Antiques are items that have withstood the test of time and have a historical significance. They are valuable not only because of the materials used in their creation but also because of their rarity and uniqueness. Over the years, many antique items have been sold at auctions for breathtaking prices, making headlines across the world. In this article, we'll take a look at the top 10 most expensive antique items sold at auction, and delve into the history behind them.

1. Patek Philippe's Henry Graves Supercomplication Watch - $24 million

In 2014, the Patek Philippe's Henry Graves Supercomplication watch was sold for a staggering $24 million. This pocket watch, created in 1933, took five years to make and has 24 complications, including a perpetual calendar, moon phase display, and a celestial chart of New York City. It was commissioned by banker Henry Graves Jr. and is considered one of the most complicated watches ever made.

2. Pink Star Diamond - $71 million

The Pink Star Diamond is the most expensive diamond ever sold at an auction. Weighing 59.6 carats, it was sold for $71 million in 2017. The diamond was mined in Africa and took two years to cut and polish. Its vivid pink hue makes it one of the rarest diamonds in the world.

Reading more:

3. Leonardo da Vinci's Salvator Mundi - $450 million

Leonardo da Vinci's Salvator Mundi is the most expensive painting ever sold at an auction. The painting depicts a serene-looking Jesus Christ dressed in Renaissance clothing, holding a crystal orb. It was sold for a whopping $450 million in 2017, breaking all previous records. The painting is believed to be one of fewer than 20 surviving works by da Vinci, making it a rare and coveted piece of art.

4. Badminton Cabinet - $36 million

The Badminton Cabinet is considered one of the finest pieces of English furniture ever made. Created in the early 18th century, it was sold for $36 million in 2004. The cabinet is made of ebony, gilt bronze, and lapis lazuli, and is adorned with intricate carvings and decorations.

5. Ming Dynasty "Chicken Cup" - $36 million

The Ming Dynasty "Chicken Cup" is a small porcelain cup that is only three inches in diameter. It was created during the Ming Dynasty in the 15th century and features a rooster and hen surrounded by chicks. The cup was sold for $36 million in 2014, making it the most expensive Chinese artwork ever sold at auction.

6. Giacometti's Pointing Man - $141 million

Alberto Giacometti's Pointing Man is a bronze sculpture that was sold for $141 million in 2015. The sculpture is just over five feet tall and depicts a thin, elongated figure with outstretched arms. It was created in 1947 and is one of only six casts that were made.

Reading more:

7. Action Comics #1 - $3.2 million

Action Comics #1 is a comic book that introduced the world to Superman. The comic book was published in 1938 and is considered the Holy Grail of comic book collectors. In 2014, a near-mint copy of the comic book was sold for $3.2 million, making it the most expensive comic book ever sold at auction.

8. Guitars Owned by Eric Clapton - $4 million

Eric Clapton is one of the greatest guitarists of all time, and his guitars are highly coveted by collectors. In 2004, Clapton's "Blackie" Stratocaster was sold for $959,500 at auction, and in 2011, his 1956 Fender Stratocaster was sold for $1 million. In 2019, his 1964 Gibson ES-335 TDC was sold for $847,500. In total, Clapton's guitars have fetched over $4 million at auctions.

9. Honus Wagner Baseball Card - $3.12 million

The Honus Wagner baseball card is one of the rarest cards in existence. Only around 50 to 200 were ever produced, and most were destroyed. In 2016, a Honus Wagner baseball card sold for $3.12 million, making it the most expensive baseball card ever sold at auction.

10. Faberge Imperial Easter Egg - $33 million

The Faberge Imperial Easter Egg is a bejeweled egg-shaped trinket box that was created in 1885 for Alexander III of Russia. The egg is made of gold and is adorned with diamonds, rubies, and sapphires. It was sold for $33 million in 2007, making it the most expensive Faberge egg ever sold at auction.

Reading more:

In conclusion, these antique items are not just valuable because of their price tags, but because of the stories behind them. They offer a glimpse into history and provide insights into the craftsmanship and artistry of the past. Although they are expensive and inaccessible to most people, they are a reminder of the value of preserving our cultural heritage for future generations to appreciate.

Similar Articles: