Word came over from Nate D. Sanders that a historic Michael Jackson item is going on the auction block next week. Here's the details: In June 1984, Michael Jackson pressed his hands and feet into concrete for what was meant to become part of the Las Vegas Walk of Fame Project. Jackson then reached down and signed a huge stylized autograph into the cement. Although the Las Vegas Walk of Fame project never materialized, the Riviera Hotel stored Jackson's cement casting – along with those from countless other celebrities – in a storage unit where it remained hidden from the world for the next 21 years. Now, this one-of-a-kind Michael Jackson item will be auctioned by Nate D. Sanders, Inc., one the world's leading dealers of Hollywood memorabilia, autographs, rare books and gold coins.
When Jackson made his hand and footprints in this concrete slab, the "King of Pop" was literally entering the apex of his career. His landmark album "Thriller" would win eight Grammys that year. The entire event was photographed extensively, and the Nate D. Sanders auction includes a photo of a smiling Jackson with his shoes in the cement that was later made into a promotional poster. A certificate of authenticity (COA) from Riviera President and COO Mark Sterbens, who is standing beside Jackson in the photo and assisted him during the event, is also included in the lot. Almost exactly 25 years to the week later, the world lost Jackson forever with his tragic death on 25 June 2009.
The full-size, original 30" x 30" slab, weighing approximately 500 lbs. and dated "6/84" in the lower left-hand corner, has been custom-encased creating an amazing display piece for Michael Jackson's footprints, handprints and large autograph to be displayed and showcased at a business, casino, home, museum, restaurant or office. Professionally encased in an ornate and decorative frame, the overall piece is a stunning 46" x 46". An amazing and truly one-of-a-kind tribute to the most famous performer of his generation, Michael Jackson.
Currently, the Michael Jackson signed foot and handprints lot has bids nearing $16,000 – but the item is expected to go much higher before the auction ends next week.
Sanders' current auction, which closes on Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2011, includes the Michael Jackson lot and many other historic celebrity items and memorabilia. Also in the extensive list of auction items is the actual jumpsuit Lindsay Lohan wore to the MTV Movie Awards in 2010, a Grateful Dead contract signed by six of the original band members (including Jerry Garcia), numerous handwritten letters by Ernest Hemingway, an original 1947 contract signed by Hank Williams, a signed Rosa Parks manuscript and countless signed presidential, music, sports, and literary documents. All of Nate Sanders' auctions include rare books, autographs, sports collectibles and Hollywood memorabilia.
For more than 30 years, Nate D. Sanders has been one of the industry's most respected autograph and rare book experts and dealers. A collector since the late 1970s, Sanders was already widely known in collectors' circles when he opened his auction business in Los Angeles in 1990. Today, he conducts twelve major auctions every year drawing bidders, collectors and investors from around the world. In recent years, Sanders has also been increasingly viewed as an expert on sports and Hollywood memorabilia.
Sanders is always interested in buying unique items and collections. To learn more about Nate D. Sanders, Inc. and to see a complete listing of items from his current auction, go to www.NateDSanders.com
