Jobs suits sales take Apple man into top echelon

Suits worn by Steve Jobs have sold at auction, one exceeding its top estimate by nearly a third.

The suits were sold by Julien’s Auctions of Los Angeles alongside a number of Jobs artefacts and items owned by Howard Hughes, the most high profile business mogul of another generation.

Jobs, who died aged 56 in 2011, is now among the most collectible business figures of the 21st century.

His pin-striped navy blue suit made by Brioni for Wilkes Bashford sold for $39,000, against a sale estimate range of $20,000 to $30,000. Jobs wore it for a photoshoot unveiling the new Apple Macintosh computer in 1984 and a Mac badge came as part of the deal.

A taupe and white striped wool suit made $26,000, well over its low estimate of $20,000.

He looks sharp, and one buyer paid more than $10,000 for the tie in this picture because of its Steve Jobs association.

Jobs items are now causing a big clamour when they come onto the market.

The Apple co-founder was famously shy of signing his name, so his autograph alone has considerable value. Put it on a document, like the contract that founded Apple, and you have a $1.5-million piece of paper.

Apple devices are also increasing in value.

Desirable and rare iPhones, especially in their original packaging, can make big money. A 2007 example sold for $190,000 last year.

An Apple 1 computer, the machine that introduced Apple to the world, made nearly $1 million in 2014.

People want a piece of the Jobs legend.

The sale performance of a pair of ties shows the lengths they are willing to go to.

Offered for sale with a $1,000 to $2,000 estimate, a brown silk Polo Ralph Lauren necktie in white, red, and grey striped design made an extraordinary $16,250.

Another tie worn to a 1980s photoshoot sold for $10,400 against a $1,000 to $2,000 estimate.

Collectors with an eye to future returns will wonder which other tech founders or pioneers might have the charisma and star power to match Jobs in future.