Steve Jobs’ bowtie has made headlines after it sold for an astonishing $35,750 at a recent auction, far surpassing its estimated value of $1,000. This unique piece was worn by Jobs during two photo shoots for the Macintosh computer launch in 1984, as well as at a conference in Aspen in 1983 and at an annual shareholder's meeting in 1984. The sale highlights the enduring appeal of memorabilia associated with influential figures in technology.
In addition to Jobs’ bowtie, the auction featured other notable items, including a pair of ivory cotton snap-fly boxer shorts worn by President John F. Kennedy, which fetched $9,100. Dating back to Kennedy’s Navy days in the 1940s, these shorts are particularly distinctive due to a hand-sewn label embroidered with his nickname, "Jack." The auction also included a pair of presidential pants worn by Kennedy, although the selling price for those remains unspecified.
Another standout item from the auction was a black Alternative brand hoodie worn by Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg. It sold for $15,875, significantly exceeding its estimated value of $1,000. Zuckerberg wore this hoodie on multiple occasions, including when he was named "Person of The Year" by Time Magazine in 2010. He even included a handwritten note with the hoodie, expressing his fondness for it:
"One of my favorite old-school Facebook hoodies. I wore this all the time in the early days. It even has our original mission statement on the inside lining. Enjoy! — Mark Zuckerberg"
The auction, hosted by Julien's Auctions as part of their "Spotlight: History And Technology" event, serves as a reminder of how items once worn by famous individuals can become valuable pieces of history. Such auctions are often organized to raise money for charity, further enhancing their significance.
Experts suggest that these unique items make for exceptional gifts. One auctioneer noted, “It's a great Christmas gift to people because it's not something they would buy for themselves.” This sentiment resonates with bidders who seek both a piece of history and a compelling story behind each item.
The auction not only highlights the fascination with celebrity memorabilia but also draws parallels with previous auctions featuring items from former royalty and other notable figures. For instance, convicted fraudster Bernie Madoff’s boxers were sold for $1,700 in 2010, while various personal items from celebrities and public figures have continued to capture interest in recent years.
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