Selected Items from the 1988 Auction of Liberace's Estate And Their Catalog Descriptions
1. Liberace’s Nevada Driver’s License
“Of typical form, to include Liberace’s photograph and signature with the expiration date of 1988. $250–500”
2. Pair of Large Contemporary Wool Figures of Sheep
“Each with curled composition horns, felt ears and face, (damage to one). Height 28 inches; length 29 inches. $500–750”
3. Three Gentleman’s Wristwatches
“An amusing personalized wristwatch, the circular multicolored dial depicting a caricature of Liberace at his piano, the letters of his hame indicating eight of the hours, in a stainless steel case attached to a black strap; another wristwatch, signed Pulsar, and a third wristwatch imitating a classic model of an important watch company. $10–100”
4. 14K Yellow Gold Poodle Pendant on Chain
“The 14K yellow gold poodle with extended paw, when the paw is pushed down the poodle’s head lifts and his eyes open to reveal two round rubies, suspended from a 25-inch chain of 14K yellow gold bar links. $500–750”
5. 1977 Chrysler Town and Country Station Wagon
“Nevada License number CRZ970, recorded milage 51,692, the cream body painted below the waistline with a continuous piano keyboard, cream interior. $2,000–3,000”
6. 14K Yellow Gold, Diamond, Ruby, Koala Bear Brooch
“The 14K yellow gold climbing koala bear accented by a round diamond, his eyes set with two small round rubies. $10–100”
7. Amusing 14K Yellow Gold, Citrine Cigarette Case
“The rectangular, hinged 14K yellow gold box decorated with a rectangular-cut citrine supporting a 14K yellow gold candelabra with red enamel flames. $250–500”
8. Pair of Massive Chinese Ceramic Temple Lions
“Each crouching on a rectangular stepped plinth with head turned and gaping mouth framed by flowing ribbons and hogged mane, each body glazed brown with thick green highlights. $500–750”
9. Liberace Soft Body Doll
“With brown hair. Length 17 inches. $10–100”
10. Contemporary Framed Lithograph: “Friends”
“Printed in vivid greens, blues, browns, and yellows, with four seated dogs, green and fabric mats (lucite cracked). $10–100”
11. Cowhide Evening Jacket
“The jacket with gold and cream bugle bead lapel and cuffs, with detachable ruffled bib, together with brown trousers and matching cowhide shoes. $500–750”
12. Two Framed Photographs of Dogs
“Depicting a Yorkshire terrier and a Laso Apso, each with giltwood frame, together with two embroidered linen pillows, the first of rectangular form embroidered with the inscription Happiness is being a mother, the other inscribed Happiness is being a grandmother, each with floral lace ruffled borders.”
13. Rhinestone Crown
“Typically formed with open panels each with a fleur-de-lis motif. $100–250”
Rebecca McCarthy is an Awl Summer Reporter and a bookseller.