The best pieces of Playboy collectible memorabilia by Paul Fraser Collectibles Do you think that Playboy is just about pretty young girls taking their clothes off? Think again...
News-Antique.com - Sep 29,2011 - See images for these items at: http://www.paulfrasercollectibles.com/News/MEMORABILIA/Hubba-hubba!-The-best-pieces-of-Playboy-collectible-memorabilia/8356.page?catid=78
After its birth in the 1950s, Hugh Hefner's magazine became a lifestyle symbol for the rich and famous. Boasting the world's top writers and artists, the magazine forever revolutionised pop culture - and its legacy is still felt on today's collectibles auction markets.
Anti-war cartoons, pop culture icons and an iconic silk dressing gown all feature in Paul Fraser Collectibles' rundown of the best pieces of Playboy memorabilia...
Profiles in History auctioned the pyjamas of "sophisticated bon vivant" Hugh Hefner in 2009 - a wise move, considering that "living legend" was and will always be associated with this dressing downs and nightwear.
These pyjamas were classic Hefner: a black silk and burgundy crushed velvet smoking jacket trimmed with black cord and satin cuffs. The outfit was custom-made by Gary's Custom Tailoring of Beverly Hills, an exclusive tailor that only makes clothing for Hefner.
This set was personally donated by Hefner for the unveiling of a figure in his likeness to celebrate his 75th birthday in 2001. In the end, the iconic pyjamas sold for $2,750 over their $1,000-1,500 pre-sale estimate.
#6. Fender Playboy electric guitar - $6,500
Budding musicians hoping to capture some of Hugh Hefner's rock star lifestyle had an opportunity to do so at a sale held by Brunk Auctions of Ashville, North Carolina, back in 2007.
This Fender Playboy-themed electric guitar auctioned with a $5,000 lower estimate. Aside from the obvious racy decor, the guitar also boasted inlaid diamond and Playboy symbols the tip of its headstock (where the tuning knobs are).
On the back was an iconic image of Marilyn Monroe. The guitar sold with an original certificate of authenticity dated to 1994 and - a less rock 'n' roll inclusion - an unrelated block of 1995 US Postal Service Stamps featuring Monroe. In excellent condition, the guitar sold for $6,500.
#5. Playboy's first issue featuring Marilyn Monroe - $6,500
Thanks to her iconic appearance on cover of the magazine's first-ever issue, Marilyn Monroe will forever be associated with Playboy. The magazine's debut issue was published in 1953 and would forever revolutionise the men's magazines genre.
Monroe was the first Playmate of the Month (or "Sweetheart of the Month" back then) and her full page nude ingrained in Americana lore. However, Playboy stood for more than just titillation.
Hefner bought brought fiction from outstanding authors of the 20th century (Sir Arthur Conan in the first issue, and the likes of Ian Fleming and Jack Kerouac in later editions), included interviews with celebrities of the day, and featured contributions from top cartoonists.
Sports, food, music, automobiles, travel, relationships, and other diversions were among the magazine's featured topics. The print-run of the magazine's first edition was limited to 50,000, and complete copies - and versions in nice condition are highly sought-after today.
This copy is the rarer "Page 3 Copy" version (one in which page 3 is numbered). Encased in plastic, it sold
