Freeman's Summer Edit Auction Achieves $1.6M Across Two Days in Chicago

Featuring coveted designs by Hermès, Chanel, Bottega Veneta, Cartier, Bulgari, Graff, Tiffany & Co., Rolex, Patek Philippe, and other renowned makers, the auction drew from several distinguished private collections, including Property from Strawberry Hill: The Collection of Ada and Barrie Regan, Hillsborough, California; Property from a Naples, Florida Estate; and the Estate of Rebecca Lee. Together, the offerings presented collectors with an outstanding selection of timeless craftsmanship, rarity, and enduring style.

The Estate of Rebecca Lee, the former fashion model, was among the highlights of the auction, totaling nearly $250,000 with 47 of 48 lots sold. The collection attracted enthusiastic bidding throughout both days, particularly for Hermès and Chanel handbags, plus sophisticated watches, reflecting sustained demand for impressive property with distinguished provenance.

Vintage watches proved to be especially sought after, led by the sale's top lot, a Rolex Ref. 8171 Stainless Steel "Padellone" Triple Calendar Moonphase Watch, circa 1949 (Lot 77), which realized $89,600 against a pre-sale estimate of $50,000–70,000. A Patek Philippe Ref. 96 Stainless Steel "Calatrava" with Salmon Dial (Lot 124) also sold very well for $51,200, more than doubling its pre-sale low estimate of $20,000.

Luxury handbags continued to command strong prices, led by a Hermès Kelly 25 in Bleu Colvert Crocodile with Strap (Lot 101) from the Estate of Rebecca Lee, which sold for $28,800. Jewelry also performed exceptionally well, with collectors showing particular enthusiasm for wearable, everyday pieces. A Zydo Diamond and White Gold Flexible Ring (Lot 95) achieved $10,240, nearly seven times its pre-sale low estimate, while a Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger Sapphire and Diamond "Sixteen Stone" Ring (Lot 108) brought $9,600, more than double its low estimate. A pair of Sutra Pink Sapphire,Diamond, and Rose Gold Earrings (Lot 61) also attracted competitive bidding, selling for $6,400.

The strong results reinforce the continued success of Freeman's Luxury Edit auction series, one of the firm's signature seasonal offerings. Presented three times each year, the series continues to connect collectors with exceptional luxury watches, handbags, jewelry, and accessories.

Auction Highlights

• Lot 93 | Rolex, Ref. 18946, Platinum 'Masterpiece' 'Day-Date' Watch with Factory Diamond Bezel and Factory Diamond Dial, with Box & Papers
SOLD FOR $35,200

• Lot 85 | Rolex, Ref. 16808, 18K Yellow Gold 'Submariner' Watch, with Box & Papers
SOLD FOR $28,800

• Lot 75 | Rolex, Ref. 118206, Platinum 'Day-Date' Watch, with Box
SOLD FOR $25,600

• Lot 92 | Rolex, Ref. 118235F, 18K 'Everose' Gold 'Day-Date' Watch
SOLD FOR $24,320

• Lot 76 | Patek Philippe, Ref. 5153G, 18K White Gold 'Calatrava' Watch with Officer's Case Back, with Box & Papers
SOLD FOR $21,760

• Lot 67 | Hermès, Birkin 35 in Black Ostrich
SOLD FOR $21,760

• Lot 183 | Buccellati, 18K Yellow Gold and Diamond Cuff Bracelet Watch
SOLD FOR $16,640

• Lot 74 | White Gold and Diamond Swag Necklace
SOLD FOR $15,360

• Lot 87 | Chanel, XL Boy Bag in Navy Alligator
SOLD FOR $12,160

• Lot 179 | Chanel, Jumbo Classic Double Flap Bag in Burgundy Alligator
SOLD FOR $10,240

• Lot 48 | Graff, Diamond, Sapphire, and White Gold Butterfly Ring
SOLD FOR $4,480

About Freeman’s
Freeman’s is a premier American auction house offering services in multiple categories including fine art, jewelry, design, books and manuscripts, furniture, decorative arts, antiquities, couture, and Asian works of art. With 16 regional locations nationwide, the firm provides auctions, appraisals, private sales, and art advisory services, connecting clients to the global art market. Freeman’s strives to bring art, history, and design to life by connecting people with extraordinary objects through exceptional service and expertise.