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Profiles In History memorabilia auction makes stars of McQueen and Monroe
Steve's racing overalls and Marilyn's invite to JFK's birthday bash fared well at Profiles In History
Paul Fraser Collectibles, Monday 19 December 2011
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The racing overalls worn by Steve McQueen in the 1971 film Le Mans were the pick of the sold lots at Profiles In History's auction between December 15 and 17.
The overalls sold for $984,000, despite having been given away by the British Observer newspaper in 1971 in a special competition.
McQueen is hugely popular with collectors, in large part for his iconic role in 1963 prisoner of war film, The Great Escape.
In the film McQueen evades capture by jumping a wire on a 1962 Triumph TR6 Trophy motorcycle.
The weekend's sale also featured rare autographs from the ever popular Marilyn Monroe.
Third on Forbes' most-recent list of top-earning dead celebrities, Monroe generated $27m in sales between October 2010 and October 2011.
A handwritten, signed letter by an 18-year-old Monroe, when she was still known as Norma Jeane, sold for $52,500 at the sale.
The value of her autograph alone has increased by 7.82% pa since 2000. It is now worth £6,750, according to the PFC40 Autograph Index. Better still, this valuation can only increase as we approach the 50th anniversary of her death, in 2012.
We believe in Marilyn Monroe collectibles here at Paul Fraser Collectibles, and have invested significantly in her memorabilia over the years. Currently, our Monroe stock for sale includes a cheque signed by the star. It is currently available for £4,950.
The cheque is a fascinating memento of Monroe's life away from the movie cameras.
As is Monroe's invite to John F Kennedy's famous 1962 birthday celebrations, which sold for $40,000 at Profiles In History's auction.
 It's a good thing Marilyn accepted this invited from President JFK |
Included in the lot was a call sheet, featuring a list of the evening's performers, and a programme.
The evening is best remembered for Monroe's raunchy rendition of "Happy Birthday Mr President", among the most remarkable pieces of theatre ever created.
Currently in stock we have the hair from Marilyn's haircut at Bergdorf Goodman on New York's Fifth Avenue, which took place on the afternoon of the performance.
Hair collecting is gaining in popularity - it is among our biggest sellers. And this is your chance to get involved while prices remain low.
Recent and related articles
· Elizabeth Taylor Christian Dior gown sells for $362,500 at Christie's New York | 18 December 2011
· 'Christie's bidder paid $1.8m - but this can be yours for $78 in time for Xmas' | 15 December 2011
· Charlie Chaplin's 'first' hat auctions with $24,000 estimate at Sotheby's New York | 12 December 2011
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Images: Profiles In History
