A study for the world's most expensive artwork made $19.1m at Christie's New York on Tuesday (May 1).

Across town yesterday evening at Sotheby's, the only privately owned version of Edvard Munch's The Scream broke the art auction world record of $106.4m with a stunning $119.9m performance.

As enthralling as these auctions are, you could be excused for feeling alienated by the sums involved.

These auctions aren't for the serious investor looking to build a strong portfolio of alternative investments. They are the preserve of Middle East royal families and billionaires looking for the trophy piece for their wall.

I would like to think that the superbly eclectic online auction our sister company is holding this month will be far more enticing to investors searching for pieces of investment potential.

The auction offers historical, unique items that are:

·         Hugely exciting to own

·         Can be obtained for a fraction of the price of The Scream

·         Offer the real potential for significant price appreciation over the coming years

PFC Auctions' sale begins on May 3 and runs until May 24. With minimum bids starting at just £100 (approx. $160), this is an incredible opportunity to acquire items of amazing historical value.

Here are just a few of the highlights:

Royal wedding cake

 

The first slice of wedding cake from the marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton to appear at auction.

In 2008, a piece of cake from Prince Charles and Lady Diana's wedding in 1981 made £1,000 ($1,830).

Neil Armstrong signed US flag

 

A US flag autographed by first man on the Moon Neil Armstrong, last man on the Moon Gene Cernan, and Jim Lovell, the commander of the Apollo 13 mission.

Armstrong is the most valuable living signature, according to the PFC40 Autograph Index, as he seldom signs autographs. His autograph rose in value from £550 ($840) to £5,950 ($9,110) between 2000 and 2011, at a rate of 24.17% pa.

Jim Clark racing gloves

 

The gloves Jim Clark wore during practice for his last Formula One race.

The legendary Scottish motor racing driver wore the leather gloves during practice for the 1968 South African Grand Prix in January 1968. He died three months later while driving a Formula 2 car at Hockenheim, Germany, aged just 32.

This could be the best opportunity you'll ever have to own investment-grade items at below-dealer prices.

Click here for more from the auction.

Until next week,

Paul

Paul Fraser