These pictures are from an auction held in New York City, April 11, 1995 at Christie's. This was just one of many auctions held in New York and Los Angeles concerning the sale of Herbert Armstrong's collection of gold, silver and fine art. Much of the fine art and metalwork were purchased during the time HWA was mailing out letters to the membership demanding that they cut back and send in more money. The "Work" was always in a state of distress. Many members did indeed sacrifice and mailed in more money. The result - HWA was on treasure hunting trips to Harrod's in London and other UK locations buying treasures for his three homes and college campuses (St Alban's, England, Big Sandy, TX and Pasadena, CA).
While Mrs. Armstrong was alive and in the early years of the church they lived in a modest house on Hill Ave (now owned by Cal Tech). When Loma Armstrong died Herb began shedding his 'simple' life style for the extravagant one. This was also the time Gerald Waterhouse and Dean Blackwell started blabbering that HWA was an Apostle. And as you all know from the Bible, Apostles were meant to travel around the world speaking to world leaders, give them gifts of Steuben crustal, and play host to them at extravagant dinner parties at the various campus homes. Apostles were ordained by God to live lives with the finest the earth and humankind has to offer. This easy justification lead to multiple millions of dollars in extravagance by HWA, evangelists, faculty, certain department heads and many ministers.
Click on picture to view larger size -
Elizabeth II Gold Table Service 14 karat
Used at all dinners in HWA's dining room
Auction estimate $50,00-80,000
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Regency Silver-gilt Four Light Candelabra, Benjamin Smith, 1812
These sat on the buffet in the dining room. They were also used on the dining table.
Auction estimate $80,000-120,000
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George III Silver-gilt Candelabra and matching candlesticks, Paul Storr, 1802
Auction estimate $60,000-90,000
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The Duke of Norfolk's Coronation Cup
William IV Silver-gilt Paul Storr, 1831
Auction estimate $20,000-30,000
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Regency Silver-gilt Centerpiece, Paul Storr, 1818
The Three Graces occupied the place of distinction on HWA's dining room table.
Auction estimate $30,000-50,000
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Regency Silver-gilt Wine Coolers, Paul Storr 1813
Used to keep the hundred dollar wine bottles cool
Auction estimate $60,000-90,000
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A pair of George IV Silver-gilt Wine Coolers 1826
Imagine chilling your wine and champagne at home in these!
Auction estimate $50,000-80,000
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The sterling silver pictured here is an Elizabeth II Table service. Service for 12.
This was HWA's everyday silver.
Auction estimate: $10,000-15,000
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While various COGlet's splinter personality cults are idolizing HWA on this the 25th anniversary of his death, I thought I would give you a peek into the apostles lifestyle.
While the membership toiled and struggled in the 60's and 70's HWA was on a spending spree in Europe. Millions of dollars were dumped over the years to furnish the home of the end time prophet. This was all during the time the pleading letters were sent to the members to send in as much money as they could because the work was 'in crisis.'
Of course we had morons that justified these artifacts as necessary for the entrainment of world leaders and dignitaries coming to hear about a "Strong Hand From Someplace". Others claimed all these goodies would be used to take care of the brethren as they were struggling in Petra. These items would buy us food and drink and shelter by the Muslims.
One other idiot in Pasadena claimed that the Pasadena campus would never be destroyed during the tribulation. The invading armies of Germany would use the Pasadena campus as their military headquarters. They would be so in awe and taken back by it's beauty that they would not destroy it. Because of that the Pasadena campus would be the new earthly HQ of God's people when the Kingdom was established. Never mind that the city is supposed to be Jerusalem, but heck, this is typical WCG mythology and it sounded cool! Never mind that these armies would be torturing and killing fellow citizen's while they dinned and enjoyed music in the Auditorium.
Click on all pictures to enlarge them.
This was to keep HWA's roast beef warm. Estimated value $5,000-$8,000
A Victorian Parcel-Gilt Silver Plated Table for your guests to place their calling cards on. $4,000-$6,000
Set of late 1800's silver centerpiece with glorious naked women on it. $10,000-$15,000
late 1800's Gold Desert dishes $4,000-$6,000
German Silver Knight $3,000-$5,000
Pair of German Silver Figures, Sir Lancelot and Lady Guinevere $10,000-$15,000
Elizabeth II Equestrians $6,000-$9,000 each
Elizabeth II 14 kt Gold Table Service (This was used for formal dinners) $50,000-$80,000
Sterling Silver Everyday service $10,00-$15,000
Silver Goblet's to drink your Harvey's Bristol Cream In $8,000-$12,000
Set of 22 Silver Dinner Plates $8,000-$12,000
George V Sterling Silver Umbrella Stands $10,000-$15,000
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Updated with final auction prices
More important tools
that every modern day Apostle needs
to
preach the gospel
about
"A Strong Hand From Someplace."
Click on picture once to enlarge, then again for x-large closeup's
Victorian Gilt Centerpiece 1888
Goddess Ceres in a field of wheat
$8,000-12,000
Sold for $23,300.00
Victorian Silver Four-light Candelabra 1857
$20,000-30,000
Sold for $57,500.00
Victorian Silver-mounted Frosted-glass Claret Jug and Stand 1845
$4,000 - 6,000
George IV Silver Egg Cruet 1820
$2,500 - 3,500
(HWA had this on his breakfast table in the kitchen for his soft boiled eggs)
Sold for $27,600.00
Sold for $27,600.00
Victorian Silver-gilt and Agate Desert Service 1854
$3,000 - 5,000
Sold for $4,370.00
Sold for $4,370.00
Victorian Silver Vase 1874
$2,000 - 3,000
Sold for $2,700.00
Edward VI Silver-gilt Warwick Vase
$5,000 - 8,000
Sold For $5,650.00
Sold for $2,700.00
Edward VI Silver-gilt Warwick Vase
$5,000 - 8,000
Sold For $5,650.00
George IV Silver-gilt Wine Coolers 1826
$50,000 - 80,000
Sold for $74,000.00
Sold for $74,000.00
Regency Silver Salver 1813
$7,000 - 10,000
Sold for $24,150.00
Sold for $24,150.00
George IV Silver Tea and Coffee Service
$10,000 - 15,000
Sold for $16,100.00
Sold for $16,100.00
Important Regency Silver-gold gilt Candelabra 1812
$80,000 - 120,000
Sold for $222,500.00
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These items are vital tools for Ambassadors of World Peace!
You too can talk to Mrs. Sadat about a world that is ready to be spanked!
Well, I guess that one came true........
Regency Silver Bowl 1818
Paul Storr
$15,000 - 25,000
Sold for $27,600.00
Regency Silver Soup Tureen, cover and liner
Paul Storr, 1814
$30,000-50,000
Sold for $28,750.00
Regency Silver-Gilt Wine Coolers
Paul Storr, 1813
$60,000-90,000
Sold for $107,000
George III Silver Tureen and Cover and Stand
Paul Storr, 1809
$40,000-60,000
Sold for $51,750.00
Regency Silver-gilt Centerpice
Paul Storr, 1818
$30,000-50,000
Three Bacchic Nymphs
Sold for $48,300.00
Twelve Regency Silver-Gilt Dinner Plates
Paul Storr, 1815
$30,000-50,000
Not listed as sold
Regency Silver Gilt Salver
Paul Storr, 1815
$2,000-3,000
Sold for $1,950.00
Duke of Norfolk's Coronation Cup
Paul Storr, 1831
$20,000-30,000
Sold for $18,400.00
Regency Silver-gilt Serving Tongs Made For The Prince Regent
Paul Storr, 1811
$6,000-8,000
Sold for $10,350.00
George III Silver Gilt Centerpiece
1803
$15,000-25,000
Sold for $40,250.00
George III Silver-gilt Centerpice
Paul Storr, 1808
$20,000-30,000
Sold for $52,900.00
George III Silver Wine Collers
Paul Storr 1798
$25,000-35,000
Sold for $48,300.00
George III Silver Epergne
1770
$8,000-12,000
Sold for $12,650.00
Charles II Silver Caudle Cup
1667
$3,000-5,000
Sold for $3,680.00
Six Queen Anne Silver Fluted Dishes
1713
$30,000-50,000
Sold for $74,000
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Pictured above is the current price of Louis XIII Remy Martin Grande Champagne Cognac.
This was one of Herbert Armstrong's favorite evening indulgences. The container the cognac is in is a baccarat crystal decanter and comes in a velvet lined red case.
At HWA's death there were three of these sitting on his liquor shelves in the basement, along with loads of other expensive alcoholic delights. Upstairs there were two more in the cabinets.
When HWA was buying these (or should I say the church members were with their tithe money) he was paying around $750.00. That was in the mid-1980's. Twenty-five years later the price is running at $2,195.00. That is one expensive indulgence! Particularly when he was drinking it out of his St Louis Excellence Cognac/sherry glasses that were appraised at $250.00 each in 2000.
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