An extensive collection of ocean liner memorabilia, including rare artifacts from the SS United States and Queen Mary, will be auctioned next month, Sunland-based Hughes Auctions announced Monday.
The collection, assembled over nearly four decades by Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning television writer and producer Mark Perry, includes authentic stateroom furnishings, First Class dining silver, travel posters, ship models, railings and signage from some of the world’s most famous passenger liners, according to organizers.
The online auction catalog will be available Aug. 1, with live bidding beginning Aug. 16.
Among the featured items are furnishings and decorative pieces from the SS United States, which set the record for the fastest transatlantic crossing on its maiden voyage in 1952. Other lots include memorabilia from the RMS Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth, France, QE2, Dominion Monarch and other historic ocean liners.
Perry said his fascination with ocean liners began as a child after watching the 1960 disaster film “The Last Voyage” and later grew into what he described as a lifelong obsession following the release of “The Poseidon Adventure.”
After nearly 40 years of collecting, Perry said he decided to part with about 90% of his collection as he downsizes from his Los Angeles home.
“I’ve come to think of the collection as a 30-year art installation, and the house was the perfect canvas,” Perry said in a statement. “But now I’m relieved to know the pieces will undoubtedly go to other ship geeks.”
Perry serves on the advisory council of the SS United States Conservancy and said he will donate a portion of the proceeds from the sale of SS United States artifacts to the organization’s museum fund.
The auction also includes props from the CBS series “Ghost Whisperer,” including a ceremonial life ring from the fictional ocean liner SS Claridon. Proceeds from those items will benefit the Motion Picture & Television Fund, organizers said.
The live online auction is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. Aug. 16.
More information can be found at www.hughesauctions.com.