APR57 Gallery, an internationally known gallery located in New York City, is one of the leading buyers, sellers, and appraisers of all types of collectibles and valuables. They specialize in want lists and helping clients find items that they cannot find anywhere else. If you collect, for example, items of Elvis Presley, APR57 has some incredibly rare items items. From Cartier watches to a self portrait by Marilyn Monroe, here are a few unique collectibles to keep your eye on. Discover them here:
Introduced circa the 1920s, this Cloche Bell watch is is one of the very few original models still in existence today, making this one of the rarest and most sought-after Cartier pieces in the world. Rare vintage Cartier watches are in huge demand today and sell for astronomical prices. It is overall in exceptionally beautiful condition. The entire watch is handmade in platinum, including the original platinum bracelet. It has the original rose gold back case and the back of the deployment buckle. The overall condition of this watch is exceptionally fine and it runs perfectly. The movement is stamped Cartier Paris.
This painting may be one of the very few self-portraits of Marilyn Monroe that exist in the world today. This original, hand-painted self-portrait titled “Lonely” by Marilyn Monroe was one of two hand-painted self-portraits that she made circa 1955, the other which appears to have been lost forever. This piece was given to the renowned woman Susan Strasberg, Marilyn Monroe's best friend, in 1955. Marilyn became friendly with Susan when she began receiving acting lessons from Susan’s father, Lee Strasberg. This piece is one of two purported self-portraits that Marilyn Monroe painted and gave to Susan, which, as Marilyn told Susan, represented the two “Gemini sides” of Marilyn’s personality. The two watercolor pieces are mentioned in Susan Strasberg’s book Marilyn and Me which was published in 1992. It appears that these are one of the very few self-portraits that Monroe has ever made. Susan admits that one of the paintings, “Life is Wonderful so What the Hell”, appears to have been stolen from her and lost forever.
The painting will come with the original book that Susan Strasburg gave with the painting. It will also come with an original letter from Susan Strasburg that gives the history and background of this unique painting. It is a full-page letter on Susan Strasburg’s personal stationery signed by her, stating the background and authenticity of this unique painting. In addition, it will come with pictures that were detailed in the original book, which show that she had given her these two paintings.
This extremely rare and incredibly valuable lady's wristwatch contains approximately 664 total factory-set diamonds. With Swiss construction and Audemars Piguet distinction, this Royal Oak 18K Yellow Gold wristwatch keeps time as impeccable as its style. Not only will this classic Audemars Piguet timepiece hold its value well, but it will make a lasting impression on all who gaze upon it. This is a truly spectacular timepiece that could easily become a family heirloom.
Known for its stylish and modern style, this spectacular Swiss-made watch features an elegant hexagonal-shaped case crafted from precious 18K yellow gold. The case features approximately 58 factory-set precious round diamonds and an 18K yellow gold bezel with two rows of approximately 78 more diamonds. Behind the scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, is a gold-tone dial with approximately 174 precious factory-set round-cut diamonds.
Patek Philippe only made very few models of this incredibly rare grand complication. As one of their most highly desired models to ever leave the Geneva workshops, all the remaining examples have proved exceptional investments, but very few retain their original certificate of origin like this one. This stunning piece features a round 18K yellow gold case that measures approximately 40mm (case to crown) x 12mm (high). Behind the crystal is a superb white dial with a day and month indicator under 12 o'clock, a date dial at 6 o’clock, and a moon-phase sub-dial at 6 o'clock. The dial also has non-numeric gold-tone hour indexes and matching gold-tone hands. This watch also has a solid 18K yellow gold case back. The watch is complete with its original Patek Philippe brown leather strap that measures approximately 20mm (wide) and can fit up to a 9-inch wrist.
This is a very special item that belonged to the estate of Mr. Irenee Dupont, who was a member of one of the wealthiest families in the world. This very rare sculpture was given to him in 1936 by General Chiang Kai-Shek of China and is made of what appears to be clay and dates back to the Tang dynasty which began in 618 A.D. The Tang dynasty is regarded as one of the most revered dynasties, especially in terms of art and culture - making this particular sculpture incredibly valuable and significant. It depicts an equestrian wearing a traditional headpiece riding a horse. The horse stands on an approximately 3" x 4" inch base and is in incredibly fine condition for a sculpture that is over 1,100 years old!
This is one of the most unique watches, a minute repeater-style watch by Bulgari. The minute repeater model means that the watch will chime – a truly unique feature! This appears to be a limited model that may have been custom ordered. On the back, it says “number 30,” indicating that it is in a limited production 1 of 30, although there may be no more than 5 of these watches in existence today. The watch has three different chimes; one for the hours, one for the quarter hour, and one for the minutes. It is absolutely brand new and unused. The entire watch is made out of platinum including the case, lugs, and platinum buckle. It has a white dial, silver platinum bezel, silver index markers, a small seconds at 9 o'clock, and comes on an original Bvlgari black crocodile leather strap with platinum pin buckle closure.
As a special service to all of Barnebys, readers and subscribers, APR57 is offering for a limited time, a free appraisal, valuation, and cash offer for almost anything that you own and have. This includes rare stamp collections, coin collections, gold and silver coins, rare new and vintage wristwatches, pocket watches, jewelry, gold, diamonds, estate pieces, fine art, old masters, paintings lithographs, prints, sculptures, bronzes, any Tiffany items, french furniture, autographs, documents, clocks, or sterling silver flatware.
