AboutElisa Jordan Expertise I can answer questions pertaining to almost all aspects of Marilyn’s life and career. I’m familiar with her movies, training, and accomplishments and can also field inquiries regarding her childhood, relationships (romantic, friendships and otherwise), emotional and medical ailments, and what she was like in general. My expertise is limited when it comes to the value of memorabilia.
Experience I’ve been a Marilyn Monroe fan since the early 1980s and grew up watching her films on television. I’ve spent countless hours researching her and have built up an extensive library on all things Marilyn. As a Southern California native, I have been able to easily visit and photograph many of the sites that played important roles in Marilyn’s life, such as houses, studios, restaurants, her grave, and so on. Furthermore, I have visited sites in San Diego, Reno/Dayton, and New York City that were homes or filming sites—allowing me to retrace many of Marilyn’s steps, literally. I was also fortunate enough to attend the 1999 Christie’s auction in New York, the 2005 Julien’s auction in Los Angeles and the 2009 auction in Las Vegas.
Question I have a color slide of what appears to be a nude Marilyn Monroe, sitting, probably by a pool, with a sombrero on her lap. Slide is in good shape and is probably pre 1960 since breasts are about the size as in the famous first playboy mag. Would this slide have any value and if so, who in the New England area would be able to give a valuation.
Answer Hi Gary!
Sounds like you have an interesting slide. Congratulations on your find! I encourage you to double and triple check to make sure if it’s Marilyn. I say that because if the photo was taken around 1960ish or a little before like you believe, then you might have a Marilyn look-a-like on your hands. In that era Marilyn was a little chubby and her body looked different than it did in the nude photo you mentioned.
That being said, if it is Marilyn then Yowza! You have something special.
I’ve only lived on the West Coast so I am not as familiar with auction houses in New England. About the closest I can get you is Christie’s and Bonhams & Butterfields, both with offices in New York City and Boston. Both of these auction houses have sold Marilyn Monroe memorabilia and might be able to help you out or at least get you started.
You can contact them at:
Bonhams
www.bonhams.com
New York office: 212-644-9001
Boston office: 617-742-0909
Christie’s
www.christies.com
New York office: 212-492-5485
Boston office: 617-536-6000
