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Jackson goods sell for $500,000 Jackson sale nears the $2m mark
(1 day later)
Memorabilia from the Jackson family pop dynasty has fetched about $500,000 (£252,800) on the first day of a two-day auction in Las Vegas. Memorabilia from the Jackson family pop dynasty has sold for between $1.5m (£750,000) and $2m (£1m) during a two-day auction in Las Vegas.
Among the items sold was a black military-style coat belonging to Michael Jackson, which sold for $24,000 (£12,131) according to the auctioneers. Among the items snapped up was a black military-style coat belonging to Michael Jackson, which sold for $24,000 (£12,131) according to the auctioneers.
Jackson's MTV music award for song We Are The World fetched $16,000 (£8,087).Jackson's MTV music award for song We Are The World fetched $16,000 (£8,087).
The Guernsey's Auction House sale at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino had over 1,100 items on offer.The Guernsey's Auction House sale at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino had over 1,100 items on offer.
It billed the two-day auction as the biggest-ever sale of Jackson family memorabilia, including clothes, music sheets and gold disc awards belonging to Michael, Janet, Jermaine, Tito and La Toya.It billed the two-day auction as the biggest-ever sale of Jackson family memorabilia, including clothes, music sheets and gold disc awards belonging to Michael, Janet, Jermaine, Tito and La Toya.
The auction ended on Thursday evening with full sales figures expected later on Friday. The final sales tally is still being calculated but the figure is expected to be between $1.5m (£750,000) and $2m (£1m). Some of the proceeds will go to charity.
The Jackson memorabilia was sold by Universal Express Inc, a luggage company, who acquired them last March. The Jackson collection was sold by Universal Express Inc, a luggage company, which acquired the items last March.
The company's chief executive, Richard Altomare, said he was not disappointed with the sales figures so far, despite the fact the company bought them for $5m (£2.5m) and spent $2m (£1m) transporting them. The collection includes signed pictures, music sheets and awards
"We are thrilled with the results of this initial auction," said Richard Altomare, Chairman and CEO of Universal Express.
"But most importantly, I am excited for the children's charities that will be benefiting from the outcome, and feel proud that we could help these vital organisations," he added.
A 1960s ID card belonging to Michael Jackson, identifying him as a Motown Records artist, was sold for $9,000 (£4,550).
A glittery jacket owned by the pop star went for $19,000 (£9,600), while a 1984 telegram from the late actor Marlon Brando to Jackson sold for $1,600 (£800).
Artwork inspired by Jackson's Thriller and Off the Wall albums was up for grabs
The company's collection includes other Jackson items, such as master tapes of hundreds of songs, some never released - Mr Altomare said they will be sold at a later date.The company's collection includes other Jackson items, such as master tapes of hundreds of songs, some never released - Mr Altomare said they will be sold at a later date.
"We have two times the number of items here still in our warehouse," he added."We have two times the number of items here still in our warehouse," he added.
The company bought the entire collection for $5m (£2.5m) and spent $2m (£1m) transporting them.
The date and location of the second auction will be announced shortly.
"We still have many items that fans and collectors will be very interested in purchasing," Mr Altomare said.
Jackson initially opposed the auction but the matter was then resolved amicably.Jackson initially opposed the auction but the matter was then resolved amicably.
Other items that sold on Wednesday include gold discs for Jackson's Off the Wall album and the Jackson 5 single I want You Back - they fetched $11,000 (£5,560) each. Other items that were sold include gold discs for Jackson's Off the Wall album and the Jackson 5 single I want You Back - they fetched $11,000 (£5,560) each.
But a copy of the contract for Jackson's purchase of his Californian ranch Neverland in 1987 sold for just $100 (£50). But a copy of the contract for Michael Jackson's purchase of his Californian ranch Neverland in 1987 was bought for just $100 (£50).
A platinum record for his hit song Billie-Jean also sold for $100 (£50).A platinum record for his hit song Billie-Jean also sold for $100 (£50).