, February 22nd, 2024 and the second session will take place tomorrow February 23rd, 2024. The Online sales remain open for bidding through February 28th, 2024.
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