Celebrity Life

Have you ever dreamed of possessing part of the ultra-famous monument that symbolises Paris throughout the world? A segment of an original staircase from the Eiffel Tower will go under the hammer at an Artcurial auction on December 1, as part of its Parisian Art Deco and Design sale.

This 2.6-metre segment comes from the historic spiral staircase built by Gustave Eiffel and his collaborators for the Universal Exhibition of 1889. A few years later, an elevator replaced the original staircase between the second and third floor of the iconic monument, which is why the staircase was dismantled. It was separated into 24 segments, two of which measure nine metres.

One of these long segments remains on the Tower's first floor, while three others were redistributed to Paris's Musée d'Orsay and Cité des sciences de la Villette and the Musée de l'Histoire du fer (Iron history museum) in Nancy (in the east of France).

The 20 elements left were auctioned off in December 1983, scattering this heritage between cultural institutions and private collections worldwide. Every now and then some resurface on the auction market.

The segment of the staircase being auctioned off in December by Artcurial comes from a private Canadian collection. It is estimated to fetch between 30,000 and 40,000 euros — a rather modest sum compared to segments previously auctioned off.

In 2016, a piece of the same staircase sold for 523,800 euros, far above its original estimate. In 2013, another 3.5-metre high segment went for 220,000 euros during a previous Artcurial sale.

Find out more about the auction here.

(Main and featured image: Anthony Delanoix/ Unsplash)

The post You Can Now Own Part of an Eiffel Tower Staircase appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Have you ever dreamed of possessing part of the ultra-famous monument that symbolises Paris throughout the world? A segment of an original staircase from the Eiffel Tower will go under the hammer at an Artcurial auction on December 1, as part of its Parisian Art Deco and Design sale.

This 2.6-metre segment comes from the historic spiral staircase built by Gustave Eiffel and his collaborators for the Universal Exhibition of 1889. A few years later, an elevator replaced the original staircase between the second and third floor of the iconic monument, which is why the staircase was dismantled. It was separated into 24 segments, two of which measure nine metres.

One of these long segments remains on the Tower's first floor, while three others were redistributed to Paris's Musée d'Orsay and Cité des sciences de la Villette and the Musée de l'Histoire du fer (Iron history museum) in Nancy (in the east of France).

The 20 elements left were auctioned off in December 1983, scattering this heritage between cultural institutions and private collections worldwide. Every now and then some resurface on the auction market.

The segment of the staircase being auctioned off in December by Artcurial comes from a private Canadian collection. It is estimated to fetch between 30,000 and 40,000 euros — a rather modest sum compared to segments previously auctioned off.

In 2016, a piece of the same staircase sold for 523,800 euros, far above its original estimate. In 2013, another 3.5-metre high segment went for 220,000 euros during a previous Artcurial sale.

Find out more about the auction here.

(Main and featured image: Anthony Delanoix/ Unsplash)

The post You Can Now Own Part of an Eiffel Tower Staircase appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Michael Jordan will forever be considered one of the best professional athletes in the world, successfully participating in two-sports with record-breaking credentials. Michael Jordan holds significance in the world of sports, but also the sneaker industry. The Air Jordan brand continues to re-release retro versions of the sneakers that Michael had worn on the court […]

The post Game Worn Jordan Sneakers Expected To Sell For $800,000 By Sotheby’s appeared first on duPont REGISTRY Daily.

No matter what your political beliefs are, you can’t deny our 45th president’s taste in transportation. Because the transition in power signals the end of his era, a private consignor has decided to part ways with two of President Trump’s most adored automobiles. Both will be primetime lots at Mecum’s Kissimmee auction between January 7-17th. […]

The post Two Trump Cars Heading To Mecum Kissimmee appeared first on duPont REGISTRY Daily.

Here's your chance to live out all your James Bond and super spy fantasies.

A gun designed to look like a tube of lipstick, a purse with a hidden camera, and a hotel room listening device are among items used by the KGB Soviet intelligence during the Cold War going up for auction for the first time.

American auction house Julien's will sell the roughly 400 lots online and then in-person from mid-January to February 13, 2021. The items were recently on display at the KGB Espionage Museum in Manhattan, New York — a private museum opened in January 2019 by Lithuanian historian Julius Urbaitis that has closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

"We are not aware of any similar auction for this genre. There is going to be a massive follow up on this because people are so fascinated by all this," said Julien's CFO Martin Nolan.

[caption id="attachment_212361" align="alignnone" width="1024"] A sample of some of the items on display at The KGB Spy Museum in New York in 2019. (Image: Timothy A Clary/ AFP)[/caption]

Estimates for the items range from a few hundred dollars to US$12,000 (HK$93,030), which is the top estimate for a rare Soviet version of the Enigma code cipher machine known as the Fialka. A stone bust of Vladimir Lenin is expected to reach between US$5,000 and US$7,000 (HK$38,800 and HK$54,300), while a steel door from a former KGB prison hospital is estimated at $500 to $700 (HK$3,900 and HK$5,400).

"This is not massively expensive stuff, this is fun stuff that...can trigger a fascinating conversation at a dinner party," said Nolan.

Julien's is also putting under the hammer other memorabilia from the Cold War, including a high school report card for Che Guevara, a signed 1958 letter from Fidel Castro discussing plans to take Havana, and items related to the US-Soviet space race. More details here.

(Main image: Timothy A Clary/ AFP; Featured image: Julien's Auctions)

The post Going Undercover? KGB Spy Devices Star in an Upcoming Auction appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

A recent auction of one of the first Ferrari Romas in the United States has ended and the results are fantastic in more ways than one. This specific Roma was auctioned by RM Sotheby’s with help from Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo with proceeds benefitting the Save the Children, a 501(c)(3) organization. Save the Children […]

The post Ferrari Roma Auctioned by RM Sotheby’s Raises $750,000 For Charity appeared first on duPont REGISTRY Daily.

Mecum Auctions has wrapped up their Las Vegas 2020 event and the results are fantastic. With 431 vehicles crossing the auction block, bidders were taking part in the action on-site and online. In total, 316 vehicles were sold for a sell-through rate of 73 percent and $13 million in overall sales. Holding the top spot […]

The post Mecum Las Vegas 2020 Reaches $13 Million In Sales appeared first on duPont REGISTRY Daily.

Glenfiddich is one of the largest single malt Scotch whisky producers in the world and proudly boasts that it is the most awarded as well. With a history dating back to 1886, it has a rich history and a stunning archive of aged whiskies that are prized by collectors. Rather curiously, while it has established... View Article

The post Rare Glenfiddich Auction Inspires $290,000 in Sales appeared first on Elite Traveler.

A Walther PP pistol used in the first-ever James Bond movie will go up for auction next month in Los Angeles.

Scottish acting great Sean Connery, who passed away last month at the age of 90 at his home in the Bahamas, wielded the gun in 1962's Dr. No. It is estimated to fetch US$150,000 to 200,000 (HK$1.16 million to 1.55 million).

"The silhouette of 007 holding this gun would go on to become the James Bond franchise's most iconic image and one of the most recognisable pop culture references of all time," said Martin Nolan, executive director of Julien's Auctions.

In Dr. No, James Bond is ordered by his British Secret Service bosses to reluctantly trade in his old, misfiring Beretta gun for the Walther, which has "a delivery like a brick through a plate glass window."

"The American CIA swear by them," Bond is informed.

Versions of the Walther remain 007's signature firearm, some 25 films later. The deactivated handgun prop, one of two used in Connery's debut film, was owned by the original movie's armorer until it was sold off in a 2006 auction.

It will be one of more than 500 items in the "Icons & Idols Trilogy: Hollywood" auction held in Beverly Hills and online on December 3. Other notable memorabilia will include a pilot's helmet worn by Tom Cruise in Top Gun and Arnold Schwarzenegger's leather motorcycle jacket from Terminator 2: Judgment Day.

[caption id="attachment_212194" align="alignnone" width="1024"] The late Sean Connery's Walther PP pistol used in the first-ever James Bond movie will go up for auction next month in Los Angeles. (Image: AFP)[/caption]

Bond's next cinematic outing — believed to be the final movie for current 007 Daniel Craig — has been postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. No Time To Die is currently scheduled for an April release.

Connery earned lasting worldwide fame and adoration for his smooth, Scottish-accented portrayal of the suave licensed-to-kill spy over several films.

The first actor to utter the unforgettable "Bond, James Bond," Connery is seen by many fans as giving the definitive portrayal of novelist Ian Fleming's creation. He suffered from dementia in his final years, according to his widow Micheline Roquebrune.

(Main and featured image: Julien's Auctions)

The post Sean Connery’s James Bond Gun to Go Under the Hammer in December appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

When it comes to fine single malt Scotch whisky, we’ve come to expect distilleries to release expressions that are 20 or even 30 years old. A 50-year-old whisky, however — well, that’s something which makes us stop and take notice.

Last month, The Glenrothes made waves when it unveiled its oldest single malt whisky ever: A 50-year-old expression that was distilled in November 1968, followed by maturing in sherry and bourbon American oak casks until its bottling in September 2019. This was hardly everyday news for the Speyside distiller: Until now, The Glenrothes’ oldest single malt was a mere 25 years old. What’s more, this limited-release whisky comes in individually numbered crystal decanters, each one housed inside a stunning black-lacquered presentation case.

Not just anyone will be able to get their hands on this remarkable release, though, as only 50 bottles have been made available globally. Lucky buyers will become one of just 50 people globally to join ‘Fifty,’ an ultra-exclusive virtual club whose members will be invited to visit The Glenrothes Estate for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet the distillery team and stay at the property’s spiritual home, Rothes House. Members will also receive an engraved membership card that matches the number of their bottle and grants access to an exclusive web portal where they can register their membership, see product release previews and more.

Whisky aficionados, take note: just one of these treasured bottles is hitting the auction block this month during Bonhams’ Fine & Rare Wine and Whisky sale on Friday, 20 November. The decanter in question, number 38 of 50, is estimated to fetch HK$230,000-300,000 (£23,000-30,000). All proceeds will be donated to a charity organisation based in the Asia-Pacific region.

So what can buyers expect from this incredibly rare whisky? “After half a century maturing in sherry bourbon oak casks, our 50-year-old single malt offers a unique blend of aromas with complexity that only a whisky of this age can deliver,” said Laura Rampling, Master Whisky Maker at The Glenrothes. “It is dark and fragrant, offering sweet and spiced flavours with a refined finish and gentle lingering of woody spices. On the nose, drinkers can expect hints of jasmine and cedar.”

[caption id="attachment_212129" align="alignnone" width="1024"] The Glenrothes Estate.[/caption]

“As our oldest ever release, this 50-year-old is a salute to the loyalty and craft of our distillery team, several of whom have over 40 years’ service,” said Kerr Arthur, Director of The Glenrothes brand. “They truly understand the art of whisky-making The Glenrothes way, and now 50 people will have the privilege of sharing in this milestone release.”

In advance of the auction date, we spoke to Rampling and Arthur to find out more about this exciting release, the historic legacy of The Glenrothes and how innovation will play a role in the future production of single malt Scotch whisky.

What makes The Glenrothes special?

Kerr Arthur: Our entire whisky-making process is underpinned by our Four Corners: water, distillation, wood and maturation. We start with our particularly soft water which is sourced on our distillery estate on Speyside. Our new-make spirit is nurtured in our tall copper stills for much longer than most whiskies and this creates a lighter, fruitier and more delicately flavoured spirit.

Maturation in sherry-seasoned oak casks plays a big part in creating great whisky especially for The Glenrothes as unlike many, our whiskies are always 100 percent natural in colour and that can only be achieved by investing in high-quality casks. It is this unique blend of science and alchemy which helps turn our new-make spirit into a world-class malt. Our whisky maker noses each and every cask individually and hand-selects those that are ready to be bottled.

What does this 50-year-old expression reveal about The Glenrothes’ style of whisky making?

Laura Rampling: We wouldn’t consider this whisky a ‘revelation,’ but rather an embodiment of The Glenrothes’ rounded and rich house style at an elevated level.

When was the decision made to release the 50-year-old and how was that decision reached?

Laura Rampling: The decision to create bespoke, collectible bottles can happen in different ways. Sometimes we have an idea for a new whisky and I go and seek the casks from which we can create a whisky in line with that idea. Other times, while reviewing existing whisky stocks, we discover fantastic special casks which can be utilised and we create something around that.

Alongside day-to-day whisky creation, we routinely nose and taste stock to identify whether we might have some casks which are special or remarkable. We learn to expect the unexpected. It was back in 2018 that we decided to launch a 50-year-old, having identified casks of that age which had exceptional characteristics.

[caption id="attachment_212130" align="aligncenter" width="767"] Laura Rampling, Master Whisky Maker at The Glenrothes.[/caption]

Should we expect to see any similar releases of limited editions from The Glenrothes in the future?

Kerr Arthur: We are constantly reviewing our stocks and planning future releases. There will certainly be more excellent whiskies coming out in the future. Based on the reaction to our 50-year-old so far, we would be very unpopular if we did not release further editions!

The 50 owners of The Glenrothes 50-year-old will be invited to the distillery. What are some of the special experiences they can look forward to there?

Kerr Arthur: Those who buy the 50-year-old will be given the opportunity to see behind the scenes at The Glenrothes. This is a rare and exclusive experience in itself, as the secluded estate — which includes the distillery, cooperage, private farms and Rothes House — is normally closed to visitors. I’m sure there will also be the opportunity to sample some truly special whisky.

Why is this the first time The Glenrothes has released a 50-year-old edition?

Laura Rampling: We wanted to do something that celebrated the loyalty and craft of our distillery team in Rothes and this 50-year-old is a celebration of their skill, passion and commitment. It’s also about being in the right place at the right time – a combination of having great whisky at the right age and customers wishing to buy it.

How do the packaging, membership card, and invite to The Glenrothes estate relate to how The Glenrothes wants to interact with customers?

Kerr Arthur: The 50-year-old packaging was designed to offer a special experience that reflects the significance of opening the distillery doors to a select group of buyers for the first time. We really do value relationships with people who buy our whiskies – it’s part of our community culture.

Inviting buyers of our 50-year-old to our home is a thank you to them and a symbol of The Glenrothes community they will be part of. Our Spirit of Rothes community is where we can talk to buyers more intimately and we want to continue to grow this community with members from across the globe.

[caption id="attachment_212131" align="alignnone" width="1024"] The Glenrothes Estate.[/caption]

How does the 50-year-old add to the whisky-making legacy of The Glenrothes?

Kerr Arthur: It’s our first and will therefore go down in our history as such. It also provides us with the confidence to create similar aged releases for the future which will be part of the legacy of our 50-year-old.

Laura Rampling: Our legacy is rooted in the tradition, skill and expertise of our team and our 50-year-old pays tribute to them. This is a hugely exciting chapter and as Master Whisky Maker I am looking forward to building on the legacy of The Glenrothes, honouring its history while helping create great new whiskies for our customers to enjoy.

What does the future hold for The Glenrothes? How will you embrace tradition vs. innovation?

Kerr Arthur: We have always sought to progress as a distillery and embrace the new if we feel it will enhance the whiskies we create. We will continue to do so but will never walk away from what we feel defines us: natural water sources, unusually slow distillation in tall stills, high-quality sherry-seasoned oak casks, 100 percent naturally coloured whiskies and the craftsmanship of our local community.

Laura Rampling: The Four Corners of our whisky-making process won’t change and we will continue to celebrate this tradition. We do things a bit differently and such a high-quality, traditionally handcrafted spirit will always demand attention.

The post Everything You Need to Know About The Glenrothes’ Oldest Release: A 50-Year-Old Whisky Coming to Charity Auction This Month appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.