December 2012 Auction Ends Tuesday, December 18th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/18/2012
Michael Jackson's famous glove worn at the 1984 American Music Awards, accompanied by an autograph book signed four times, attesting to the authenticity of the glove; Jackson writes, ''My original glove / Love / M.J*''. Regarded globally as the greatest entertainer in recorded history, the 25-year old was honored at the 16 January 1984 ceremony for his record ''Thriller,'' the best-selling album of all time. The Grammy awards he won that same year made his award-winning volume unprecedented. A radiant Jackson was heavily photographed wearing this glove at the AMA's, and video footage documents him wearing it in each of his numerous and effusive acceptance speeches that evening. A gloved right hand had been a trademark of Jackson's, but typically the star wore the glove in white. This is likely the first example of Jackson wearing a black glove to an award show and possibly even the first for any public appearance. Of the glove's singularity, Jackson told Barbara Walters in a 1999 interview, ''Why one glove? Cooler than two.'' He also speaks about it in his autobiography ''Moonwalk.'' Extensive provenance includes documentation from Julien's as well as news clippings and photos from the first owner of the glove after Jackson: a terminally ill boy named David Smithee, to whom Jackson gifted the glove upon a visit arranged by a charity. Jackson later named Smithee in the dedication of the Jacksons' ''Victory'' album: ''...Finally, best wishes and love to...our friend, little David Smithy [sic].'' Included in the lot is the autograph book in which Jackson penned a COA for the child in black felt tip: ''My original glove / Love / M.J*''. He signs ''Michael Jackson'' to three additional pages. Red velvet book with gilt lettering and all edges gilt measures 5.75'' x 4.5''. Dark brown cloth glove is encrusted with black Swarovsky crystal beading and features a single snap closure. Custom-sewn glove bears no size labeling. Measures 8.75'' at its longest from cuff to fingertip and 4.25'' across the center. Two stones are inconspicuously absent from the seam on the outer edge of the cuff and two from the second finger, with sunning to the seam around the thumb, else near fine. A stunning artifact worn and owned by the entertainer of the century at the height of his superstardom.
Michael Jackson's Famous Crystal-Encrusted Glove -- Worn by the King of Pop at the 1984 American Music Awards Honoring His Achievements on ''Thriller'' -- With Autograph Book Signed Four Times
Click above for larger image.