Senator Dianne Feinstein’s Collection Breaks Records At Bonhams
The sale doubled its total estimate and drew the highest number of registrations for a Bonhams U.S. Sale
Los Angeles – Bonhams presented the late Senator Dianne Feinstein’s personal collection on October 8 in Los Angeles. Immense interest fuelled the sale which lasted nearly 12 hrs, with a majority of lots selling well above estimate, and overall doubling the all-in estimate of the sale to achieve $1.85 million. The auction set new records for Bonhams, boasting the highest number of registrations for a U.S. sale ever and for a global sale in the past 15 years.
The majority of the interest came from the United States with Californian buyers accounting for 70% of the hammer price. The auction also attracted a significant number of new buyers, who made up 40% of the hammer price.
Commenting on the sale, Victoria R. Gray, Bonhams Deputy Chairman, North America, said: “This turnout is a testament to the profound influence Senator Feinstein had in her home state of California. We’re proud to have hosted this auction to celebrate the life and career of a remarkable stateswoman and give a unique opportunity for collectors and admirers to own a piece of Senator Feinstein’s enduring legacy.”
The auction offered furniture and design objects from her three homes as well as a stunning collection of American art. Additionally, memorabilia from her illustrious political career was offered as well as an extensive jewelry collection befitting an American dignitary who represented her country with elegance and grace.
Overall, Legacy of a Stateswoman: The Personal Collection of Senator Dianne Feinstein presented 278 lots and totalled $1,850,000 with a 99% sell through rate.
Senator Feinstein’s jewelry collection, often worn to high-profile events, sparked significant interest. The collection sold for 3.5 times its estimated value, achieving a total of over half a million dollars. Stealing the show was Feinstein’s Platinum and Diamond ring selling for $108,450 – 2.4x the estimate of $45,000-65,000. Another significant piece was a 14k bi-color gold and diamond ‘California State Flower’ Brooch,which sold for $19,200 – 27x its estimate of $600-800. Additional highlights include:
- A platinum and gem-set bow brooch. Sold for $13,200 – 26x its estimate of $400-500.
- An 18k gold rose petal set, 1979, attributed to Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co. Sold for $10,880 – 4x its estimate of $2,000-3,000.
- An18k gold ‘Tank Louis’ Cartier wristwatch. Sold for $8,960 – 11x its estimate of $800-1,200.
The auction also generated overwhelming interest for Senator Feinstein’s political memorabilia, reaching nearly 5 times the estimated value. Highlights include:
- Dianne Feinstein’s Mayoral Desk Plaque. Sold for $3,840 – 25x the estimate of $200-300.
- A Jimmy Carter letter sent to Dianne Feinstein, sending comforting words after the 1990 election. Sold for $4,864 – 6x the estimate of $800-1,000.
- A piece of the Berlin Wall. Sold $3,584 –36x the estimate of $100-200.
- Three significant Senatorial Roll Call Votes. Sold for $6,400 – 6x the estimate of $1,000-2,000.
- A Jimmy Carter signed program from the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize award ceremony in 2002. Sold for $3,840 – 26x the estimate $150-250.
- A Hillary Clinton 2008 campaign poster inscribed to Dianne Feinstein in 2008. Sold for $5,120 – 17x the estimate of $300-500.
- A pair of photographs of the Golden Gate bridge, 1937 and 1987. Sold for $5,120 –17x the estimate of $300-500.
Senator Feinstein had an impressive collection of paintings by American artists and Chinese art. The highlight of the section was William Alexander Coulter’s (1849-1936) Ships Sailing in the San Francisco Bay with Fort Point in the Distance, 1907 which sold for $229,100 – 3x its estimate of $70,000-100,000. Selling for over 43x their estimate was four Chinese Doucai ‘shou and peach tree’ dishes, which sold for $108,450, against an estimate of $2,500-3,500. Additional highlights include:
- Frank Henry Shapleigh (1842-1906), The Hetch Hetchy Valley, 1887. Sold for $95,750 – 4.8x over an estimate of $20,000-40,000.
- A rare pair of Chinese blue and white ‘dragon’ ogee-form bowls Jiaqing seal marks and of the period. Sold for $38,400 – 5x the estimate of $8,000-12,000.
- A Dianne Feinstein Drawing. “Orchids 2001.” Sold for $4,864 – 12x its estimate of $400-600
Two more online sales of Senator Feinstein’s collection will follow with Jewelry from the Personal Collection of Senator Dianne Feinstein running until October 15 and further works of art from Senator Feinstein and her late husband, Richard Blum’s Indian, Himalayan and Southeast Asian Art Collection from October 14-24.
