Auction World Wonders of 2013

 Not only has 2013 brought a great year of wild and wonderful auction results in McTear's, but also the world over. Auctioning is becoming more and more popular, with a lot of money to be spent and gained. Here we have some of the best and brightest results in the world from 2013.

 On 5th June in New York, this Clark Sickle-Leaf Carpet estimated between $5-7 million, broke records by selling for an unbelievable $34 million, making it the most expensive carpet and also Islamic work of art to be sold- we are sure there will be a 'no shoes' rule on this carpet!



 Diamonds are always a favourite in McTears... this stunning white diamond was the largest diamond to ever be sold at an auction. The diamond sold on 7th October in Hong Kong weighed 118 plus carats and sold for $30.6 million- a lot to pay for a 'best friend', but I am sure the owner is will have a very happy future with this one!



 In New York, the highest price achieved for any modern artwork in 2013 was this Alberto Giacometti 'Grande tête mince', selling at just over $50 million.

 On 21st November in New York, this 1964 Ferrari 250 LM was sold at an impressive $14.3 million at the first major car auction in Manhattan in over 10 years which set records for many models, but this one coming up top- great for a Sunday drive!

 A fantastic year for auctions! Keep yourself up to date with the auctions we have coming up in McTear's in 2014 here to make sure you don't miss out, and if you think you have a valuable item that you are curious about the value of let McTear's help, see for valuations here.

Going Once...Going Twice...Gone!

With a little gap till our June auctions, we thought it would be interesting to have a look at the most expensive items sold at auction over the years.

Recently at McTear’s we were fortunate to be auctioning some of the fantastic work by Peter Howson which raised over £200,000. However, other items around the world have managed to reach much higher prices at auction.

It’s amazing what some people will pay for things at auction and these following items are just some of the best examples.

First of all the most expensive painting which was Pablo Picasso's Nude, Green Leaves and Bust that sold for $106.5million (£66million) in 2010 at Christie's auction house.


Source: Picasso's Nude, Green Leaves and Bust to be shown at Tate Modern

Next is the most expensive piece of clothing. Marlyn Monroe's famous 'Happy Birthday' serenade to President John F. Kennedy is one that has gone down in history and her flesh-coloured, curve-hugging, jewel-encrusted dress so tight and sheer that she was sewn into it, sold for a massive $1,267,500 in 1999.


Marilyn Monroe's "Happy Birthday Mr. President" Dress

The most expensive musical instrument sold in 2007 was this Guarneri del Gesù violin that sold for $3.9millon.


Guarneri del Gesù violin

We found this one very peculiar: The most expensive lock of hair. The company behind the Internet auction of such macabre memorabilia has made a small fortune selling the tresses of celebrities.To date, the most valuable one sold was that of Elvis Presley selling for $115,000 in 2002.


Tresses from Elvis Presley

Now for probably the coolest car we have ever seen, the 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa. Being the most expensive car sold at auction, this beauty reached a whopping $12.2million in 2009.


1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa

If diamonds really are a girl's best friend, then this Wittelsbach diamond would be the best friend they could have. Selling for $23.4million in 2008 this diamond is the most expensive one sold to date.


Wittelsbach diamond

Adapted from The Times Top 10 most expensive items sold at auction.

McTear's next special auctions will begin on the 25th of June with British & Continental Ceramics & Glass.