Greta Garbo’s Belongings Sell for $1.6 Million – Thrice The Estimated Value

Greta Garbo proved that her popularity remains undiminished as a two-day sale of the late Hollywood star’s personal belongings fetched $1.6 million, more than three times the original estimate by Julien’s Auctions. The auction, this weekend, saw about 800 personal items of Greta Garbo on the block, with Garbo’s Louis Vuitton streamer trunk fetching $37,500.

A U.S. passport issued to her in 1964 was sold for $15,000 and three leather driving caps she wore in a 1924 car advertisement went for $15,000. Martin Nolan, the executive director of the Beverly Hills auction house said “Greta Garbo commanded Marilyn Monroe prices,” after a 1930s black velvet dress estimated to fetch $1200, commanded a price of $13,750.

Garbo died in 1990 at the age of 84. However, she retired from film and public life in 1941 and lived as a recluse. Nolan commented, “Her beauty, extraordinary screen presence, and fashion trending style were proven to be timeless.”

Her belongings had been kept by her family in storage before deciding to sell them in an auction. The items included items like her platform bed, photos, documents, and luggage.

Beginning her life in the era of silent movies, Garbo was one of the few Hollywood stars to successfully transition to talkies. In 1954, the Swedish actress was given an honorary award for unforgettable performances by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.