Elizabeth Taylor Cleopatra cape to beat '$20,000' auction estimate?

Elizabeth Taylor's ceremonial cape from Cleopatra comes to auction later this month

The gold ceremonial cape worn by Elizabeth Taylor in 1963 film Cleopatra is set to auction in Dallas later this month with a pre-sale estimate of $20,000.

The cape, which was crafted to bear a resemblance to the wings of a Phoenix, is made of panels of gold-painted leather, and features hand-stitched gold bugle and seed beads and sequins.

It was worn in two key scenes in the film, including Cleopatra's dramatic entrance to Rome.

Taylor also wore the cape for photo shoots for many newspapers and magazines, most famously on the cover of the October 6, 1961 issue of Life magazine. An image of Taylor in this cape was shown at the end of the "In Memoriam" tribute at the 2012 Academy Awards ceremony.

Liz Taylor's ceremonial cape from Cleopatra

Taylor's costume budget for the film was a staggering $194,800, which at the time was the highest ever for a single actor. Costume designer Irene Sharaff was recognised for her efforts and won an Academy Award for "Best Costume Design, Colour", for her work.

Considering past auction results of Taylor memorabilia, we believe this cape could easily beat its $20,000 estimate. Just last year, Taylor's riding costume from National Velvet sold for $73,800 as part of The Debbie Reynolds Collection of Hollywood Memorabilia.

The auction, which is set for March 30, will feature a number of exciting items of music and entertainment memorabilia. The rarest of the US Beatles singles, My Bonnie/The Saints, is expected to achieve more than $30,000, while a John Lennon autographed Imagine poster is set to bring in excess of $10,000.

Fans of movie memorabilia may be interested in this signed photograph of James Dean, which is currently for sale at Paul Fraser Collectibles.

Recent and related articles

'Rarest' Beatles US 45 rpm single with Tony Sheridan will rock at auction | 15 March 2012

Andy Warhol 'Liz' lithograph at auction gives another opportunity to Taylor's fans | 23 January 2012

Elizabeth Taylor Frans Hals rare art - recently identified - auctions in London | 25 January 2012

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Images: Heritage Auction Galleries