Rare memorabilia linked to some of the biggest names in music will go under the hammer next month, with items connected to Michael Jackson, The Beatles, Queen and Oasis among the highlights of an auction expected to generate around £3 million (€3.5 million).
The Propstore music memorabilia sale will feature more than 800 lots, offering collectors the chance to bid on clothing, instruments, photographs and personal items associated with major moments in music history.
One of the most valuable lots is a black and gold military-style jacket worn by Michael Jackson during public appearances between 1994 and 1996. Decorated with 24-carat gold braiding, the distinctive garment has an estimated value of between £180,000 and £360,000.
A Pan American Airways menu signed by all four members of The Beatles is also expected to attract significant interest. Dated February 7, 1964, the menu was signed during the band’s first flight to the United States and carries an estimate of £40,000 to £80,000.
Fans of Queen will have the opportunity to bid on a stage-worn black wrap-around embellished top and matching flared trousers worn by Freddie Mercury during the band’s Sheer Heart Attack tour. The outfit is expected to sell for between £60,000 and £120,000.
An acoustic guitar associated with Oasis frontman Noel Gallagher is another major attraction. The autographed Takamine FP460SC was one of two identical guitars used during Oasis’s 1996 MTV Unplugged performance at London’s Royal Festival Hall, as well as during the tours supporting (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? and Be Here Now. It comes with a stencilled Oasis case and has an estimate of £75,000 to £150,000.
Other notable lots include a pair of John Lennon’s tinted glasses, valued at between £100,000 and £200,000, and glasses worn by George Michael during his Faith tour, which are expected to fetch between £15,000 and £30,000.
The auction will also feature a Vivienne Westwood kilt worn on stage by Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones during the Filthy Lucre Tour. A signed promotional photograph of the band will be offered alongside it, with the two items estimated at £5,000 to £10,000.
Mark Hochman, Propstore’s music specialist, said the sale brought together pieces associated with some of the most significant moments in music history.
He highlighted Jackson’s military-style jacket, Gallagher’s MTV Unplugged guitar and The Beatles’ signed Pan Am menu as examples of memorabilia with particularly notable stories behind them.
The collection also includes items linked to Britney Spears and other prominent performers, giving collectors an opportunity to bid across several generations and genres of popular music.
The auction is scheduled to take place on October 1 and 2, with bids accepted online, by telephone and through absentee bidding.
Ahead of the sale, a free public exhibition will be held at The Cumberland Hotel in London from September 24 to 27, allowing visitors to view selected pieces from the collection.
