Clark on the Auction Block

As was widely publicized, the first auction of Debbie Reynolds’ amazing collection of Hollywood artifacts was held this past weekend. Her collection was/is absolutely amazing– there is no other word for the truly astounding pieces included.

Although not really the “jaw-droppers”, there were a few Clark Gable items up on the block, unfortunately all a bit out of my price range:

Clark’s personal dressing gown, which he owned for many years and used during production of Gone with the Wind, Honky Tonk and other films. (Clark’s wearing it in the picture above)

Described: Clark Gable personal dressing gown for off-screen use during filming of Gone with the Wind. (David O. Selznick, 1939) Purple satin dressing robe with swirl pattern and tassel-end belt, worn by Clark Gable in his dressing room between scenes on the set of Gone with the Wind. Studio tag reads “D.O. Selznick Studio Mr. C. Gable/ Dressing Room.”

Asking price: $2,000-$3,000

Went for: $10,000 + $2,300 buyers premium

Ivory Wool Vest and Pantaloons worn by Clark as “Fletcher Christian” in Mutiny on the Bounty

Described: Clark Gable “Christian” Ivory wool vest and pantaloons from Mutiny on the Bounty (1935). (MGM, 1935) Ivory wool vest and pantaloons, vest with Brown & Herrmann label typed “Clark Gable 5-20-25 11806” and stamped “40.” Vest exhibits some holes. Pantaloons have Logan Costume label and handwritten “Clark Gable.” Worn by Clark Gable as “Christian” in Mutiny on the Bounty.

Asking price: $8,000-$12,000

Went for: $30,000 + $6,900 buyers premium

Gun used by Clark as “Victor Marswell” in Mogambo

Described: Clark Gable “Victor Marswell” Winchester model 70 .270 rifle from Mogambo. (MGM, 1953) Winchester model 70 .270 WCF dating from 1949. Used by Clark Gable as “Victor Marswell” to shoot the black panther threatening Grace Kelly “Linda Nordley” on her nature walk. Bluing is in nice condition, exhibits small scuffs and one scratch in the right rear checkering.

Asking price: $1,000-$1,500

Went for: $15,000 + $3,450 buyers premium

Original Mogambo poster

Described: Mogambo original U.S. three-sheet poster. (MGM, 1953) Linen-backed original 41” x 79” U.S. three-sheet poster for John Ford’s remake of the 1932 Red Dust with Clark Gable reprising his original role, Ava Gardner replacing Jean Harlow, and Grace Kelly replacing Mary Astor. Fine with a minimum of retouching, and a bend in the upper right corner leaving a crack in the background paper.

Asking price: $400-$600

Went for: $1,700 + $391.00 buyers premium

Also two outfits worn by Grace Kelly as “Linda Nordley” in Mogambo.

Described: Grace Kelly “Linda Nordley” pair of safari outfits from Mogambo.. (MGM, 1953)  Taupe raw silk short jacket and skort.  Interior bias label in the jacket typewritten “G. Kelly DBLE 1616-2613”.  Handwritten label in skort states “1616-2614 Grace KellyDouble” (double denotes extra costume, not stunt double).  Worn in the safari sequences leading up to the arrival to the priest’s compound.  The jacket is held in Kelly’s arms but not worn by her. Together with a taupe open weave wool jacket with suede elbow patches and matching pants.  Interior bias label in the jacket handwritten “G. Kelly 1616-2615.”  Pants label typewritten “G. Kelly P-777 2615” and handwritten “Double” beneath (double denotes extra costume, not stunt double).  Worn in the safari sequences when the party encounters the gorillas.

Asking price: $4,000-$6,000

Went for: $47,500 + $10,925 buyers premium

Leafing through the catalog, you find costumes from an extensive list of Clark’s leading ladies: Vivien Leigh, Norma Shearer, Hedy Lamarr, Lana Turner, Greer Garson, Carroll Baker, Ava Gardner, Claudette Colbert, Marilyn Monroe (her costumes were the biggest sellers, the “subway” dress alone netting over $5 million),  and yes, even Carole Lombard, whose dress from her one film with Clark, No Man of Her Own, netted $11,000 (+2,530 buyers premium).

An amazing collection.  Color me a classic movie fan who’s a little sad that it’s all now scattered to the wind.