Lot 40
James Dean's ID Bracelet
Sterling silver I.D. bracelet belonging to James Dean, consisting of a central oblong plate and two side chains, closing with a reverse c-hook double clasp. Inscribed on the outside is “JAMES” in capital letters, and on the reverse “D.D.-1955”. The D.D. on the back stood for “Dilemma Dean” which is apparently what some of his friends called James Dean.
The bracelet was authenticated by Roslyn Herman, who researched it and provided a Certificate of Authenticity, which is included. Herman’s research indicated that the bracelet came from the personal collection of Gordon Bau. Bau was a make-up man in Hollywood, with a career in film and television spanning from the 1930s to 1973. He worked with James on "Rebel Without a Cause". In an included letter, it states that this case was left behind in his home by Jimmy, while he was staying with him during shooting, and he never had a chance to give it back due to his untimely demise.
The bracelet was acquired from Chelsea Antiques, New York, NY, and the bill of sale is available.
James Dean is a remarkably enduring film icon, considering that he only lived to age 24 and had a star role in a total of three big films. “Rebel Without a Cause”, “East of Eden”, and “Giant” were those three movies, for which he won a legacy of acting talent as well as on-screen attractiveness that has endured decades after his death. He was nominated for a Best Actor Academy Award for his roles in both “Giant” and “East of Eden”, but it was the character Jim Stark in “Rebel Without a Cause” that created the timeless fame that Dean is still most known for. The troubled and misunderstood teenager, struggling to find a place in his world, has become a cultural motif in the United States since the film was made in 1955, and James Dean seemed to personify that perfectly.
Estimate: $20,000 - $30,000