PROFILES IN HISTORY IS SET TO AUCTION OFF MARILYN MONROE’S WEDDING RING AND EARL MORAN NUDE PAINTING IN ADDITION TO THE RUBY SLIPPERS FROM THE WIZARD OF OZ

LOS ANGELES- SEPTEMBER 28, 2011-  Profiles in History, run by Joe Maddalena, is set to auction off a platinum eternity band set with 35 baguette-cut diamonds (one diamond missing) given to Marilyn Monroe by Joe DiMaggio on their wedding day on January 14, 1954. DiMaggio and Monroe met for the first time at an Italian restaurant on Sunset Blvd. They had an immediate chemistry and were married in an intimate civil ceremony at San Francisco City Hall, out of the spotlight, a rarity for both of them. Unfortunately, the relationship was strained from the get go. DiMaggio was invited to the set of The Seven Year Itchwhere he witnessed the now infamous shooting of Monroe standing atop a subway grate, dress billowing upward. DiMaggio stormed off and they were divorced two weeks later. It should be noted that Profiles in History auctioned off the famed dress as part of the Debbie Reynolds Collection this past summer for $5.52 million dollars, shattering Guinness World Records. The ring from the wedding ceremony is expected to fetch $300,000 to $500,000.

Also up for auction is an original colorful painting by Earl Moran of a young and nude Marilyn Monroe in a prone pose from a modeling session circa 1948-1949. Accomplished in oil on board measuring 23 1/2 in. x 35 1/2 in. Signed “Earl Moran” at the lower right. It is matted and framed. Earl Moran (1893-1894) studied with legendary anatomist George Bridgman at the Arts Students League in Manhattan and was the most important pin-up artist of the period. Marilyn’s beaming smile is a testament to her comfort and natural demeanor while posing for Moran. Of all the models he worked with, he thought Monroe was the sexiest, “better than anyone else…She expressed just what I wanted.” Marilyn embraced Moran telling him she loved the way he made her legs look wonderful. Certainly no better endorsement for this fine painting. The painting is expected to fetch $70,000 to $90,000.

These items join the Ruby Slippers worn by Judy Garland in the climax of The Wizard of Oz, estimated at $2,000,000-3,000,000, at the “Icons of Hollywood” auction to be held December 15, 16 & 17. Additional items will be announced shortly, along with the location of the auction.

About Profiles in History
Founded in 1985 by Joseph Maddalena, Profiles in History is the nation’s leading dealer in guaranteed-authentic original historical autographs, letters, documents, vintage signed photographs and manuscripts.  Born into a family of antiques dealers in Rhode Island, Joseph “Joe” Maddalena learned early on how to turn his passion of collecting historical autographs into a career. Needing to support himself, Joe turned to his hobby of buying and selling historical documents as a potential way to earn revenue. On weekends he scoured old Hollywood bookstores for letters and rare books. Upon graduation from Pepperdine, Joe pursued his passion to become a full-time dealer of historical documents, and opened his first office in 1985. A lifetime member of the Manuscript Society, Joe is widely recognized as the nation’s leading authority on entertainment memorabilia and historical documents. Profiles in History has held some of the most prestigious and successful auctions of Hollywood memorabilia, establishing itself as the world’s largest auctioneer of original Hollywood memorabilia.  With an extensive network of dealers, collectors, and institutions, they are proud to play an important role in the preservation of motion picture history. Prior Profiles in History Hollywood auctions highlights include the “Cowardly Lion” costume from The Wizard of Oz ($805,000); a full-scale model T-800 Endoskeleton from Terminator 2: Judgment Day($488,750); Marilyn Monroe’s “Diamonds” dress from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes ($356,500); Luke Skywalker’s light saber from Star Wars ($240,000); Margaret Hamilton’s “Wicked Witch” hat from The Wizard Of Oz ($230,000); and The Invisible Man 1933 one-sheet movie poster ($230,000).

Profiles in History’s location in Calabasas Hills, CA– virtually a stone’s throw away from every major Hollywood studio – ensures a constant flow of fantastic and rare collectibles. With an extensive network of dealers, collectors, and institutions, they are proud to play an important role in the preservation of motion picture history. www.profilesinhistory.com

Monroe/DiMaggio photo credit: UPI