US-based private auction house Julien’s Auctions had a record-breaking year in 2024, setting new world records in the industry. Highlights of the year included the sale of John Lennon’s long-lost Help! Hootenanny guitar for a staggering US$2.9 million, LeBron James’s Sports Illustrated “The Chosen One” basketball jersey for US$1.3 million, George Harrison’s Beatles-era Futurama guitar for US$1.27 million, and Star Trek memorabilia including William Shatner’s phaser, communicator, and yellow tunic.
The year kicked off with the sale of John Lennon’s Framus 12-string acoustic guitar, which fetched a record-breaking US$2.9 million. LeBron James and Bruce Lee were also in the spotlight, with James’s jersey selling for US$1.3 million in Hong Kong. Princess Diana’s Elegance and Royal Collection saw a record-breaking sale of US$5.5 million, solidifying Julien’s Auctions as the top auction house for Princess Diana items.
Celebrating 30 years of Friends, Julien’s Auctions partnered with Warner Bros Television for a white glove auction that drew unprecedented fan interest. Iconic celebrity fashion items were also featured, with Sarah Jessica Parker’s Carrie Bradshaw tutu and Grace Kelly’s Givenchy dress making headlines.
The auction house also set a world record for Star Trek memorabilia, selling original props and costumes totaling US$3.6 million. Olivia Newton-John’s Grease jacket from the 1978 film sold for nearly half a million dollars, with proceeds benefiting The Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund.
In another historic moment, George Harrison’s early Beatles-era Futurama guitar sold for a record-breaking US$1.27 million, making it the highest-selling instrument played by Harrison. Overall, Julien’s Auctions had an incredible year, solidifying its reputation as a leader in the auction industry.
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