It was a fight to the very end as Sotheby’s dedicated auctions of Lady Blue Eyes: Property of Barbara and Frank Sinatra concluded last week, bringing the series total to an outstanding $9.2 million. The final sale of Lady Blue Eyes: Online – offering film & entertainment memorabilia, fine art, jewelry, books, personal accessories, glassware, and political memorabilia – anchored the series, more than quadrupling expectations to achieve $1.5 million, with 99% of lots sold.
The Sinatra’s collection of American Art performed particularly well, with three works selling for more than $300,000. The group was led by Norman Rockwell’s Sinatra: An American Classic (Portrait of Frank Sinatra), which sold for $687,000 after a four-minute bidding battle between six collectors (estimate $80/120,000). Commissioned by Frank in 1973, the portrait hung in Barbara’s Los Angeles penthouse.
Sotheby's auction of Magnificent Jewels was led by a stunning selection of jewelry from Barbara Sinatra's personal collection, with all 39 pieces selling for a total of $4.7 million. Barbara’s emerald-cut 20.60-carat Diamond Engagement Ring, which was presented to her by Frank in a glass of champagne, led the collection, selling for $1,695,000 after an intense competition between 5 bidders (estimate $1/1.5 million). Mrs. Sinatra’s signed jewels were highlighted by a sophisticated Mystery-Set Ruby and Diamond Butterfly Brooch by Van Cleef & Arpels, which realized $567,000–well above its high estimate of $175,000. A total of 60 pieces of Barbara’s fine jewelry collection offered across the three sales, sold for a combined total of $5 million, with every piece finding a buyer.
