Ronald Reagan and his wife Nancy are icons of an era. It was a time in which music greats like Frank Sinatra gifted the President with, say, an engraved silver clock, and former prime minister Margaret Thatcher sent her love with engraved silver beakers. Now, these items from Reagan's Bel Air home are going up for sale at a Christie's auction in the Private Collection of President and Mrs. Ronald Reagan.
"The collection is very much a reflection of the simple and elegant life the Reagans enjoyed together," Richard Nelson, Christie's senior specialist of decorative arts, told the Associated Press. "The furniture and accessories reflect the classic 'Hollywood Regency' style that Mrs. Reagan chose for the house… (and) incorporated many of the same colors and fabrics in the Bel Air house that she loved in the White House."
The items are slated for sale at Christie's New York September 21 and 22. Meanwhile, it will be on preview for the public at Christie's London from now until July 14.
Sinatra's clock and Thatcher's silver beakers are just two notable items in the collection. The clock - a Tiffany American Marine Chronometer (estimate: $5,000 to $10,000) - was an inauguration gift from Frank and Barabara Sinatra. It has an engraved plaque that reads "Good Morning Mr. President," according to Christie's.
The pair of Elizabeth II Beakers (Estimate: $1,000 to $2,000), meanwhile, are a gift inscribed with the words, "With love, from Margaret and Denis Thatcher."
Also featured in the collection is Mrs. Reagan's personal collection of jewelry, including a suite of Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond and Gold Lion Pendant-Brooch Necklace (estimate: $30,000 to $50,000) and accompanying Diamond and Gold Lion Ear Clips (estimate: $15,000 to $20,000). According to the Associated Press, Mrs. Reagan wore the ear clips on a state visit to England in 1988. First Lady style? Count us in.
The collection also includes furniture, books, paintings, sculpture, prints, decorative works, and pieces designed by Billy Haines, according to Christie's. (The entire sale catalogue will be available in late summer.)
Overall, the auction is expected to fetch more than $2 million, according to the Daily Mail.
Proceeds of the sales will benefit the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute. Check out the video below to learn more about the sale.
President Reagan's 70th Birthday Present, February 6, 1981 - A Red Monogrammed Needlepoint Cushion (Estimate: $1,000 - $1,500)
A Pair Of English Cowhide Leather Elephant-Form Ottomans, By Dimitri Omersa For Abercrombie And Fitch, 20th Century (Estimate: $2,000 - $3,000)
h/t: Luxury Listings New York City
