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Christie's marks 250 years of auctions Christie's marks 250 years of auctions
(1 day later)
World-renowned auction house Christie's is celebrating its 250th anniversary.World-renowned auction house Christie's is celebrating its 250th anniversary.
On 5 December 1766, young Scotsman James Christie opened the doors of his first sale house, in Pall Mall, London.On 5 December 1766, young Scotsman James Christie opened the doors of his first sale house, in Pall Mall, London.
His first auction included a pair of sheets, two pillowcases, two chamber pots and four Indian glassworks.His first auction included a pair of sheets, two pillowcases, two chamber pots and four Indian glassworks.
The following year, he held his first of what would be many auctions devoted entirely to pictures.The following year, he held his first of what would be many auctions devoted entirely to pictures.
Jussi Pylkkännen, global president of Christie's International, said its 21st Century auctioneers still have the expertise that enables them to "source outstanding collections and deliver extraordinary sales". Jussi Pylkkannen, global president of Christie's International, said its 21st Century auctioneers still have the expertise that enables them to "source outstanding collections and deliver extraordinary sales".
"Ever since James Christie first opened his doors 250 years ago, innovation and passion have driven our business, creating different perspectives of the art market and collecting trends," he said."Ever since James Christie first opened his doors 250 years ago, innovation and passion have driven our business, creating different perspectives of the art market and collecting trends," he said.
Here are 11 landmark sales from the auction house's illustrious past. Here are 10 landmark sales from the auction house's illustrious past.
The Madame du Barry collection of jewels
In 1795, the house's first collection of fine jewellery was sold.
The collection, which had belonged to King Louis XV of France's mistress Madame du Barry went for £8,791 4s 9d - the equivalent of £811,000 today.
Hamilton Palace saleHamilton Palace sale
The Hamilton Palace sale of 1882 is described by Christie's as "one of the most important house sales of the 19th Century".The Hamilton Palace sale of 1882 is described by Christie's as "one of the most important house sales of the 19th Century".
The auction took place over 17 days and included furniture made for Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette.The auction took place over 17 days and included furniture made for Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette.
The collection sold for £4,620, which in today's money is about £415,000.The collection sold for £4,620, which in today's money is about £415,000.
Portrait of James ChristiePortrait of James Christie
In 1927, a painting of James Christie was sold for 7,200 guineas - the equivalent of £403,000 today.In 1927, a painting of James Christie was sold for 7,200 guineas - the equivalent of £403,000 today.
The 1788 portrait was by British painter Thomas Gainsborough, who was a close friend of the auctioneer.The 1788 portrait was by British painter Thomas Gainsborough, who was a close friend of the auctioneer.
Steiff 'Elliot' teddy bearSteiff 'Elliot' teddy bear
In 1993, a blue plush-covered "Elliot" teddy bear, manufactured by Steiff in 1908, was auctioned.In 1993, a blue plush-covered "Elliot" teddy bear, manufactured by Steiff in 1908, was auctioned.
It went for £49,500 - triple the pre-sale estimate.It went for £49,500 - triple the pre-sale estimate.
Typewriter owned by Ian FlemingTypewriter owned by Ian Fleming
In 1995, a gold-plated Royal Quiet de Luxe portable typewriter, owned by James Bond author Ian Fleming, came up for auction.In 1995, a gold-plated Royal Quiet de Luxe portable typewriter, owned by James Bond author Ian Fleming, came up for auction.
The typewriter, produced in 1952, sold for £55,750.The typewriter, produced in 1952, sold for £55,750.
Pele's Brazil shirtPele's Brazil shirt
In 2002, the football shirt worn in the 1970 World Cup Final by Edson Arantes do Nascimento - otherwise known as Pelé - was sold at the London auction house.In 2002, the football shirt worn in the 1970 World Cup Final by Edson Arantes do Nascimento - otherwise known as Pelé - was sold at the London auction house.
The distinctive number 10 jersey fetched £157,750 - even though it was only estimated to fetch £30,000 to £50,000.The distinctive number 10 jersey fetched £157,750 - even though it was only estimated to fetch £30,000 to £50,000.
Starship Enterprise-DStarship Enterprise-D
In 2006, Christie's New York auction house sold the Starship Enterprise-D from the 1987-94 television series Star Trek: The Next Generation.In 2006, Christie's New York auction house sold the Starship Enterprise-D from the 1987-94 television series Star Trek: The Next Generation.
It sold for $576,000, which was the equivalent to £307,600. (Exchange rates have changed since the Brexit vote.)It sold for $576,000, which was the equivalent to £307,600. (Exchange rates have changed since the Brexit vote.)
Japanese armourJapanese armour
In 2009, a red and blue laced gold-lacquered Japanese suit of armour was sold at the same venue.In 2009, a red and blue laced gold-lacquered Japanese suit of armour was sold at the same venue.
The Honkozane Nimai do Gusoku armour was from the early Edo period (1600-1868).The Honkozane Nimai do Gusoku armour was from the early Edo period (1600-1868).
It fetched $602,500 - equivalent to £362,285.It fetched $602,500 - equivalent to £362,285.
AEC Routemaster London busAEC Routemaster London bus
In 2012, this RML Leyland AEC London Routemaster bus, made in 1966, was sold in London.In 2012, this RML Leyland AEC London Routemaster bus, made in 1966, was sold in London.
It was estimated to fetch up to £30,000, but eventually went for £67,250.It was estimated to fetch up to £30,000, but eventually went for £67,250.
Napoleon's hatNapoleon's hat
In July 2015, an imperial black felt bicorn campaign hat belonging to French Emperor Napoleon I was sold.In July 2015, an imperial black felt bicorn campaign hat belonging to French Emperor Napoleon I was sold.
The hat, believed to date back to 1806, fetched £386,500.The hat, believed to date back to 1806, fetched £386,500.
Margaret Thatcher's suitMargaret Thatcher's suit
In 2015, an Aquascutum royal blue wool crepe suit, worn by British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in 1989, sold at the London auction house.In 2015, an Aquascutum royal blue wool crepe suit, worn by British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in 1989, sold at the London auction house.
The fetching power suit fetched £27,500, smashing the pre-auction estimate of £2,000-£3,000.The fetching power suit fetched £27,500, smashing the pre-auction estimate of £2,000-£3,000.