As previously reported, “Profiles in History Auction 29: Rare Hollywood Photographs, November 7th & 8th“, the latest Profiles in History auction was dedicated to rare photographs, while the next auction in December appears to be focused on traditional prop and wardrobe offerings.
Looking at the results of the auction that was completed yesterday, it’s difficult to know if it met their expectations, since it was the first of its kind dedicated to vintage photographs. Reviewing the completed auctions of eBay account, profiles-in-history, a few observations can be made (LINK to Results):
- The top 7 reserve items (all vintage posters) appear to have gone unsold at live auction:
- 426: The Wolf Man one-sheet poster – 0 Bids – $40,000.00
- 429: My Man Godfrey one-sheet poster – 0 Bids – $30,000.00
- 424: Unholy Three half-sheet poster – 0 Bids – $20,000.00
- 427: Casablanca insert poster – 0 Bids – $20,000.00
- 421: True to the Navy one-sheet poster – 0 Bids – $15,000.00
- 425: Doctor X one-sheet poster – 0 Bids – $15,000.00
- 430: Lawrence of Arabia three-sheet poster – 0 Bids – $15,000.00
- Only 3 items sold for $10,000 or higher:
- 818: Marlene Dietrich large photo Eugene Robert Richee – 23 Bids – $15,000.00
- 922: Carole Lombard signed large photo by WM. E. Thomas – 27 Bids – $13,000.00
- 769: Barbara Stanwyck large photo by William A. Fraker – 17 Bids – $10,000.00
- Overall, the number of unsold lots was relatively low – just approximately 225 out of more than 1,000 lots passed with no bids (approximately 22%).
- The auction was touted at “one million dollars worth of Hollywood glamour photography”. Making a quick scan of the results, I’d make a rough estimate of approximately $650,00 +/- sold, plus another $130,000 +/- for the 20% Buyer’s Premium, so they came very close to their estimate.
Given that their were no stand out, high ticket items sold (as with the traditional prop/wardrobe sale), I would think they would be pleased with the results.
It will be interesting to see if this is a one-time vintage photograph sale or if there will be an ongoing break from the traditional prop/wardrobe events, as well as how posters factor in. Perhaps the catalog for next month’s Auction 30 will provide some clues.
Jason De Bord