Jimi Hendrix's gypsy vest to star with $15,000 estimate

Jimi Hendrix's gypsy-style vest comes from the collection of his attorney, Stevens Weiss

A spectacular gypsy-style vest that Jimi Hendrix gifted to his attorney will sell as part of Heritage Auctions' Entertainment and Music Memorabilia signature auction on December 14.

Hendrix's shows at the Royal Albert Hall marked a turning point in his career

The lead lot among the music memorabilia offered in the sale, the vest is expected to sell for more than $15,000 in Texas.

Itwas worn by the star in February 1969 and, according to the auction house, almost certainly before that. Hendrix's attorney, Stevens Weiss, was in London for the guitarist's Royal Albert Hall concerts.

Heritage's Garry Shrum commented: "Backstage before one of the two shows, he mentioned to Hendrix how much he liked this vest. Hendrix immediately took it off and handed to him as a gift."

Band of Gypsys lasted just one year before Hendrix's death in 1970

Hendrix and Weiss became close friends, although their relationship was created on a business level. The guitarist had recently moved back to London following a year in the US, and the Royal Albert Hall shows would mark his last two gigs with the Experience. Shortly afterwards he would formthe short-lived Band of Gypsys.

The heavyweight brown velvet and gold silk brocade vest is in good condition, yet has a couple of cigarette burns. It will be sold with a letter of authenticity from Marie Weiss.

The auctioncomes in what would have been Hendrix's 70th year, with a flood of memorabilia being consigned to mark this important anniversary. On the date of his birthday (November 27), the black Fender Stratocaster that he used for his famed Monterey Pop Festival performance sold for $287,500.

Also featuring in the sale is the 1949 Buick from Rain Man, which is expected as the top lot with a valuation of $80,000+.

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