Liberace was one of the early entertainers to grace the Las Vegas Strip. He loved the little oasis in the desert. He quickly became the highest paid entertainer on the Strip and his name graced the marquee at the Riv for years.
As his fortunes and his popularity rose, Lee bought a home in Las Vegas, near what is today UNLV, off of Tropicana just west of Maryland Parkway.
A museum is dedicated to his life not far from the house and Tivoli Gardens, the restaurant he owned, is still doing business.
However, his home has come up for sale and the belongings and fixtures are being auctioned off. If you're a fan of the Travel Channel, you've no doubt seen the various hour long shows that include highlights from the interior of the house.
Now, you have a chance to own not only a piece of history but save it from falling into hands that may not understand the history associated with it.
A reader wrote in to say that the Auction did not take place due to court order. Stay tuned!
Here are some of the items:
Lot # 85
Pillar Archway
Believed to be all original. Has two columns. With a large triple arch top.
Overall 10' high, 7' wide. Made of wood. Is depicted in several photographs of
the Moroccan room. Buyer's responsibility for safe removal from wall.
Location: Moroccan room
Lot # 87
Original Antique Crystal Chandelier
Chandelier that is located in the staircase off of the Foyer leading to the
famous Moroccan room. Amazing combination of crystal prisms with 12
electric candle lights. Chandelier body measures approximately 32" tall, 34"
diameter. Appears to be complete with no noticeable missing glass beads or
prisms. Professional shipping or local pick up only. Location: Staircase leading
to Hollywood room and Moroccan room.
Lot # 128F
Ancient Marble Pillars
Pair of Original ancient imported marble pillars. Original pillars measure
approximately 8'3" tall, 16" diameter at the base and tapering to 12" at the top.
Overall height: 114" including the crown atop of the column which appears to
be an add on afterwards. NOTE: These solid marble columns are extremely
heavy and will require professional removal. Location: Front Entry Door
Lot # 156A
Ancient Marble Pillars
Pillars are believed to be original imported and begin the entry to the famed
eternal hallway. Pillars measure 85" tall, taper from the base to the top
approximately 12" diameter at the base and 8" diameter at the top. NOTE: This
item is extremely heavy and will require professional removal. Overall height of
91" including the top piece which appears to be a later add on.
Lot # 157
Large Triple Arched Column Display
Piece measures approximately 12' 6" long, 8' high, has three arches, four
pillars, three shelf/storage cabinets. Each of which have opportunities for
adjustable height. Will disassemble into approximately 8 large pieces. Pieces
believed to be (unconfirmed) one of the original pieces of furniture from
Liberace's House. Location: Game room
Lot # 162
Original Yamaha Baby Grand Piano
Beautiful White lacquered Baby Grand Piano. This piano is the original piano
as seen on the Johnny Carson Show and presented to Liberace as a personal
gift from the late Johnny Carson. Piano is in overall excellent condition.
Complete with Piano stool. Note: Professional movers only. Location: Living
room
Lot # 181
Beaded Crystal Chandelier
Very ornate. Six circles of crystal beads and a very detailed brass/bronze
colored frame. Chandelier measures approximately 28" in diameter,
approximately 13" hanging. Location: Eternal Hall
Lot # 182A
Ancient Marble Pillars
Pillars are believed to be original imported and begin the entry to the famed
eternal hallway. Pillars measure 85" tall, taper from the base to the top
approximately 12" diameter at the base and 8" diameter at the top. Overall
height of 91" including the top piece which appears to be a later add on.
NOTE: This item is extremely heavy and will require professional removal.
Location: Approximately 1/4 of the way down the famed eternal hallway.
Lot #s 187-190
Baccarat Crystal Wall Sconces
These exquisite sconces are believed to be originals during Liberace's
occupation of the house. History indicates that they were presented to
Liberace as a gift and appear in hundreds of photos during Liberace's tenure.
Sconces are electric and may have been rewired. Each sconce measures 36"
tall, 26" wide with seven arms and a 10" sphere at the top. May be missing the
very minimum number of the smaller crystal pieces. NOTE: All indications are
that these are the original Baccarat sconces, however, we have not been able
to find any maker's marks on the sconces. Location: Eternal Hall
Lot #s 200-203
Eight Hand Painted Ceiling Tiles
Eight 27" x 30 1/2" sized tiles made of plastic, 1/8" thick. Very elegant.
Location: Eternal Hall
Lot # 221
Pair Carved Mahogany Doors
Stunning heavily carved mahogany doors. One side of door is finished
mahogany. Other side of door is white painted. Each door is 94" tall, 37" wide,
2" thick for a combination door opening of 74" by 94 1/2". Location: Private
Living quarters
Lot # 222
Massive Elaborate Chandelier
Incredible Chandelier in a combination of tear drop crystals and iron.
Chandelier hangs approximately 80" and is approximately 5' wide. The top tier
holds 6 lights, middle holds 6 lights, bottom holds 12 lights. Very unusual and
elaborate. Location: Private Living quarters over the fountain
Lot # 248
Oval Crystal Chandelier
Believed to be original chandelier hanging over the bath tub. This chandelier is
featured in many photographs and pictures of Liberace. Chandelier measures
approximately 17" hang, approximately 45" diameter. All crystal pieces appear
to be intact and in excellent condition. Location: Private living quarters. NOTE:
This chandelier will come with a poster showing Liberace and the chandelier in
the bath tub.
Lot # 273
Liberace's Personally Designed Custom Canopy Bed
Typical Liberace style. This canopy bed is extremely ornate in a combination
of marble colored iron bars along with intricately designed brass sculptures.
Canopy is surrounded with gold colored linen and a large crest at the foot of
the bed. Overall height 95" tall. The bed width, king(?) is approximately 80" x
96". This bed's authenticity is verified by many photographs throughout the
house. Included with bed will be a beautiful framed photo of George,
Liberace's brother, and Kay Reed, Liberace's Decorator. Location: Master
bedroom. NOTE: This lot does not include the comforter, sheets, mattress or
box springs. Comforter and sheets will be sold in lot 274.
Lot # 274
Down Filled Silk Comforter and Throw Pillows
Believed to be original with the bed. Beautiful beige colored and teal trimmed
comforter with 5 matching pillows. Comforter measures 100" x 96". Location:
Master bedroom
Lot # 286
Hand Carved Imported Original Fire Surround
It is believed that this is certainly an original piece to the house. Extremely
well defined and carved depicting a lion on each of the pillars with a south
wind face under the mantle. On an interesting note, our sources claim that
originally the three heads' eyes were actual gem stones. However, these were
removed shortly after Liberace's departure. Mantle measures 54" tall, 71" wide,
15" deep. Mantle has normal wear and tear for a piece of this age. Location:
Dining room
Lot #s 372-378
English Stained Glass Panels
This panel is believed to be original with the house and imported from
England. Authentic leaded glass with a center etched bird. Panels measure 27"
x 29". Mixture of greens and ambers. Location: Mini Bar
Featured Items in upcoming Liberace Villa of note that
need to be saved! Please help save the Liberace legacy and bid.
Featured Items in upcoming Liberace Villa of note that
need to be saved! Please help save the Liberace legacy and bid.
http://www.auctionnv.com