5 Things to Know About Heritage Auctions

The Dallas-based auction house comes to Hong Kong for Heritage Week this week, marking the first time Heritage Auctions is putting jewellery, timepieces and fashion items on the block in our city. Lots will include Patek Philippe watches, Tiffany & Co. jewellery and of course, rare Hermès Birkins—no presidential hair this time, though.

1. Heritage Auctions is the world’s largest collectibles auctioneer

Above Photo: unsplash.com

It is also the third largest auction house in the world in terms of annual sales volume behind only Christie’s and Sotheby’s. Heritage Auctions actually bills higher numbers than competitors Bonhams and Philips, who may be better known in Hong Kong’s auction market as Heritage has yet to bring its art business to the city.

In its role as the world’s largest collectibles auctioneer, Heritage holds numerous auctions for coins, comics, luxury handbags, sports memorabilia, historical items, books and even real estate.

2. No lot is too weird for Heritage, which has sold Abraham Lincoln’s hair

Above Batman #1 (1940) (Photo: Courtesy of Heritage Auctions)

Heritage also sold the sixth most valuable comic book ever, Batman #1, in 2013 for US$567,625; the domain name sex.co for US$63,250; along with lots of late American President Abraham Lincoln’s hair, ranging from entire locks encased in lockets (the highest-grossing one pulled in US$38,837) to a five-strand set in a clear plastic pouch (this one yielded less than US$1,000).

3. Managing Director Kathleen Guzman is a celebrity

Above Photo: Mila Samokhina

Appraiser and auctioneer Kathleen Guzman had been on Antiques Roadshow for the better part of two decades, and has appeared as an art expert on Oprah, Good Morning America and CNN’s Today.

Before joining Heritage Auctions she spent time with Christie’s and Phillips, and has had the pleasure of auctioning off items for Barbra Streisand and Marilyn Monroe’s estates.

4. Heritage Auction's fashion debut in Hong Kong 

Above Hermès matte rose alligator Birkin (Photo: Courtesy of Heritage Auctions)

While the house holds quarterly wine auctions and coin and currency sales twice a year, this will be the first time it’s offering luxury fashion collectibles.

Highlights include a sapphire ring by Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co., a 2002 diamond-laden watch from Patek Philippe and an Hermès matte rose alligator Birkin.

5. Six auctions will take place during Heritage Week

Above Photo: Courtesy of Heritage Auctions

Heritage Week runs from December 3-10 at The Mira Hong Kong, during which Heritage will host a total of six auctions.

Previews for coins and currency kick off on the 3rd, with the gavel rising and falling from the 5th-7th. Fine wines are on the block 7-8, while the debut luxury lifestyle sale is on the 10th.

Find out more about Heritage Auctions on ha.com

Topics

Heritage Auctions Auction Jewellery Watches Fashion

Tatler Asia

5 Things to Know About Heritage Auctions

1. Heritage Auctions is the world&rsquo;s largest collectibles auctioneer

2. No lot is too weird for Heritage, which has sold Abraham Lincoln&rsquo;s hair

3. Managing Director Kathleen Guzman is a celebrity

4. Heritage Auction's fashion debut in Hong Kong&nbsp;

5. Six auctions will take place during Heritage Week

1. Heritage Auctions is the world’s largest collectibles auctioneer

2. No lot is too weird for Heritage, which has sold Abraham Lincoln’s hair

4. Heritage Auction's fashion debut in Hong Kong