Fine vintage violins typically lead sales of fine musical instruments. That’s the case at Christie’s auction on August 26th, when a Guarneri produced in Mantua circa 1690 will be the top estimated lot at $250,000-$350,000. Some of the most interesting items, however, will be rare violin bows. At the top of the list is a gold and tortoiseshell mounted bow by Francois Xavier Tourte. Made in Paris circo 1820-1825, it’s estimated with $150,000-$250,000.Among the other high-valued instruments are a violin by Dominico Montagnana, produced in Venice circa 1740 (est. $200,000-$300,000), and a violoncello that Carlo Ferdinando Landolfi made in Milan circa 1771 (est. $150,000-$250,00).
Rare Bows Highlight Christie’s Musical Instruments Sale
April 04, 2012
James Bond Barn Find: $90K ‘Thunderball’ Watch
May 22, 2013The latest dramatic barn find involves a Breitling Top Time, the very watch Sean Connery wore in “Thunderball.” Several years ago a collector snapped it up at a yard sale for less than $40. Suspecting a higher value, the anonymous buyer took it to an expert for evaluation. The savvy collector wasn’t wrong: when the watch appears at a Christie’s auction next month in London, it’s expected to sell for as much as $90,000.
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“Harry Legacy” Sells For $26.m
May 17, 2013Money has been flooding into the rapidly rising diamond market in recent months, as collectors seek remunerative parking spots for their investment dollars. The latest example is the $26.7m that jeweler Harry Winston paid this week at a Christie’s auction in Geneva for a flawless 101.73-carat “colorless” diamond. The price was a new high for a diamond of this type, exceeding the last auction price record by more than $10m.
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Bizarre Topless Photo of Jolie, $45,500
May 16, 2013A bizarre topless photo of Angelina Jolie called “Horseplay” sold at Christie’s London auction last night for $45,500. The “Wild Side of Photography” sale was scheduled well before Jolie’s double mastectomy announcement. Taken when she was 25, the photo also prominently displays a “Billy Bob” tattoo, referring to former husband Thornton who has since been removed from her shoulder and her life.
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Rising Value of Unrestored Cars
By Malcolm Welford, Vintage Car Specialist
