James Dean Memorabilia: Values, Examples & How to Sell
To auction, sell or consign your James Dean memorabilia and costumes, please email your description and photos to [email protected] of Nate D. Sanders Auctions (NateDSanders.com).
James Dean Memorabilia & Screen-Worn Costumes
We had the privilege of consigning the estate of Jane Deacy, James Dean’s agent who was based in New York. Dean considered her as a second mother, evidenced in their correspondence. We’ve sold several James Dean screen-worn costumes as well as unsigned memorabilia from Deacy’s estate. Learn more about some of the signed James Dean items we sold from her estate.
Here Are Some Examples We’ve Sold:
Screen-Worn Jacket From “East of Eden” — Sold for $11,858
Cal Trask was James Dean’s first leading film role in which he portrayed a troubled young man in search of acceptance and approval. The role in East of Eden relied on method acting and garnered Dean the first posthumous Oscar nomination. We realized $11,858 for a brown wool sport coat worn by James Dean in East of Eden and is accompanied with a photograph of him wearing the coat in the film.
“East of Eden” Screen-Worn Shirt — Sold for $11,858
James Dean portrayed Cal Trask in East of Eden as emotionally raw and volatile, and over than 70 years later the performance is still regarded as redefining masculinity on screen. We sold an off-white button up shirt worn by Dean in that role for $11,858. Item includes a sewn-in Warner Bros production tag dated 27 May 1954 and labeled “Jim Dean”.
Screen-Worn Pants From “East of Eden” — Sold for $11,596
We realized $11,596 for a pair of trousers that James Dean wore for his role as Cal Trask in East of Eden. Gray pinstriped trousers have Warner Brothers production tag sewn into waistband dated 21 May 1954 and marked “Jim Dean”. Accompanied by a photo of Dean wearing the trousers in the film.
1953 Letter From Jane Deacy to James Dean — Sold for $7,809
We sold a retained copy of a letter that James Dean’s agent, Jane Deacy, wrote to him on 8 December 1953 for $7,809. Single page letter is regarding the purchase of a motorcycle and Deacy expresses concern and uneasiness about it. She writes, “…I am assuming that the $475.00 is for a motorcicle [sic]…I am sorry that you are buying the machine. But I suppose that you know what you are doing…Love, / Jane Deacy”.
James Dean New York Apartment Keys — Sold for $7,099
We realized $7,099 for the keys to James Dean’s NYC Upper Westside apartment held by his agent, Jane Deacy after his death. Envelope is from the Jane Deacy agency with “J. DEAN APARTMENT KEYS” written in pencil, and remains unopened.
Screen-Worn T-shirt in “Rebel Without a Cause” — Sold for $6,083
James Dean’s portrayal of Jim Stark in Rebel Without a Cause has become one of the most enduring symbols of teenage rebellion. A white t-shirt was unacceptable outerwear in the 1950s, but following the release of Rebel Without a Cause, the garment became a fashionable choice and symbol of youthful rebellion. We sold a screen worn white t-shirt worn by James Dean in Rebel Without a Cause for $6,083. Shirt was originally obtained by Gordon Bau, who did Dean’s makeup for three of his films.
James Dean Motorcycle Registration Card — Sold for $4,004
It was widely known that James Dean was passionate about riding motorcycles and he owned several during his lifetime. We sold his registration card from December 1953 for his Indian motorcycle for $4,004. Document includes his New York address and partial VIN. Card measures 4 x 9.5 inches and includes original mailing envelope and reply envelope.
FAQs
How do I consign or sell my James Dean autograph or memorabilia?
It’s never been simpler to sell your James Dean memorabilia at Nate D. Sanders Auctions. Email a description and photos of your item to [email protected] and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can with a free appraisal. View the autographed James Dean items we’ve sold.
What factors determine the value of James Dean memorabilia?
The value of your James Dean memorabilia can vary based on condition, provenance and subject matter of the item.