Auction News Network

Mendelssohn Manuscript Sells For Almost $700,000

Towards the end of conductor Arturo Toscanini’s life, he received a rather special gift from the pianist Rudolf Serkin. It was a complete autograph score to Felix Mendelssohn’s Melusine overture, which the composer considered one of his finest works. Last night the 46 page manuscript sold at Sotheby’s London for $694,824, which was a bit more than it’s low estimate. All told, the auction of Toscanini’s manuscripts, letters and memorabilia realized just over $2m.

“Casablanca” Piano At Sotheby’s

It’s the most famous prop from the one of the most celebrated films of all time. The upright piano from the 1942 classic “Casablanca”—the one on which Sam plays “As Time Goes By” for Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart—will be sold at a Sotheby’s auction in New York on December 14th, when it’s expected to sell for as much as $1.2m.

Update: the “Casablanca” piano sold for about half its high estimate,  or $602,500.

Smashed Guitar Offers Nirvana

The guitar Kurt Cobain smashed at the end of a Nirvana music video will be for sale at a Christie’s London auction. They think somebody might bid $40,000. The musicians weren’t spend thrifts, they bought the Zen-On bass at a pawn shop just for the musical mayhem.  The video, “Smells Like Teen Spirit” was a smashing success.