Get your pocket books ready because the Property from the Life and Career of Betty White auction is taking place from September 23rd through the 25th live with Julien’s Auctions! You can register to bid online now, though, or if you have $200 to spare you can grab yourself a copy of the limited edition box set catalog. I love auction catalogs, and this one is particularly well put together with three hardcover books in a beautiful light blue box. You can sit down with a piece of cheesecake and flip through the online version, too.
There are over 1,600 lots in the auction, including lots of memorabilia from The Golden Girls, of course. I combed through the online catalog and selected some interesting items that caught my eye. Take a look!
“She’s in there!” Let’s open the door to this post with the fab yellow door from Betty and Allen’s house in Carmel, California! I’m loving the brass door knocker in the shape of a cat, and the lot also includes a sheet from the December 1978 issue of Home Buyers Guide featuring the house. You can even bid on the master bedroom door from the Brentwood house. The needlepoint tiger featured in the magazine article is up for grabs, too.
This would be a fun display piece for any vinyl collector. I also like that there’s a bit of a connection to Bea Arthur who starred with Lotte Lenya in Weill’s The Threepenny Opera.
Allen Ludden Owl Needlepoint Director’s Chair
Betty loved to do needlepoint as a hobby, and there are lots of her pieces available in the auction, including this amazing director’s chair that she made for Allen. He must have liked owls, too, because there are several lots of owl figurines and jewelry.
Allen gave this ring to Betty, probably in the late 60s, so it’s easy to see why she wore it almost constantly over the years. From promotional photos to magazine covers and episodes of The Golden Girls, this ring is emblematic of both Betty and Rose’s style.
Apricot gown worn in 1977 and 1986
I love that Betty first wore this beautiful apricot chiffon and lamé accented gown in 1977 and then pulled it out of her closet in 1986 to wear again at the People’s Choice Awards when The Golden Girls won for Favorite New TV Comedy Program. As Blanche would say, it is gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous!
Rose Nylund got a lot of wear out of this classic 1980s enamel ring and earrings set on The Golden Girls! I’m pretty sure she’s wearing the ring in the infamous “Sometimes life just isn’t fair, kiddo!” scene when she gets Fernando back.
The Golden Girls Publicity Image Dress
This periwinkle and polka dot dress has become so iconic even though I think Betty only wore it for promo photos of the second season of The Golden Girls (somebody correct me if I’m wrong, please!). You can get the pearl earrings, too! Personally, I think this dress belongs in the Smithsonian, and I hope whoever ends up winning it treats it with care.
I expect that this lot might end up going for quite a bit more than the original estimate with the recent passing of Queen Elizabeth II. In 1988 the Girls performed in the presence of the Queen Mother as part of the Royal Variety Performance. The lot includes an event program, a certificate, and some commemorative stamps, but the real stars of the show are the behind-the-scenes photos of the Girls meeting the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret!
Ok, as someone who still writes letters and sends snail mail, I am completely in love with Betty’s personal desk organizer! Also, in my opinion, there’s a lot of bang for your buck here because you get the stationery, the little clock, the pens and pencils, and even a little handwritten note. I’m dying to know what might still be in that little drawer, too!
How about you? Do you plan to bid on anything from the Betty White auction? There are quite a few reasonably priced things, so it’s a great chance at winning something owned and loved by the First Lady of Television herself! As for me, I’ve placed bids on two lots, but I’m not telling which ones! You’ll have to check back at the end of the month to see if I won…
The Golden Girls Fashion Corner 