Description:

1999 Sam Zell "The Emperor Has No Clothes" Automaton Musical Resin Sculpture Box Set. Limited edition 176/675. Depicts a figure of an unclothed emperor standing atop a pile of copies of the Wall Street Journal and a small newsboy at his side. The arm of the small boy moves up and down as the music plays. These box sets were given as New Year's Eve surprise gifts by Sam Zell to 675 of his family and friends. The sculpture was a predictor of the future of the stock market as is shown on the ticker tape at the emperor's feet with company's such as Amazon, Ask Jeeves, eBay Tivo and more. On the back is a bears head, when pushed plays a message from Zell and a parody of Paul Simons Fifty Ways To leave Your Lover titled "Fifty Ways to Make a Billion". Comes in original box with a book by Saltator Sepuleri. Approx. Net Weight: 13lbs in box Keywords: Vintage, Collectible; Ref: BD1043

  • Dimensions: 14 x 7.5 x 7.75in
  • Medium: Resin
  • Circa: 1999
  • Notes: Sam Zell was a renowned American real estate investor and entrepreneur, best known for his bold, contrarian investment strategies and for shaping the modern real estate investment trust (REIT) industry. Born in 1941 in Chicago, Zell founded Equity Group Investments (EGI) in the 1960s and built a multi-billion-dollar empire, with notable ventures in real estate, energy, and transportation. He gained the nickname "The Grave Dancer" for his ability to profit from distressed assets, and his companies, such as Equity Residential and Equity Office Properties, became some of the largest REITs in the U.S. One of his most famous deals was the 2007 sale of Equity Office Properties to Blackstone for $39 billion, marking a historic transaction. Outside of real estate, Zell ventured into the media industry with his 2007 purchase of the Tribune Company, though the company filed for bankruptcy in 2008 during the global financial crisis. Known for his sharp wit and blunt demeanor, Zell was also a philanthropist, supporting education and entrepreneurship, and he passed away in May 2023.Beyond his business acumen, Zell was known for his quirky and humorous New Year’s gifts, which became a tradition among his friends, colleagues, and business associates. These gifts often reflected Zell’s larger-than-life personality, with items like a "Sam Zell bobblehead" dressed as "The Grave Dancer," referencing his knack for distressed asset investing, or an action figure with a miniature motorcycle, nodding to his love for motorcycles. His gifts were typically playful and topical, sometimes commenting on current events or trends in business, and became eagerly anticipated each year. These gifts embodied Zell’s irreverent sense of humor and added a personal touch to his storied career in business.
  • Condition: This piece is in good working condition, with normal signs of wear commensurate with age. Box and book show signs of Please review the photos for details and condition.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

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Shipping

LOCAL PICK-UP INFORMATION:
Monday through Wednesday 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
LOCATION: 15210 N 99th Ave Sun City, AZ 85351
CROSS STREET: (Located at the NW Corner of 99th Ave and Greenway Rd)

LOCAL PICK UP - ARIZONA FIREARMS BUYERS
Arizona residents MUST pick-up in person at Bradford's Auction Gallery with a scheduled date of pick up. Details and information will be included on the winning bidders invoice. Any local Arizona Buyer of Post 1898 firearms MUST complete all necessary registration forms at Bradford's Auction Gallery. Local Buyers MUST have a Valid ARIZONA ID with Current Physical Address. If your Arizona ID does not reflect your current address you MUST provide us with a secondary form of ID that contains your correct address. Arizona Gun Dealers must have a signed copy of their Federal Firearms License in order to accept delivery of modern weapons. ANY DENIED BACKGROUND CHECK WILL RESULT IN A REFUND MINUS A 25% RESTOCKING FEE.

OUT OF TOWN SHIPPING:
For out of town buyers, once we have received your payment your purchase will be turned over to Westside Mail Center our exclusive shipping provider. Westside Mail Center will proactively reach out to you to arrange packing, shipping and insurance.

OUT OF TOWN SHIPPING FIREARMS BUYERS:
Shipping for Out-of-State Buyers must be done through our 3rd Party Shipper Westside Mail Center. All firearms Post 1898 must be shipped to a valid holder of a Federal Firearms License on ALL Modern Weapons. The full cost of shipping and packing will be at the winning bidders / buyers expense. It is your responsibility to provide Westside Mail Center with the FFL dealer of your choice and they are responsible for sending the 3rd party shipper a copy of their FFL information. FIREARMS UNABLE TO BE SHIPPED TO YOUR STATE WILL RESULT IN A REFUND MINUS A 25% RESTOCKING FEE AND SHIPPING COSTS IF APPLICABLE.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $5
$100 $199 $10
$200 $999 $20
$1,000 $4,999 $50
$5,000 $9,999 $100
$10,000 + $200