Highlights From Christie’s ‘Pop Culture’ Auction
With the rise of the Internet, it's become increasingly easy to get a great piece of memorabilia from your favorite artist. But Christie's Auction House still has the power to get the items that no one else can. In this exclusive gallery, you can see pictures of one-of-a-kind items that were used by such legends as Louis Armstrong, John Lennon, Freddie Mercury and Lady Gaga.
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Britney Spears’ Stage Costume
Brit's two-piece Lycra stage costume was designed by Karen LeSage and includes a cropped black vest with red sequin swirl appliqué, plus a pair of black flared trousers with red sequin heart appliqué to the seat. She wore the outfit during her Crazy 2K tour in 2000.
It's estimated to sell for 800 to 1,200 British pounds ($1,310 to $1,965).
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Freddie Mercury’s Lightning Vest
The Queen frontman's flamboyant stage costume includes a white Lycra vest with black lightning bolt design, white leggings with black Lycra appliqué lightning bolt stripes and a red satin sash. Mercury wore these during the band's The Works tour (1984-1985), including during Queen's performance at Rio De Janeiro's Rock in Rio festival in January 1985. The outfit is accompanied by nine photographs of Mercury wearing the costume.
It's expected to sell for 8,000 to 12,000 British pounds ($13,100 to $19,651).
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Eric Clapton’s Tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughan
These are four handwritten drafts of Eric Clapton's heartfelt tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughan, who died in 1990. They state that Clapton first heard Vaughan playing on David Bowie's record Let's Dance. "I knew instantly that there was a giant out there," they read. "To hear him play would make my hair stand on end for joy, and sometimes make me feel ashamed for my own laziness, but always it would make me feel good."
The notes are expected to sell for $1,500 to $2,500 British pounds ($2,456 to $4,094).
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Guns N’ Roses’ Guitar
Here's a white Crescent Stratocaster-style electric guitar airbrushed with Guns N' Roses' decal. It's signed by Axl Rose, Dizzy Reed, Steven Adler, Izzy Stradlin, Slash and Duff McKagan, and accompanied by five candid photographs of them signing the guitar.
It's estimated to go for 1,000 to 1,500 British pounds ($1,637 to $2,456).
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Louis Armstrong’s Trumpet
This trumpet from 1963 is engraved with its owner's name: Louis Armstrong. It comes with two mouthpieces.
It's estimated to move for 6,000 to 8,000 British pounds ($9,825 to $13,100).
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John Lennon’s Photos
These original photographs and proofs were taken by John Lennon with a time-delay camera for the album cover of his and Yoko Ono's 1968 LP Unfinished Music No. 1, Two Virgins.
They're estimated to sell for 6,000 to 8,000 British pounds ($9,825 to $13,100).
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Lady Gaga’s Gown
This black lace evening gown, designed by Jean Paul Gaultier, was donned by Lady Gaga on the red carpet of the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards in New York.
It's estimated to go for 2,500 to 3,500 British pounds ($4,094 to $5,731).
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Frank Sinatra’s Self-Portrait
Frank's self-portrait as a sad clown was painted in the 1950s.
It's estimated to sell for 2,000 to 3,000 British pounds ($3,275 to $4,912).
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George Harrison’s Shirt
This pale pink cotton shirt was owned and worn by George Harrison onstage at the Cavern Club between 1961-1963.
It's estimated to sell for 3,000 to 5,000 British pounds ($4,912 to $8,188).
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Queen’s Album Sleeve
This trimmed album sleeve was signed in silver pen by Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor and John Deacon.
It's estimated to go for 800 to 1,200 British pounds ($1,310 to $1,965).
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Bob Marley’s Album
This LP of Kaya is signed and inscribed by Bob Marley and Junior Murvin. It reads: "The Blessings O Jah Rastafari Be With I And I For Ever, Bob Marley" and "One Love, Junior Murvin"
It's estimated to sell for 2,000 to 3,000 British pounds ($3,275 to $4,912).
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Eric Clapton’s Guitar
This 1997 Fender Broadcaster Relic guitar in blonde finish was owned and signed by Eric Clapton.
It's one of the priciest items, expected to sell for 8,000 to 12,000 British pounds ($13,100 to $19,651).
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Freddie Mercury’s Cheeky Lyrics
This set of lyrics handwritten by Freddie Mercury became the Queen song "Fat Bottomed Girls." It shows some slight variations from the released version.
It's expected to go for 4,000 to 6,000 British pounds ($6,550 to $9,825).
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Paul McCartney’s Letter
This handwritten letter from Paul McCartney to painter Desmond Morris congratulates Morris on the success of his show at the Mayor Gallery and notes that he and Linda are now the proud owners of his piece 'The Survivors.'
It's estimated to sell for 800 – 1,200 British pounds ($1,310 to $1,965).
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James Brown’s Award
This International Academy of Music Award for Entertainer of the Century was presented to James Brown in 1990.
It's expected to sell for 800 to 1,200 British pounds ($1,310 to $1965).