LONDON.- Sir Michael Caine: The Personal Collection sale was 100% sold on Wednesday 2 March at
Bonhams New Bond Street, London. The top lot was Sir Michael Caines Rolex wristwatch, which sold for £125,250 a new auction world record for that particular model. The watch had a pre-sale estimate of £8,000-12,000.
The 183-lot sale made a total of £847,000, against a presale estimate of £314,000.
Charlie Thomas, Bonhams Director of House Sales and Iconic Collections, said: Sir Michael Caine is a cinema legend. It has been an incredible honour to be entrusted with his personal collection, and it is no wonder it inspired such passionate bidding in this blockbuster sale.
Few film actors have been at the top of their game for as long as Sir Michael Caine. For six decades, he has lent presence and distinction to every role he has undertaken from the era-defining Alfie to classic films such as Get Carter, Zulu and Educating Rita; from his Oscar-winning performances in Hannah and Her Sisters and The Cider House Rules to Batmans unflappable butler, Alfred.
Speaking prior to the sale Sir Michael Caine said: Its going to be quite a wrench to part with so many treasured parts of my life and career, but its the right time to be moving on. I hope these mementoes will give their new owners as much pleasure as they have given us.
Highlights of the sale included:
Sir Michael Caines Rolex wristwatch. Sir Michael Caine's Rolex. An 18K gold quartz calendar bracelet watch. Oysterquartz Day-Date, Ref: 19018/19000, Circa 1979. Sold for £125,250. (Estimate: £8,000-12,000).
Les Amoureux dans larbre by Marc Chagall (1887-1985). Sold for £81,500. (Estimate: £30,000-50,000).
Portrait of Sir Michael Caine by John Bratby (1928-1992). Signed and dated 1977 top left. Sold for £31,500. (Estimate: £2,000-3,000).
Peel Park by Laurence Stephen Lowry R.A. (British, 1887-1976). Sold for £44,000. (Estimate: £12,000-18,000).
A large Italian cinema poster for Zulu. In his breakthrough film role, Caine took the part of real-life British Army office Gonville Bromhead at the Battle of Rorkes Drift, starring alongside established actors Jack Hawkins and Stanley Baker. Sold for £14,625. (Estimate: £1,500-2,000).
Sir Michael Caines Desk. Sold for £12,750. (Estimate: £2,000-3,000).
A directors chair for Michael Caine with associated Get Carter back rest. Sold for £16,375. Estimate: £800-1,200.
A Portrait of Sir Michael Caine by Lincoln Townley. The painting was sold in aid of the NSPCC, of which Sir Michael and Lady Caine have long been strong supporters. Sold for £15,000. (Estimate: £10,000-15,000).
Sir Peter Wanless, CEO of the NSPCC, said: We are absolutely delighted that Sir Michael Caine has chosen to donate all the proceeds raised from the sale of this fantastic portrait to the NSPCC.
Sir Michael Caine is a longstanding Ambassador of the NSPCC and has been a great champion of our vital work. The £15,000 raised from the sale of the portrait will provide vital support in our fight to prevent child abuse.