Art
Film & TV
Larry King Unpacked: His Private Collection Scores at Auction
Results from 'The Larry King Collection' auction, hosted at The Peninsula Beverly Hills.

Today, The Peninsula Beverly Hills hosted "The Larry King Collection" auction in an exciting event that presented an opportunity to acquire artifacts from the life and career of the renowned broadcaster.
The lots presented reflected the scope of King's life. The collection included items related to his media career, his interest in the Los Angeles Dodgers, selections from his personal library, and various personal collectibles. A notable feature was the collection of books inscribed to King by individuals who appeared on his show.
Among the items presented was an 18th Century French 'School of Jean-Marc Nattier' Painting. This oil on canvas, depicting "Portrait of a Lady as Venus Disarming Cupid," was unsigned but consistent with Nattier's style. Estimated at $15,000 - $20,000, it sold for $11,520.
Larry King, a National Radio Hall of Fame inductee engaged global audiences for decades. Many knew his work through his CNN talk show, "Larry King Live," which ran for 25 years (1985-2010). The program served as a platform where King interviewed figures from politics, sports, entertainment, business, and science, as well as individuals in the public eye.
The 1980s Frank Sinatra Signed Limited Edition Print, personally signed by Sinatra and numbered "72/150," proved King had a taste for scarcity, and sold for $8,960, surpassing its $8,000 - $10,000 estimate. This piece highlighted King's long-standing admiration for Sinatra.
King's interview approach was often guided by his philosophy: "I never learned anything while I was talking." This principle allowed his guests ample space to speak, providing viewers with direct insights into the thoughts and actions of influential figures.
Another item was the 1980 Salvador Dali Limited Edition Decorative Menorah. This piece, made of gold-toned pewter and cast stone, bore Dali's stamped signature and edition number "241/250." Resting on a black marble base, it sold for $7,680, significantly above its $800 - $1,200 estimate, and included a COA from The Salvador Dali Gallery.
Objects from King's daily life also generated interest, such as the 2000s Humidor from The White House. This lacquered burled wood item, featuring the official circular seal, sold for $5,760, exceeding its $400 - $600 estimate. Similarly, a 2001 Paul McCartney Signed Book, "Blackbird Singing," inscribed "To Larry & Shawn / with love, / Paul McCartney / 2001," achieved $3,840 against an $800 - $1,000 estimate.
The auction also included unique artistic interpretations, such as a 1990s Al Hirschfeld Original Drawing—a pen and ink portrait of King—which achieved $3,840. A 1990s Tony Curtis Signed Painting, an acrylic still life, sold for $3,200. Additionally, a 2007 Frank Sinatra-Related Limited Edition Print, signed by Tom Zotos, sold for $2,880.
Other Notable Lots
A Moment Remembered
We appreciate The Peninsula Beverly Hills for hosting this event. Their venue and service contributed to the auction's smooth execution.
Our thanks are extended to The Estate of Larry King, we're honored to have the brought this essential legacy collection to market.
