Important Information
CONDITIONS OF SALE
Christie’s Conditions of Sale and Limited Warranty are set out later in this catalogue. Bidders are strongly encouraged to read these as they set out the terms on which property is bought at auction.
ESTIMATES
Estimates are based upon prices recently paid at auction for comparable property, condition, rarity, quality and provenance. Estimates are subject to revision. Buyers should not rely upon estimates as a representation or prediction of actual selling prices. Estimates do not include the buyer’s premium or VAT. Where “Estimate on Request” appears, please contact the Specialist Department for further information.
RESERVES
The reserve is the confidential minimum price the consignor will accept and will not exceed the low pre-sale estimate. Lots that are not subject to a reserve are identified by the symbol • next to the lot number.
BUYER’S PREMIUM
Christie’s charges a premium to the buyer on the final bid price of each lot sold at the following rates:
25% of the final bid price of each lot up to and including $50,000, 20% of the excess of the hammer price above $50,000 and up to and including $1,000,000 and 12% of the excess of the hammer price above $1,000,000.
Exceptions:
Wine: 20% of the final bid price of each lot sold.
For all lots, taxes are payable on the premium at the applicable rate.
PRE-AUCTION VIEWING
Christie’s specialists are available to give advice and
condition reports at viewings or by appointment.
BIDDER REGISTRATION
Prospective buyers who have not previously bid or consigned with Christie’s should bring:
• Individuals: government-issued photo identification (such as a driving license, national identity card, or passport) and, if not shown on the ID document, proof of current address, for example a utility bill or bank statement.
• Corporate clients: a certificate of incorporation.
• For other business structures such as trusts, offshore companies or partnerships, please contact Christie’s Credit Department at +1 212 636 2490 for advice on the information you should supply.
• A financial reference in the form of a recent bank statement or letter of reference from your bank is required. A deposit may be required at Christie’s discretion dependent upon your financial reference, payment history or other factors.
• Persons registering to bid on behalf of someone who has not previously bid or consigned with Christie’s should bring identification documents not only for themselves but also for the party on whose behalf they are bidding, together with a signed letter of authorization from that party.
To allow sufficient time to process the information, new clients are encouraged to register at least 48 hours in advance of a sale.
Prospective buyers should register for a numbered bidding paddle at least 30 minutes before the sale. Clients who have not made a purchase from any Christie’s office within the last year and those wishing to spend more than on previous occasions, will be asked to supply a new bank reference to register.
For assistance with references, please contact Christie’s Credit Department at +1 212 636 2490 or by fax at +1 212 636 4943.
REGISTERING TO BID ON
SOMEONE ELSE’S BEHALF
Persons bidding on behalf of an existing client should bring a signed letter from the client authorizing the bidder to act on the client’s behalf. Please note that Christie’s does not accept payments from third parties. Christie’s can only accept payment from the client, and not from the person bidding on their behalf.
BIDDING
The auctioneer accepts bids from those present in the saleroom, from telephone bidders, or by absentee written bids left with Christie’s in advance of the auction. The auctioneer may also execute bids on behalf of the seller up to the amount of the reserve. The auctioneer will not specifically identify bids placed on behalf of the seller. Under no circumstances will the auctioneer place any bid on behalf of the seller at or above the reserve. Bid steps are shown on the Absentee Bid Form at the back of this catalogue.
ABSENTEE BIDS
Christie’s staff will attempt to execute an absentee bid at the lowest possible price, taking into account the reserve price. Absentee bids submitted on “no reserve” lots will, in the absence of a higher bid, be executed at approximately 50% of the low pre sale estimate or at the amount of the bid if it is less than 50% of the low pre-sale estimate. The auctioneer may execute absentee bids directly from the rostrum, clearly identifying these as “absentee bids,” “book bids,” “order bids” or “commission bids.” Absentee Bids Forms are available in this catalogue, at any Christie’s location or online at christies.com.
TELEPHONE BIDS
Telephone bids will be accepted for lots with low-end estimates of $1,500 and above, no later than 24 hours prior to the sale and only if the capacity of our pool of staff phone bidders allows. Arrangements to bid in languages other than English must be made well in advance of the sale date.
Telephone bids may be recorded. By bidding on the telephone, prospective purchasers consent to the recording of their conversations.
Christie’s offers all absentee and telephone bidding services as a convenience to our clients, but will not be responsible for errors or failures to execute bids.
SUCCESSFUL BIDS
While invoices are sent out by mail after the auction, we do not accept responsibility for notifying you of the result of your bids. Buyers are requested to contact us by telephone or in person as soon as possible after the sale to obtain details of the outcome of their bids to avoid incurring unnecessary storage charges. Successful bidders will pay the price of the final bid plus premium plus any applicable taxes.
PAYMENT
Buyers are expected to make payment for purchases immediately after the auction. To avoid delivery delays, prospective buyers are encouraged to supply bank or other suitable references before the auction. Please note
that Christie’s will not accept payments for purchased Lots from any party other than the registered buyer.
Lots purchased in New York may be paid for in the following ways: wire transfer, credit card (up to $50,000), bank checks, checks and cash, money orders or travellers checks (up to $7,500 combined total, subject to conditions)
Wire transfer: JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. 270 Park Avenue New York, NY 10017 ABA# 021000021 FBO: Christie’s Inc. Account # 957-107978, for international transfers, SWIFT: CHASUS33.
Credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express and China UnionPay a limit of $50,000 for credit card payment will apply. This limit is inclusive of the buyer’s premium and any applicable taxes. Credit card payments at the NY sale site will only be accepted for NY sales. Christie’s will not accept credit card payments for purchases in any other sale site. The fax number to send completed CNP (Card Member not Present) authorization forms to is +1 212 636 4939. Alternatively, clients can mail the authorization form to the address below.
Cash, Money Orders or Travellers Checks is limited to $7,500 (subject to conditions).
Bank Checks should be made payable to Christie’s (subject to conditions).
Checks should be made payable to Christie’s. Checks must be drawn on a US bank and payable in US dollars. In order to process your payment efficiently, please quote sale number, invoice number and client number with all transactions.
All mailed payments should be sent to:
Christie’s Inc. Cashiers’ Department, 20 Rockefeller Center, New York, NY 10020.
Please direct all inquiries to the Cashiers’ Office Tel:
+1 212-636-2495 Fax +1 212-636-4939
Please note that Christie’s will not accept
payments for purchased Lots from any party
other than the registered buyer.
Payment in full must be received in good, cleared funds before the property will be released.
SALES TAX
Purchases picked up in New York or delivered to locations in California, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island or Texas may be subject to sales or compensating use tax of such jurisdiction.
It is the buyer’s responsibility to ascertain and pay all taxes due. Buyers claiming exemption from sales tax must have the appropriate documentation on file with Christie’s prior to the release of the property. For more information, please contact Purchaser Payments at +1 212 636 2496.
COLLECTION OF PURCHASED LOTS
Buyers are expected to remove their property within 7 calendar days of the auction. Please consult the Lot Collection Notice for collection information for purchased lots. This sheet is available from the Bidder Registration staff, Purchaser Payments or the Packing Desk.
SHIPPING
A shipping form is enclosed with each invoice. It is the buyer’s responsibility to pick up purchases or make all shipping arrangements. After payment has been made in full, Christie’s can arrange property packing and shipping at the buyer’s request and expense. Where Christie’s arranges and bills for such services via invoice or credit card, an administration charge will apply. We recommend that buyers request an estimate for any large items or property of high value that require professional packing. For more information please contact the Art Transport Department at +1 212 636 2480.
We regret that Christie’s staff will not accommodate requests to roll canvases sold on stretchers.
EXPORT/IMPORT PERMITS
Property sold at auction may be subject to laws governing export from the US and import restrictions of foreign countries. Buyers should always check whether an export license is required before exporting. It is the buyer’s sole responsibility to obtain any relevant export or import license. The denial of any license or any delay in obtaining licenses shall neither justify the rescission of any sale nor any delay in making full payment for the lot.
Upon request, Christie’s will assist the buyer in submitting applications to obtain the appropriate licenses. However, Christie’s cannot ensure that a license will be obtained. Local laws may prohibit the import of some property and/or may prohibit the resale of some property in the country of importation, no such restriction shall justify the rescission of any sale or delay in making full payment for the lot. If a license is obtained on a buyer’s behalf, a minimum fee of $150 per item will be charged. For more information, please contact the Art Transport Department at +1 212 636 2480.
These Conditions of Sale and the Important Notices and Explanation of Cataloguing Practice contain all the terms on which Christie’s and the seller contract with the buyer. They may be amended by posted notices or oral announcements made during the sale. By bidding at auction you agree to be bound by these terms.
1. CHRISTIE’S AS AGENT
Except as otherwise stated Christie’s acts as agent for the seller. The contract for the sale of the property is therefore made between the seller and the buyer.
2. BEFORE THE SALE
(a) Examination of property
Prospective buyers are strongly advised to examine personally any property in which they are interested, before the auction takes place. Condition reports are usually available on request. Neither Christie’s nor the seller provides any guarantee in relation to the nature of the property apart from the Limited Warranty in paragraph 6 below. The property is otherwise sold “as is.”
Our cataloguing practice is explained in the Important Notices and Explanation of Cataloguing Practice after the catalogue entries. All statements by us in the catalogue entry for the property or in the condition report, or made orally or in writing elsewhere, are statements of opinion and are not to be relied on as statements of fact. Such statements do not constitute a representation, warranty or assumption of liability by us of any kind. References in the catalogue entry or the condition report to damage or restoration are for guidance only and should be evaluated by personal inspection by the bidder or a knowledgeable representative. The absence of such a reference does not imply that an item is free from defects or restoration, nor does a reference to particular defects imply the absence of any others. Estimates of the selling price should not be relied on as a statement that this is the price at which the item will sell or its value for any other purpose. Except as set forth in paragraph 6 below, neither Christie’s nor the seller is responsible in any way for errors and omissions in the catalogue or any supplemental material.
(c) Buyer’s responsibility
Except as stated in the Limited Warranty in paragraph 6 below, all property is sold “as is” without any representation or warranty of any kind by Christie’s or the seller. Buyers are responsible for satisfying themselves concerning the condition of the property and the matters referred to in the catalogue entry.
3. AT THE SALE
(a) Refusal of admission
Christie’s has the right, at our complete discretion, to refuse admission to the premises or participation in any auction and to reject any bid.
(b) Registration before bidding
Prospective buyers who wish to bid in the saleroom can register online in advance of the sale, or can come to the saleroom on the day of the sale approximately 30 minutes before the start of the sale to register in person. A prospective buyer must complete and sign a registration form and provide identification before bidding. We may require the production of bank or other financial references.
(c) Bidding as principal
When making a bid, a bidder is accepting personal liability to pay the purchase price, including the buyer’s premium and all applicable taxes, plus all other applicable charges, unless it has been explicitly agreed in writing with Christie’s before the commencement of the sale that the bidder is acting as agent on behalf of an identified third party acceptable to Christie’s, and that Christie’s will only look to the principal for payment.
(d) Absentee bids
We will use reasonable efforts to carry out written bids delivered to us prior to the sale for the convenience of clients who are not present at the auction in person, by an agent or by telephone. Bids must be placed in the currency of the place of the sale. Please refer to the catalogue for the Absentee Bids Form. If we receive written bids on a particular lot for identical amounts, and at the auction these are the highest bids on the lot, it will be sold to the person whose written bid was received and accepted first. Execution of written bids is a free service undertaken subject to other commitments at the time of the sale and we do not accept liability for failing to execute a written bid or for errors and omissions in connection with it.
(e) Telephone bids
Telephone bids will be accepted for lots with low-end estimates of $1,500 and above, no later than 24 hours prior to the sale and only if the capacity of our pool of staff phone bidders allows. Arrangements to bid in languages other than English must be made well in advance of the sale date.
Telephone bids may be recorded. By bidding on the telephone, prospective purchasers consent to the recording of their conversations.
Christie’s offers all absentee and telephone bidding services as a convenience to our clients, but will not be responsible for errors or failures to execute bids.
(f) Currency converter
At some auctions a currency converter may be operated. Errors may occur in the operation of the currency converter and we do not accept liability to bidders who follow the currency converter rather than the actual bidding in the saleroom.
(g) Video or digital images
At some auctions there may be a video or digital screen. Errors may occur in its operation and in the quality of the image and we do not accept liability for such errors.
(h) Reserves
Unless otherwise indicated, all lots are offered subject to a reserve, which is the confidential minimum price below which the lot will not be sold. The reserve will not exceed the low estimate printed in the catalogue. If any lots are not subject to a reserve, they will be identified with the symbol • next to the lot number. The auctioneer may open the bidding on any lot below the reserve by placing a bid on behalf of the seller. The auctioneer may continue to bid on behalf of the seller up to the amount of the reserve, either by placing consecutive bids or by placing bids in response to other bidders. With respect to lots that are offered without reserve, unless there are already competing bids, the auctioneer, in his or her discretion, will generally open the bidding at 50% of the low pre-sale estimate for the lot. In the absence of a bid at that level, the auctioneer will proceed backwards at his or her discretion until a bid is recognized, and then continue up from that amount. Absentee bids will, in the absence of a higher bid, be executed at approximately 50% of the low pre-sale estimate or at the amount of the bid if it is less than 50% of the low pre-sale estimate. In the event that there is no bid on a lot, the auctioneer may deem such lot unsold.
(i) Auctioneer’s discretion
The auctioneer has the right at his absolute and sole discretion to refuse any bid, to advance the bidding in such a manner as he may decide, to withdraw or divide any lot, to combine any two or more lots and, in the case of error or dispute, and whether during or after the sale, to determine the successful bidder, to continue the bidding, to cancel the sale or to reoffer and resell the item in dispute. If any dispute arises after the sale, our sale record is conclusive.
(j) Successful bid and passing of risk
Subject to the auctioneer’s discretion, the highest bidder accepted by the auctioneer will be the buyer and the striking of his hammer marks the acceptance of the highest bid and the conclusion of a contract for sale between the seller and the buyer. Risk and responsibility for the lot (including frames or glass where relevant) passes to the buyer at the expiration of seven calendar days from the date of the sale or on collection by the buyer if earlier.
4. AFTER THE SALE
(a) Buyer’s premium
In addition to the hammer price, the buyer agrees to pay to us the buyer’s premium together with any applicable value added tax, sales or compensating use tax or equivalent tax in the place of sale. The buyer’s premium is 25% of the final bid price of each lot up to and including $50,000, 20% of the excess of the hammer price above $50,000 and up to and including $1,000,000 and 12% of the excess of the hammer price above $1,000,000.
(b) Payment and passing of title
Immediately following the sale, the buyer must provide us with his or her name and permanent address and, if so requested, details of the bank from which payment will be made. The buyer must pay the full amount due (comprising the hammer price, buyer’s premium and any applicable taxes) not later than 4.30pm on the seventh calendar day following the sale. This applies even if the buyer wishes to export the lot and an export license is, or may be, required. The buyer will not acquire title to the lot until all amounts due to us from the buyer have been received by us in good cleared funds even in circumstances where we have released the lot to the buyer.
(c) Collection of purchases
We shall be entitled to retain items sold until all amounts due to us, or to Christie’s International plc, or to any of its affiliates, subsidiaries or parent companies worldwide, have been received in full in good cleared funds or until the buyer has satisfied such other terms as we, at our sole discretion, shall require, including, for the avoidance of doubt, completing any anti-money laundering or anti-terrorism financing checks we may require to our satisfaction. In the event a buyer fails to complete any anti-money laundering or anti-terrorism financing checks to our satisfaction, Christie’s shall be entitled to cancel the sale and to take any other actions that are required or permitted under applicable law. Subject to this, the buyer shall collect purchased lots within seven calendar days from the date of the sale unless otherwise agreed between us and the buyer.
(d) Packing, handling and shipping
Although we shall use reasonable efforts to take care when handling, packing and shipping a purchased lot, we are not responsible for the acts or omissions of third parties whom we might retain for these purposes. Similarly, where we may suggest other handlers, packers or carriers if so requested, we do not accept responsibility or liability for their acts or omissions.
(e) Export licence
Unless otherwise agreed by us in writing, the fact that the buyer wishes to apply for an export license does not affect his or her obligation to make payment within seven days nor our right to charge interest or storage charges on late payment. If the buyer requests us to apply for an export license on his or her behalf, we shall be entitled to make a charge for this service. We shall not be obliged to rescind a sale nor to refund any interest or other expenses incurred by the buyer where payment is made by the buyer in circumstances where an export license is required.
(f) Remedies for non payment
If the buyer fails to make payment in full in good cleared funds within the time required by paragraph 4(b) above, we shall be entitled in our absolute discretion to exercise one or more of the following rights or remedies (in addition to asserting any other rights or remedies available to us by law):
(i) to charge interest at such rate as we shall reasonably decide;
(ii) to hold the defaulting buyer liable for the total amount due and to commence legal proceedings for its recovery together with interest, legal fees and costs to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law;
(iii) to cancel the sale;
(iv) to resell the property publicly or privately on such terms as we shall think fit;
(v) to pay the seller an amount up to the net proceeds payable in respect of the amount bid by the defaulting buyer;
(vi) to set off against any amounts which we, or Christie’s International plc, or any of its affiliates, subsidiaries or parent companies worldwide, may owe the buyer in any other transactions, the outstanding amount remaining unpaid by the buyer;
(vii) where several amounts are owed by the buyer to us, or to Christie’s International plc, or to any of its affiliates, subsidiaries or parent companies worldwide, in respect of different transactions, to apply any amount paid to discharge any amount owed in respect of any particular transaction, whether or not the buyer so directs;
(viii) to reject at any future auction any bids made by or on behalf of the buyer or to obtain a deposit from the buyer before accepting any bids;
(ix) to exercise all the rights and remedies of a person holding security over any property in our possession owned by the buyer, whether by way of pledge, security interest or in any other way, to the fullest extent permitted by the law of the place where such property is located. The buyer will be deemed to have granted such security to us and we may retain such property as collateral security for such buyer’s obligations to us;
(x) to take such other action as we deem necessary or appropriate.
If we resell the property under paragraph (iv) above, the defaulting buyer shall be liable for payment of any deficiency between the total amount originally due to us and the price obtained upon resale as well as for all costs, expenses, damages, legal fees and commissions and premiums of whatever kind associated with both sales or otherwise arising from the default. If we pay any amount to the seller under paragraph (v) above, the buyer acknowledges that Christie’s shall have all of the rights of the seller, however arising, to pursue the buyer for such amount.
(g) Failure to collect purchases
Where purchases are not collected within 35 calendar days from the date of the sale, whether or not payment has been made, we shall be permitted to transfer the property to our Long Island City facility at the buyer’s expense, and only release the items after payment in full has been made of transportation, administration, handling, insurance and any other costs incurred, together with payment of all other amounts due to us or our affiliates.
(h) Selling Property at Christie’s
In addition to expenses such as transport and insurance, all consignors pay a commission according to a fixed scale of charges based upon the value of the property sold by the consignor at Christie’s in a calendar year. Commissions are charged on a sale by sale basis.
5. EXTENT OF CHRISTIE’S LIABILITY
We agree to refund the purchase price in the circumstances of the Limited Warranty set out in paragraph 6 below. Apart from that, neither the seller nor we, nor any of our officers, employees or agents, are responsible for the correctness of any statement of whatever kind concerning any lot, whether written or oral, nor for any other errors or omissions in description or for any faults or defects in any lot. Except as stated in paragraph 6 below, neither the seller, ourselves, our officers, employees or agents, give any representation, warranty or guarantee or assume any liability of any kind in respect of any lot with regard to merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, description, size, quality, condition, attribution, authenticity, rarity, importance, medium, provenance, exhibition history, literature or historical relevance. Except as required by local law any warranty of any kind whatsoever is excluded by this paragraph.
6. LIMITED WARRANTY
Subject to the terms and conditions of this paragraph, Christie’s warrants for a period of five years from the date of the sale that any property described in headings printed in UPPER CASE TYPE (i.e. headings having all capital-letter type) in this catalogue (as such description may be amended by any saleroom notice or announcement) which is stated without qualification to be the work of a named author or authorship, is authentic and not a forgery. The term “author” or “authorship” refers to the creator of the property or to the period, culture, source or origin, as the case may be, with which the creation of such property is identified in the UPPER CASE description of the property in this catalogue. Only UPPER CASE TYPE headings of lots in this catalogue indicate what is being warranted by Christie’s. Christie’s warranty does not apply to supplemental material which appears below the UPPER CASE TYPE headings of each lot and Christie’s is not responsible for any errors or omissions in such material. The terms used in the headings are further explained in Important Notices and Explanation of Cataloguing Practice. The warranty does not apply to any heading which is stated to represent a qualified opinion. The warranty is subject to the following:
(i) It does not apply where (a) the catalogue description or saleroom notice corresponded to the generally accepted opinion of scholars or experts at the date of the sale or fairly indicated that there was a conflict of opinions; or (b) correct identification of a lot can be demonstrated only by means of either a scientific process not generally accepted for use until after publication of the catalogue or a process which at the date of publication of the catalogue was unreasonably expensive or impractical or likely to have caused damage to the property.
(ii) The benefits of the warranty are not assignable and shall apply only to the original buyer of the lot as shown on the invoice originally issued by Christie’s when the lot was sold at auction.
(iii) The original buyer must have remained the owner of the lot without disposing of any interest in it to any third party.
(iv) The buyer’s sole and exclusive remedy against Christie’s and the seller, in place of any other remedy which might be available, is the cancellation of the sale and the refund of the original purchase price paid for the lot. Neither Christie’s nor the seller will be liable for any special, incidental or consequential damages including, without limitation, loss of profits nor for interest.
(v) The buyer must give written notice of claim to us within five years from the date of the auction. It is Christie’s general policy, and Christie’s shall have
the right, to require the buyer to obtain the written opinions of two recognized experts in the field, mutually acceptable to Christie’s and the buyer, before Christie’s decides whether or not to cancel the sale under the warranty.
(vi) The buyer must return the lot to the Christie’s saleroom at which it was purchased in the same condition as at the time of the sale.
7. Copyright
The copyright in all images, illustrations and written material produced by or for Christie’s relating to a lot including the contents of this catalogue, is and shall remain at all times the property of Christie’s and shall not be used by the buyer, nor by anyone else, without our prior written consent. Please note that the copyright, and any and all associated intellectual property and other rights for this item are exclusively retained by The Elizabeth Taylor Trust and/or Interplanet Productions, Ltd. Buyers of the Property will not receive the copyright or any related reproduction rights in the Property and all intellectual property rights are explicitly reserved by Seller and are freely exploitable by Seller in perpetuity. Furthermore, the use of Elizabeth Taylor’s name, photograph or likeness may not be used relating to this item without the express written permission of The Elizabeth Taylor Trust and/or Interplanet Productions Ltd.
8. SEVERABILITY
If any part of these Conditions of Sale is found by any court to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that part shall be discounted and the rest of the conditions shall continue to be valid to the fullest extent permitted by law.
9. LAW AND JURISDICTION
The rights and obligations of the parties with respect to these Conditions of Sale, the conduct of the auction and any matters connected with any of the foregoing shall be governed and interpreted by the laws of the jurisdiction in which the auction is held. By bidding at auction, whether present in person or by agent, by written bid, telephone or other means, the buyer shall be deemed to have submitted, for the benefit of Christie’s, to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of that country, state, county or province, and (if applicable) of the federal courts sitting in such state.
Important Notice
Christie’s Rockefeller Center and
Redstone locations will be closed
26-30 December 2011.
IMPORTANT NOTICES
CHRISTIE’S INTEREST IN PROPERTY CONSIGNED FOR AUCTION
From time to time, Christie’s may offer a lot which it owns in whole or in part. Such property is identified in the catalogue with the symbol ∆ next to its lot number.
On occasion, Christie’s has a direct financial interest in lots consigned for sale, which may include guaranteeing a minimum price or making an advance to the consignor that is secured solely by consigned property. Such property is identified in the catalogue with the symbol º next to the lot number. This symbol will be used both in cases where Christie’s holds the financial interest on its own, and in cases where Christie’s has financed all or part of such interest through third parties. When a third party agrees to finance all or part of Christie’s interest in a lot, it takes on all or part of the risk of the lot not being sold, and will be remunerated in exchange for accepting this risk. The third party may also bid for the lot. Where it does so, and is the successful bidder, the remuneration may be netted against the final purchase price. If the lot is not sold, the third party may incur a loss. Where Christie’s has an ownership or financial interest in every lot in the catalogue, Christie’s will not designate each lot with a symbol, but will state its interest at the front of the catalogue.
ALL DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTS ARE APPROXIMATE ONLY
CONDITION
Christie’s catalogues include references to condition only in descriptions of multiple works (such as prints, books and wine). For all other property, only alterations or replacement components are listed. Please contact the Specialist Department for a condition report on a particular lot. The nature of the lots sold in our auctions is such that they will rarely be in perfect condition, and are likely, due to their nature and age, to show signs of wear and tear, damage, other imperfections, restoration or repair. Any reference to condition in a catalogue entry will not amount to a full description of condition. Condition reports are usually available on request, and will supplement the catalogue description. In describing lots, our staff assess the condition in a manner appropriate to the estimated value of the item and the nature of the auction in which it is included. Any statement as to the physical nature or condition of a lot, in a catalogue, condition report or otherwise, is given honestly and with appropriate care. However, Christie’s staff are not professional restorers or trained conservators and accordingly any such statement will not be exhaustive. We therefore recommend that you always view property personally, and, particularly in the case of any items of significant value, that you instruct your own restorer or other professional adviser to report to you in advance of bidding.
REGARDING COLOURED STONES
Prospective buyers are reminded that many coloured gemstones have historically been treated to enhance their appearance. Certain enhancement methods, such as heating, are commonly used to improve both colour or transparency, particularly in rubies and sapphires. Other methods, such as oiling, enhance the clarity of emeralds. These methods have been generally accepted by the international jewellery trade. Although heat enhancement of colour is widely believed to be permanent, it may have some impact on the durability of the gemstone and special care of the stone may be required over time. For example, gemstones which have been oiled may require re-oiling after a period of years to retain their maximum appearance.
It is Christie’s policy to obtain gemmological reports from internationally recognised gemmological laboratories describing certain gemstones sold by Christie’s. The availability of such reports will be disclosed in the catalogue. Reports from American gemmological laboratories used by Christie’s will disclose any heat enhancement or treatment. European gemmological laboratory reports will disclose heat enhancement only if specifically requested but will confirm when no heat enhancement or treatment has been made. Because of variations in approach and technology there may not be consensus among laboratories as to whether any particular gemstone has been treated, the extent of treatment and whether treatment is permanent.
It is not feasible for Christie’s to obtain a gemmological report for each gemstone offered by Christie’s. Prospective buyers should be aware that all gemstones may have been enhanced by some method. For further details, prospective buyers in the United States are referred to the information chart prepared by the Gemstones Standards Commission, available in the viewing area. Prospective buyers may request laboratory reports for any uncertified item if requests are made at least three weeks before the scheduled date of auction. This service is subject to prepayment by the requesting party.
Because enhancement affects market value, Christie’s estimates will reflect the information disclosed in a report or, if no report is available, the assumption that gemstones may have been enhanced.
Condition reports are usually available for all lots upon request and Christie’s specialists will be happy to answer any questions.
NOTICE REGARDING BURMESE STONES
Items which are made of, or contain, rubies or jadeite originating in Burma (Myanmar) may not be imported into the U.S. As a convenience to our bidders, lots which contain rubies or jadeite of Burmese origin or of indeterminate origin have been marked with Ψ. Please be advised that a purchaser’s inability to import any such item into the U.S. or any other country shall not constitute grounds for nonpayment or cancellation of the sale.
Please note that with respect to items that contain any other types of gemstones originating in Burma (e.g., sapphires), such items may be imported into the U.S., provided that the gemstones have been mounted or incorporated into jewellery outside of Burma and provided that the setting is not of a temporary nature (e.g., a string).
TO PROSPECTIVE BUYERS OF CLOCKS AND WATCHES
The description of the condition of clocks and watches in this catalogue, including references to defects and repairs, is provided as a service to prospective buyers, but such description is not necessarily complete. While Christie’s will furnish a condition report on any lot to a prospective purchaser upon request, any such report may also be incomplete and may not specify all mechanical replacements or defects. Accordingly, all clocks and watches should be viewed personally by prospective buyers to evaluate the condition of the property offered for sale. All lots are sold “as is,” and the absence of any reference to the condition of a clock or watch does not imply that the lot is in good condition and without defects, repairs or restorations. Virtually all clocks and watches have been repaired in the course of their normal useful lifetime and may now incorporate parts not original to them. Furthermore, Christie’s makes no representation or warranty that any clock or watch is in working order.
Watches are not always illustrated life size, buyers should refer to the catalogue description for the dimensions of each watch.
It should be noted that most wristwatches with water-resistant cases have been opened to identify type and quality of movement. It cannot be assumed that the watches are still waterproof and purchasers are advised to have the watches checked by a competent watch-maker before use.
Please note that gold of less than 18ct. does not qualify in all countries as ‘gold’ and may be refused import. Christie’s cannot accept liability if import is refused.
Please note that all Rolex watches in the Christie’s sale catalogue are sold as viewed and that Christie’s cannot guarantee the authenticity of any individual component part of these Rolex watches. The bracelets described as “associated” are not part of the original piece and may not be authentic.
Prospective buyers should satisfy themselves by personal inspection as to the condition of each Lot. Condition reports can be requested from Christie’s and are given ‘without prejudice’ in accordance with the terms of the conditions of sale and limited warranty printed in the back of the catalogue. Nevertheless, such reports are for general guidance only and will not specify all mechanical replacements or imperfections. Such reports will, of necessity, be subjective. Buyers are advised that certificates are not available unless otherwise stated.
As collectors’ watches often contain extremely fine and complex mechanisms, buyers should be aware that a general service, change of battery or further repair work, for which the buyer is solely responsible, may be necessary.
PROPERTY INCORPORATING MATERIALS FROM ENDANGERED AND OTHER PROTECTED SPECIES
Property made of or incorporating (irrespective of percentage) endangered and other protected species of wildlife are marked with the symbol ~ in the catalogue. Such material includes, among other things, ivory, tortoiseshell, crocodile skin, rhinoceros horn, whale bone and certain species of coral, together with Brazilian rosewood. Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit altogether the importation of property containing such materials, and that other countries require a permit (e.g., a CITES permit) from the relevant regulatory agencies in the countries of exportation as well as importation. Accordingly, clients should familiarise themselves with the relevant customs laws and regulations prior to bidding on any property with wildlife material if they intend to import the property into another country. For example, the U.S. generally prohibits the importation of articles containing species that it has designated as endangered or threatened if those articles are less than 100 years old. Please note that it is the client’s responsibility to determine and satisfy the requirements of any applicable laws or regulations applying to the export or import of property containing endangered and other protected wildlife material. The inability of a client to export or import property containing endangered and other protected wildlife material is not a basis for cancellation or rescission of the sale. Please note also that lots containing potentially regulated wildlife material are marked as a convenience to our clients, but Christie’s does not accept liability for errors or for failing to mark lots containing protected or regulated species.
REGARDING IMPORTATION OF WATCHES INTO THE US
Prospective buyers should be aware that the importation of Rolex watches into the United States is highly restricted. These watches (not limited to Rolex) may not be shipped into the USA and can only be imported personally. Generally, a buyer may import only one watch into the USA. In this catalogue, these watches have been marked with a Φ.
It is the buyer’s responsibility to determine whether there are any import restrictions and to comply with such restrictions. The failure by Christie’s to mark a lot with a Φ shall not constitute grounds to rescind or cancel a sale. For further information please contact our specialists in charge of the sale.
REGARDING THE EXPORT OF WATCH BANDS INCORPORATING MATERIALS FROM ENDANGERED SPECIES
Many of the watches offered for sale in this catalogue have bands which may be made of endangered or protected animal materials such as alligator or crocodile and which may not lawfully be exported from the sale site without a CITES export permit. As explained above, these lots are marked with the symbol (~) in the catalogue. Accordingly, for purchased watches that are to be shipped out of the sale site for delivery, Christie’s will need to remove and retain the band before shipping the watch and buckle.
REGARDING ESTIMATED WEIGHTS
Certain weights in the catalogue have been estimated through measurement. These figures are to be used as approximate guidelines and should not be relied upon as exact.
LOTS OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE
Please note that all lots highlighted with red titles in this sale are offered ‘Without Reserve’. These items will be sold to the highest bidder, regardless of the pre-sale estimate printed in the catalogue. We hope that you will find this visual presentation helpful.
The Collection of Elizabeth Taylor
I the legendary jewels, evening sale
AUCTION
Tuesday 13 December 2011 at 7.00 pm (lots 1-80)
20 Rockefeller Plaza
New York, NY 10020
Admission to this sale is by ticket only. Please contact 212 468 7199 for requests.
AUCTION CODE AND NUMBER
In sending absentee bids or making enquiries, this sale should be referred to as ELIZABETH–2623
AUCTIONEER
Principal Auctioneer Christopher Burge (#761543)
VIEWING
This is a time-ticketed exhibition. The last viewing will be one hour prior to closing.
Admission: $30
To purchase tickets, please visit: www.christies.com/elizabethtaylorviews
Saturday 3 December 12.00 pm - 6.00 pm
Sunday 4 December 10.00 am - 6.00 pm
Monday 5 December 12.00 pm - 6.00 pm
Tuesday 6 December 12.00 pm - 6.00 pm
Wednesday 7 December 12.00 pm - 6.00 pm
Thursday 8 December 12.00 pm - 5.00 pm
Friday 9 December 12.00 pm - 6.00 pm
Saturday 10 December 10.00 am - 6.00 pm
Sunday 11 December 10.00 am - 6.00 pm
Monday 12 December 12.00 pm - 6.00 pm
CONDITIONS OF SALE
This auction is subject to Important Notices, Conditions of Sale and to Reserves
BUYING AT CHRISTIE’S
For an overview of the process, see the Buying at Christie’s section.
This auction features CHRISTIE'S LIVE
Bid live in Christie’s salerooms worldwide
register at www.christies.com
SPECIALISTS
Rahul Kadakia, Head of Department
rkadakia@christies.com
Tom Burstein
tburstein@christies.com
Daphne Lingon
dlingon@christies.com
Jennifer Rosenthal
jrosenthal@christies.com
Leslie Roskind, West Coast/LA
lroskind@christies.com
Debbie Bloom, Consultant
Tel: +1 212 636 2300
Fax: +1 212 636 2301
CATALOGUERS
Libby Dale
ldale@christies.com
Maltby Fowler
mfowler@christies.com
Tel: +1 212 636 2300
Fax: +1 212 636 2301
BUSINESS MANAGER
Sarah Cashin
scashin@christies.com
Tel: +1 212 636 2306
Fax: +1 212 636 2301
DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATORS
Carlie Stumpf
cstumpf@christies.com
Tel: +1 212 636 2319
Lisa Weston
lweston@christies.com
Tel: +1 212 636 2311
Fax: +1 212 636 2301
Shipping Coordinator
Hillary Cowan
hcowan@christies.com
Tel: +1 212 636 2312
Fax: +1 212 636 2301
Important Notice
Christie’s Rockefeller Center and
Redstone locations will be closed
26-30 December 2011.
EMAIL
For general enquiries about this auction, emails should be addressed to the Auction Administrator(s).
SERVICES
ABSENTEE AND
TELEPHONE BIDS
Tel: +1 212 468 7199
AUCTION RESULTS
USA: +1 212 703 8080
UK: +44 (0)20 7627 2707
christies.com
INSURANCE
Tel: +1 212 636 2353
Fax: +1 212 492 4947
PAYMENT
Tel: +1 212 636 2495
Fax: +1 212 636 4939
CHRISTIE’S FINE ART STORAGE SERVICES
London
+44 (0)20 7622 0609
cfassuk@christies.com
New York
+1 212 974 4579
cfassny@christies.com
Singapore
+852 2978 9998
cfasssingapore@christies.com
AUCTION SERVICES
CHRISTIE’S AUCTION ESTIMATES
Tel: +1 212 636 2615
Fax: +1 212 636 4954
www.christies.com
CORPORATE COLLECTIONS
Tel: +1 212 636 2901
Fax: +1 212 636 4929
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ESTATES AND APPRAISALS
Tel: +1 212 636 2400
Fax: +1 212 636 2370
info@christies.com
MUSEUM SERVICES
Tel: +1 212 636 2620
Fax: +1 212 636 4931
awhiting@christies.com