Artcurial Auction "A history of man"

... or "une histoire d'homme", as Arcurial is a french auction house, will take place on the 9th june in the hôtel particulier Marcel Dassault on Champs-Élysées. It's one of the biggest auction houses in France and they auction off mostly luxury and design objects, antiques, art and collectibles.

Despite the selection reflecting the tastes of the stereotypical gentleman with watches, cigarette cases and sport related curiosities, the number of bicycles greatly outnumbered the number of cars. In fact, the only car there was a Triumph spitfire from 1980, below pictured outside the hotel.

At least the car would be a more practical purchase than most of the bicycles going under the hammer:

Coming with obligatory use of helmet and infallibe balance skills as a pre-requisite, these vehicules are better left as decoration than a greener altrnative to the car. Also note the complete lack of breaks.

Other than the two and four wheeled means of transportation, there was a little bit of everything; a basic selection of watches, pens, notably by mont blanc and Cartier, elaborate walking sticks, various decorative objects and a selection of vintage barbie dolls. One of these dolls had her own special ordered Goyard case, fittingly in a light shade of pink!

Not to be outdone by a fashion doll, there were many trunks, bags and other pieces of maroquinrie both vintage and new for gentlemen:

All of the new pieces by Goyard are declined special orders and included a bag for carrying wine bottles, a cover for carpets to keep in the car, a porte-documents (see above) and a messenger bag. Among the Vuitton pieces there were several suit cases in all sizes and conditions both in monogram and leather. Some of the trunks were absolutely stunning and would add a classic touch to any home. It will be interesting to see how the results of the auction turns out as espcially some of the Vuitton suit cases had low price estimations.

Finally, the selection of clothes and shoes was rather disappointing, except for one piece which is also my favourite out of everything, an original cut away coat from the reign of unfortunate Louis XVI:

Silk with embroderied buttons and decorations all in extremely good condition, it's a true gem in a sea of what was truely a "little bit of everything" and a selection that left an impression of a haute gamme clearance sale or garage sale than a properly themed auction.

Found anything of interest? Maybe you're collecting old bikes? The auction doesen't start untill monday and bids can be places by phone or over internet, visit artcurial.fr for more info.