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Michael Jackson memorabilia that hit the auction block less than 24 hours after his death took in $205,000, exceeding original estimates of $10,000 to $12,000, reports Bloomberg.net.
The June 26 auction was planned before the entertainer's death on Thursday, by Julien's Auctions, the same company that planned an April sale of about 2,000 items owned by Jackson before a lawsuit scuttled that effort.
Friday's auction included a sheer, long-sleeve shirt worn on his 1984 "Victory" tour and a handwritten letter, according to Darren Julien, chief executive officer of the West Hollywood, California-based auction house.
"Michael was highly collectible in the first place," Julien told the Web site. "We actually contemplated pulling the lots after his death. We didn't want anyone to think we were taking advantage of the situation, but a fan told us, we need to celebrate Michael's life."
The custom long-sleeve shirt was expected to sell for $1,000 to $1,500, but fetched $52,500, Julien's said. It has a white spandex lining and is completely covered in small pearls on one side and a combination of pearls and Swarovski crystal on the other. It was created by designer Bill Whitten and was once part of the collection of David Gest, former husband of Liza Minnelli, according to the auction house.
The handwritten letter had a presale estimate of $200 to $300 and sold for $12,500, the company said. Other items included a pencil drawing of a boy by Jackson, the company said previously.
Other Jackson items sold include an acrylic on cardboard painting of Mickey Mouse conducting Pluto singing, Julien's said. The board is signed in the lower right, first in black paint "Michael Jackson" and then in white paint "Mike Jackson" over the first signature, the company said. The painting, measuring 25.5 inches by 19.5 inches, had been estimated by Julien's to sell for $1,000 to $1,500 and ultimately went for $25,000.
A copy of a Motown Records LP produced to coincide with the Jackson 5's September 1971 "Goin' Back to Indiana" prime-time ABC-TV special sold for $33,750, compared with the Julien's estimate of $400 to $600. It is signed in black permanent pen by Tito, Marlon, Jackie, Michael, and Jermaine Jackson, who are all featured on the cover, the auctioneer said. The album also includes the signature of Randy Jackson, who officially joined the band when he replaced Jermaine in the 1970s, Julien's said.
