The Marilyn Monroe memorabilia markets have been stronger than ever in 2011. Highlights include the incredible $5.6m sale of Monroe's iconic The Seven Year Itch dress back in May.
That dress sold at Profiles In History's auction of Debbie Reynolds' extensive movie memorabilia collection. And now fellow US auctioneers Julien's are set to get in on the act...
Julien's upcoming December auction features a never before seen video showing footage of Monroe filmed during the production of her 1959 classic film, Some Like It Hot, co-starring Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon.
 Collectors like it hot - and |
You can see exclusive previously-unseen footage from the video in our above 'Video of the Week' - evocative footage which shows how much fun Monroe was having during what was arguably the peak of her Hollywood career.
Given its exclusivity and impeccable provenance, it's incredible to think that this video is estimated at just $4,000-6,000.
That said, Profiles In History's sale of the Debbie Reynolds Collection also offered a number fantastic items with surprisingly low estimates - a great idea to draw eager bidders from far and wide, and let the adrenalin of the saleroom send bid values through the roof.
As Darren Julien points out in the above video, similar exclusive videos featuring Marilyn have previously sold for as much as $60,000.
As with those sales, this video auction also includes the copyright - meaning the owner will, to all intents and purposes, enjoy sole ownership of this moment from Monroe's life.
One thing's for sure: the next owner of this video will certainly have a valuable asset on their hands.
Ongoing fascination with Monroe's life - in front of and away from the movie cameras - has sent the average value of her autograph up by 128.8% in the last 11 years. (That's a rise in value from £2,950 to £6,750 in that time period.)
Rare Monroe memorabilia items are just as sought-after as pieces from her professional career.
In his exclusive interview with us earlier this year, noted Monroe collector David Gainsborough Roberts revealed that a small figurine owned by Marilyn throughout her life was among his most treasured pieces.
Meanwhile, items we've encountered here at Paul Fraser Collectibles include this cheque signed by Monroe. Dating to 1957, it is autographed in ballpoint pen by Monroe herself - as the president of Marilyn Monroe Productions - made payable to Sutton Wines & Liquors, Inc for a sum of $8.81.
Because items like these offer captivating hints and insights into the Hollywood icon's personal life, they are both highly valued and sought-after by collectors worldwide. We have this cheque for sale priced at just £4,950.
Meanwhile, in our above Video of the Week, auction house representatives Darren Julien and Martin J. Nolan discuss the Monroe video in more detail, and their past successes in the Marilyn Monroe memorabilia markets.
Watch this space for more news on Julien's upcoming December sale.
