James Bond wristwatch, Rolling Stones setlist, and 70-year-old whisky: Check out this week's auction block roundup
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.
You can read previous weeks’ roundups here and here.
Continue reading to see the most fascinating objects being sold at auction this week.
Sotheby’s: Michael Schumacher’s 1997 Scuderia Ferrari Formula 1 signed racing suit
You can own a piece of Formula 1 history with this signed racing suit worn by legendary driver Michael Schumacher. The suit is valued between $33,143 and $55,239 and will be available at Sotheby’s Schumacher and F1 Legends collection sale through September 4.
Sotheby’s: Macallan 60 Year Old in Lalique, Six Pillars, Fourth Edition
First released in 2011, only 400 bottles of this Macallan single malt scotch whisky were ever made. The liquor – sold in a beautiful art deco bottle – is valued between $55,000 and $70,000. Bidding has already begun but the sale is not scheduled to close until September 12.
Read more about the most expensive liquor ever sold at auction here.
Christie’s: Letter from Albert Einstein warning FDR about Germany
This 1939 letter from Albert Einstein to President Franklin D. Roosevelt presents a chilling snapshot into World War II-era Germany. In the letter – which was a first draft and not sent to the president – Einstein warns that Germany might have the capacity to develop a nuclear weapon. A longer, more detailed warning was sent to the president and remains in Franklin D. Roosevelt Library at Hyde Park, New York. Bidding begins on the letter, valued between $400,000 and $600,000, on September 10.
Julien’s: Raquel Welch’s Oscar party dress
Two evening outfits belonging to legendary actress Raquel Welch are currently being sold as a set by Julien’s Auctions. One of the dresses – a navy Isabelle Allard Paris cocktail dress – was worn by the actress while she attended the 1996 Vanity Fair Oscar party. She wore the other garment – a gold and brown lace gown – on the opening night of her Broadway musical Victor/Victoria in 1997. The dresses will be auctioned on September 5.
Read more about the most expensive dresses ever sold at auction here.
Sotheby’s: Mick Jagger’s handwritten 1964 Rolling Stones setlist
Handwritten, in red pen, on the back of an envelope, this setlist reveals what the Rolling Stones planned to play at a gig at the Birmingham Town Hall in March 1964. Bidding has already begun on the set list, valued between $7,857 and $10,476. The lot is scheduled to close on September 12.
Sotheby’s: Freddie Mercury’s leather jacket
This Jean Paul Gaultier studded-leather jacket was worn by Freddie Mercury during his final live singing performance at London’s Dominion Theatre on April 14, 1988. Bidding has already begun on the leather jacket, though the auction will not close until September 12. The jacket was valued between $26,181 and $39,271 but bidding has already exceeded the initial valuation.
Sotheby’s: James Bond OMEGA Seamaster Diver 300M Model Automatic Wristwatches
Released to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the James Bond movie “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service,” bidding has already begun on this set of Omega watches, valued between $39,271 and $65,452. One of the watches is yellow gold, while the other is stainless steel. The Bond family coat of arms is emblazoned on the watches’ casebacks. There is also a small 007, where the seven o’clock marker would normally be on a watch.