Every lot sold and the sale total surpassed the $2m upper estimate and more than 1200 bidders registered.
“The saleroom auction brought forth a dynamic mix of buyers from different countries with virtually every state in the Union represented,” said Brook Hazelton, president of Christie’s Americas.
The top lot was the First Lady’s Bulgari diamond, sapphire and ruby ring, made to resemble an American flag, which took $319,500 including buyer’s premium. This was followed by a fragment of the Berlin Wall, bearing the president’s signature. It took a premium-inclusive total of $277,500.
The sale was the first of a two part auction. The second, online only auction, continues until September 28 and is currently let by a set of six Mottahedeh Chinese export-style plates.
