Filed under: Wheels, Auctions

The Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance takes place next weekend, and the ever-growing list of showcase vehicles now includes six classic cars styled by Pininfarina. The wares, offered by Gooding & Company, comprise the obligatory Ferraris including a 1965 500 Superfast Coupe once owned by Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan, the former UN High Commissioner for Refugees. Its price is expected to climb as high as $1 million.

The two surprises, though, are international efforts from the Nash-Kelvinator dating from the mid-fifties. A silver and burgundy 1953 Nash Healey Roadster combined Nash Ambassador running gear with a Healey body from England that was then restyled by Pininfarina. It’s auction ceiling is thought to be $325,000.

Then there’s the 1956 Nash Rambler “Palm Beach” Coupe Special. Another cross-Atlantic collaboration, this one put a Nash Rambler running gear under a bespoke body designed by the Italian house. It is a one-of-one prototype, fully funtional, designed to be a “cutting-edge sports car with the running gear of the Rambler.” And that makes perfect sense, because everybody’s got a Ferrari, but nothing screams “I’m Hot!” like the little green guy above, right? Have $900,000 at the ready if you want to take it home…

Gooding & Co Taking a Passel of Pininfarinas to Amelia Island originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Decor, Auctions

It’s almost time to turn the clocks forward and what a fine collection of clocks will be on display as part of the Bonhams & Butterfields Los Angeles Fine European Furniture and Decorative Arts sale on March 29, 2010. The 500-lot sale will feature pieces for varied tastes and collecting levels from the 16th through the 20th centuries with a focus on English, French, Italian, Spanish and German property. Highlights from the sale will include a strong selection of more than 30 clocks by prominent makers. One of the marquee lots of the fall auction is a Regency style gilt bronze mounted marquetry regulateur (est. $50,000 - 70,000). The case is ornamented with gilt bronze and has a white enamel dial with Arabic hours and twin train movement striking on a bell. Also offered in the clock section of the auction is a French gilt bronze mounted marble regulateur from the 19th century. That piece, shown at right, is 117 inches in height and is estimated to bring $70,000-90,000.

Other incredible ways to mark the passage of time include a Louis XVI style gilt bronze mantel clock by Beurdeley, Paris, (est. $15,000 - 20,000); a Napoleon III gilt bronze mounted marble floor clock (est. $15,000 - 20,000); a musical movement Dutch Baroque paint decorated tall case clock (est. $8,000 - 12,000) and a cartouche outline Louis XV style gilt bronze clock garniture with twin train movement striking on a bell (est. $15,000 - 20,000). Not a clock but truly worth a look is an Italian late Renaissance pietra dura panel (est. $40,000-60,000) that mimics engraving by the Flemish painter and engraver Aegidious Sadeler II rendered in delicately placed Florentine stones with a lapis-lazuli sky.

Elaborate Clocks On The Block At Bonhams originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 06 Mar 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Auctions, Pets

A dog collar that once belonged to Charles Dickens was sold at Bonhams New York’s 28th dog art sale last month and went for well above its pre-auction estimates of $4,000-$6,000. The collar, made of leather and brass and inscribed with Dickens’ name (and address?), sold for $11,590. Although the final price was more than twice what was expected it’s not completely without precedent: last year an ivory and gold toothpick that once belonged to Dickens went for $9,150. Dickens was known for being fond of dogs and this collar certainly looks well-worn.

Via Luxurylaunches

Charles Dickens’ Dog’s Collar Sold for $11,590 originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 06:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Wheels, Auctions

On March 12th Gooding & Company will offer an exceptional collection of Pininfarina-styled Ferraris during its debut Amelia Island Auction. The main attraction is this magnificent 1965 Ferrari 500 Superfast Coupe, one of only 36 examples created, boasting a mere four owners from new, including Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan and Pierre Bardinon, owner of the famed Mas du
Clos racetrack, estimated at $800,000 - $1 Million. Also on offer is a 1968 Ferrari 330 GTS, one of only 100 constructed, estimated at $650,000 - $800,000; a 1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Berlinetta, which placed first in the vintage class of the Ferrari North American Challenge Rally and won an award at Concorso Italiano, estimated at $250,000 - $325,000; and a 1985 Rosso Corsa Ferrari 288 GTO, estimated at $550,000 - $650,000.

Rare Ferraris On Offer from Gooding & Co. at Amelia originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Auctions, Charity, Sports

For some the first Saturday in May is all about the horses, and for others, the Kentucky Derby is all about the hats. There are very few occasions left in today’s society where woman can wear incredible millinery creations that really bring back another era. For those who love both the hats and the horses, or are just in a philanthropic mood, it is not too late to support retired racehorses and be a recipient of a fantastic custom made hat to wear to the big day.

Maggie Mae Designs[TM] has teamed up with Old Friends to create a series of one-of-a-kind Derby hats inspired by specific retired racehorses. Old Friends is an equine farm that specializes in the rescue and retirement of pensioned Thoroughbreds. Many in the horse world were devastated by the death of Kentucky Derby winner Ferdinand in a Japanese slaughterhouse in 2002. In an effort to ensure that this never happens again the organization focuses on bringing at-risk racehorses, whose active careers are over to experience the dignified retirement they deserve. The only retirement farm to accept stallions, Old Friends is committed to providing a great retirement for these amazing athletes. The farm is open to the public and hosts tours daily.

Continue reading Custom Derby Hats to Benefit Retired Racehorses

Custom Derby Hats to Benefit Retired Racehorses originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 02 Mar 2010 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Timepieces, Auctions

On March 10th and 11th in NYC Antiquorum will present its Important Collectors’ Wristwatch sale featuring an amazing collection of valuable timepieces. Our favorites are two beautiful “Paul Newman” Rolex Daytonas (right) from the 1960s.

The first is a ref. 6239 stainless steel Daytona made circa 1963 with round button chronograph, estimated at $30,000 - $50,000. The second is a ref. 6241 stainless steel Daytona produced in 1968 with an anti-reflective black tachometer bezel and round button chronograph, estimated at $50,000 - $70,000.

Also for the Rolex enthusiast is a rare stainless Sea-Dweller diver’s watch, Ref. 1665, with a “Double Red” Mark II tropical dial and thin case produced in 1967 with a double red Sea-Dweller logo, estimated at $30,000 - $40,000.

Rare ’60s “Paul Newman” Rolex Daytonas at Auction originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 02 Mar 2010 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Cigars, Auctions

The annual Habanos festival ended Friday with a million-dollar cymbal crash. The week-long event attracted cigar merchants, smokers and collectors from around the world to select, sample and savor … all leading up to purchases, of course. The main attraction was an auction of ornate cedar and mahogany humidors packed with hecho a mano cigars, ultimately fetching $1.09 million. Hundreds may have attended, but only a small fraction walked away with that level of satisfaction.

The celebration came on the heels of an announcement by Habanos S.A. that its revenue only reached $360 million last year, an 8 percent decline from 2008. The new Romeo y Julieta that was unveiled at the event, designed to appeal to women, is ostensibly a direct response to two consecutive years of revenue declines. Since women comprise only 5 percent to 10 percent of Habanos’ customers, the company is hoping that there’s room for growth. The company is also relying on an economic recovery in Spain, which is its largest market.

Despite the new “ladies’ line,” the focus in Cuba last week was on the auction. The top humidor to move contained the new Cohiba Bieke cigar, fetching $681,000, close to two-thirds of the total. According to Oscar Basulto, Vice President of Habanos, this is the top premium cigar on the market - though I’m sure there are a few people in Nicaragua, Honduras and the Dominican Republic who would disagree.

Cuban Cigar Festival Punctuated with Million Dollar Humidor Auction originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Wheels, Auctions

In yet another stunning addition to its Sporting Classics of Monaco sale on May 1st, RM Auctions will offer one of the world’s most significant pre-war sports racing cars, a one-of-a-kind 1937 BMW 328 Mille Miglia ‘Büegelfalte’. Expected to fetch several million dollars, the car participated in the 1937 Le Mans race as well as the 1938 Mille Miglia among many others. The beautiful and entirely unique bodywork was designed by BMW’s Wilhelm Kaiser; its nickname is derived from the creases on the top of the fenders, referred to as ‘Büegelfalte’ meaning ‘trouser crease’, and the iconic bodywork influenced many later designs including the famed Jaguar XK120 Roadster. Of significance to BMW historians, the ‘Buegelfalte’ is the only special roadster ever built at the BMW factory in Munich. As it’s a one-off even BMW’s own museum only has a copy of this amazing vehicle.

One-Off 1937 BMW Mille Miglia at Auction originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Auctions

It’s been an exciting few weeks in the world of comic book collecting. First we heard that a rare copy of the first Batman comic book had surpassed the previous comic book record price, $317,000, paid for a first Superman comic by John Dolmayan, drummer for the rock band System of a Down last year. Then another copy of the first Superman comic came out of nowhere to zoom to the top again. A copy of the 1938 edition Action Comics #1 sold through the website ComicConnect.com for $1 million.

But never count Batman out. The Heritage Auctions sale wrapped up and the Detective Comics #27, cover date of May 1939 sold for an amazing $1,075,500 including buyer’s premium. The comic is one of the finest known surviving copies of the issue and was sold on behalf of an anonymous consignor who purchased it for $100 more than 40 years ago. There are probably a lot of people digging through old collections right about now, as these two big sales will galvanize an already popular area of collecting.

Pow! Batman Beats Superman With Big Auction Result originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 26 Feb 2010 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Wine, Auctions

Earlier this month I mentioned that the returns on the Naples Wine Auction were up by around $3 million. More good news in the wine auction world comes from Napa where the Premiere Napa Valley results were up by one third over last year. The 14th annual Premiere Napa Valley auction brought in a total of $1.918 million which was 30 percent more than the previous year. The 2009 auction brought in $1.485 million which was far down from 2008’s record-setting total of $2.2455 million.

The 200-lot event took place last weekend and saw a more positive tone than last year’s event with bidders snapping up cases of the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon. Five cases of Shafer went to Winebid.com for $37,000. Another five case allotment from Ovid went to Capitol Cellars for $33,000 and Lewis Cellars sold five cases to Nakagawa Trading Company of Japan for $30,000. Nakagawa Trading for the second-to-the-top bidder spending $179,000 total on wines. Top honors went to Gary Fisch of Gary’s Wine in New Jersey who spent $392,000 on 275 cases.

Premiere Napa Valley Results Up originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 26 Feb 2010 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Estates, Auctions

Seven homes in the Deer Valley Resort in Park City, Utah will hit the auction block at the end of March. Accelerated Marketing Partners has announced that it will hold a real estate auction for seven Upper Deer Valley Homes at Lookout at Deer Valley on March 27. The auction will be held at th Stein Eriksen Lodge and mimium bids on the homes range from $1.65 million to $2.55 million which is up to 59 percent below the last asking prices.

Lookout at Deer Valley is a 44-acre community of 35 home sites with 270-degree panoramic views of the Deer Valley Resort and Park City ski runs. The seven homes include four and five bedroom homes with original asking prices as high as $5.595 million.Residents can take advantage of a private homeowners’ shuttle service with front-door-pickup, taking them to the lifts of Silver Lake and other destinations within Park City. Other amenities include concierge service, a clubhouse with a private owner’s lounge, patio grill and fireplace, and a lookout observatory tower. Five of the homes available at auction are ready for immediate occupancy, two of them can be customized and will be ready for occupancy later this year. The homes have vaulted ceilings, wood-paneled doorways and large stone fireplaces. Gourmet kitchens have granite counters and SubZero appliances and master baths offer heated travertine stone flooring and jetted spa tubs. The homes are geared to an active lifestyle with oversized deck, garage space with ski-storage and ski/snowboard racks and mud rooms. More information is available on the auction website.

Homes Up For Auction In Park City originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 25 Feb 2010 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Wheels, Auctions, Charity, Celebrity Design

A Lotus may seem like an exotic supercar, but the superlight British machines never approach the six-figure prices you’d expect from the likes of Ferrari or Lamborghini. But even that can change in the name of good will.

The first three examples of the special-edition “Naomi for Haiti” Lotus Evoras, created in conjunction with supermodel Naomi Campbell on which we reported recently, went up for auction during London Fashion Week, fetching prices in excess of GBP 300,000, or nearly $500,000 American. Campbell’s boyfriend Vladimir Doronin got his hands on the first one. The remaining five examples are up for auction now at naomiforhaiti.com, with bidding ending on February 28.

First “Naomi for Haiti” Lotus Specials Fetching Big Bucks at Auction originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 23 Feb 2010 22:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Auctions

A rare copy of the first comic book to feature Superman sold this week for a record breaking $1 million. Considered by many in the market to be the “Holy Grail” of comic books, the 1938 edition Action Comics #1 was in excellent condition and was originally sold for just 10 cents. It features Superman lifting a car on its front cover.

The sale went through the website ComicConnect.com and was between a private seller and private buyer. The $1 million sale price smashes the previous record of $317,000 set last year for another Action Comics #1 issue (in lesser condition) and looks like it will hold its own against the Batman auction coming up soon.

Rare Comic Book Sale Puts Superman Back On Top originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 23 Feb 2010 07:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Auctions, Real Estate Developments

We’ve seen a lot of condo auctions recently but a condo war of dueling condo auctions is a new one. Two condo auctions will be held later this month for units in an Ocean City, Maryland complex. There will be two separate auctions because of a fractured real estate partnership. The Bahia I and Bahia Vista II are two buildings that are bayfront and bayview and many units have private balconies. After the partnership ended one owner, Spiro Buas, ended up with 11 units which he plans to sell at an auction on February 27. The units will be auctioned off by Marshall Auctions. Some units come with boatslips. Ther will be no minimum prices on four of the condos, some which were listed as high as $800,000. Also on the same day, and at the same time, Max Spann Real Estate will auction off nine codnos in the Bahia Vista I building. Bids start as low as $95,000 for condos that were once listed as high as $730,000. It’s a bit of a bizarre situation but one that should be a benefit to potential buyers looking for a deal.

Condo Auction Face Off To Take Place In Maryland originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 19 Feb 2010 23:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Estates, Auctions

Once upon a time (otherwise known as 2005), the Lytle Mansion on Mercer Island in Washington state was listed at a whopping $40 million. Even then it was a groaner of a price tag and one that made sure the home stayed on the market a long time. But those days are over because the three-story mansion on two acres is being put up for auction.

This home has some incredible details. The indoor saltwater pool has a cloud mural and Egyptian-style columns that have been specially treated to look aged. A Dale Chihuly chandelier spiraling twelve feet of crystal hangs over a marble floor in the entry. The house is full of inlaid stones, marble fireplaces and everything is done on a grand and ornate scale. It has four bedrooms but with nearly 23,000 sq. feet of space much of the space is devoted to waking pursuits. There are two wine cellars, an exercise room, massage and tanning room, music room, steam room, sunroom and a dining room with a gleaming gold leaf ceiling. The master suite has a raised platform bed, a marble fireplace and a bathroom where the tub is set on a pedestal and has a chandelier over it. Outside there is a saltwater pool and 175 feet of waterfront including a boat dock that can accommodate a 140 foot yacht.

The home is being offered for sale in a sealed bid auction by Sheldon Good & Company and will be sold subject to a qualified minimum bid of $15 million with a deadline of April 14, 2010. A bidder’s information packet priced at $75 is a requirement for bidding, as well as a certified or cashier’s check totaling five percent of the total bid.

Lytle Mansion, Once $40 Million, Now Up For Auction originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 18 Feb 2010 03:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Wine, Auctions

Attention wine connoiseurs and collectors, here’s a truly fun and iconic bottle to add your collection: an 18L bottle of 2006 Chateau Cheval Blanc. Measuring 75cm tall and weighting in at 25 kg, it’s huge when compared to a standard 750ml bottle and holds 144 glasses of wine. Not only is it ‘phenomenally rare’ to have such a large bottle of wine but also, apparently, it’s rare for it to be a Bordeaux variety. For those interested it will be going up for auction as part of Sotheby’s Finest and Rarest Wines and Vintage Port offerings this week and is expected to go for upwards of £3,600.

Via LuxuryLaunches

Sotheby’s to Auction 18L Bottle of 2006 Chateau Cheval Blanc originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 17 Feb 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Auctions, Real Estate Developments

Fast on the heels of a recent auction in Park City, Utah, a new larger auction has been announced. Westgate Resorts will hold an auction for 44 condominium residences at The Lodge at Westgate Park City Resort & Spa, a development in the heart of The Canyons, resort in Park City, Utah. The event will be held on March 28, 2010 and minimum bids for the homes will range from $149,000 to $995,000, up to 56 percent below last asking prices. Advance registration for the auction is required and on-site conventional financing is available. There are no hidden reserves or buyer’s premiums.

The new 488-unit project offers amenities and services at The Lodge at Westgate Park City Resort & Spa, including 24-hour concierge service and personal valet service to and from the The Canyons lifts, as well as a full-service, on-site ski and bike shop with private storage lockers and lounge area. The resort also has three pools, including an adults-only indoor relaxation pool and Utah’s largest indoor/outdoor resort pool. The Serenity Spa by Westgate has an indoor grotto, lounges and 17 private treatment rooms; indoor/outdoor pool with sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi; fitness center with dance studio, and basketball and tennis courts. The development also has a business and conference center, library and laundry room and dining at the Westgate bar and restaurant, and on-site marketplace and deli. There is also the Westgate Kid’s Club providing daily activities for children supervised by a professional staff, video arcade and a playground.

The units in the auction include 11 studio homes ranging in size from 360 square feet to 635 square feet, with minimum bids ranging from $149,000 to $249,000. There are 14 one-bedroom homes ranging in size from 775 square feet to 895 square feet, with minimum bids ranging from $295,000 to $339,000. The 14 two-bedroom, two bath homes range in size from 1,126 square feet to 1,135 square feet and have with minimum bids of $449,000. The largest homes are five four-bedroom homes ranging in size from 1,652 square feet to 2,150 square feet, with minimum bids ranging from $795,000 to $995,000. All residences are fully furnished and have balconies or decks with panoramic views of the Wasatch Mountain range.

More Condos Up For Auction In Park City originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 17 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Auctions

Love bananas? If you’ve got $15,000 you can be the new owner of the International Banana Club Museum. The founder and curator of the museum, real estate agent Ken Bannister, once tried to sell his collection of banana-themed items on eBay for $45,000 but now it is up on eBay again for a new lower price, the opening bid of $15,000.

Bannister told the Victorville Daily Press that he decided to liquidate the collection after the Hesperia Recreation and Park District told him that he would no longer be able to rent space at the Harrison Exhibit Building in Hesperia, California where Bannister exhibited his thousands of banana goodies. He did not have another location set up and does not want to put the items in storage.

The Guiness Book of World Records says that the museum is the world’s largest collection devoted to any one fruit. Since the 1970s Bannister has done many interviews on his unique collection and has appeared on television shows including the “Tonight Show” featuring Johnny Carson. Bannister hopes that someone or some company will buy the museum and display it somewhere. Check out an interview with the Top Banana, Ken Bannister after the jump.

Continue reading Bid On The Banana Museum

Bid On The Banana Museum originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Spirits, Auctions

An extremely rare $11,000 bottle of over 50 year old Glenfiddich single malt Scotch headlines the uncommon offerings in Bonhams‘ Whisky sale set for Edinburgh, Scotland on March 3. The coveted Glenfiddich was bottled in 1991 from rare casks filled in 1937 and 1939 distilled by William Grant & Sons Ltd., and comes in a wooden presentation cabinet. Also sure to draw fierce bidding are two rare bottles of The Macallan in special decanters, a 55 year old expected to fetch up to $10,000 and a 50 year old that could go as high as $6,500. Other highly-prized Macallans on offer include a Select Reserve 52 year old ($4,000) and two bottles of the 1938 vintage ($2,500). In addition a collection of six very special Springbank single malts (above) - 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50 year old - is being sold as one lot carrying an estimate of up to $6,500.

$11,000 Single Malt & More in Bonhams Whisky Sale originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 15 Feb 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Wheels, Auctions, Charity, Celebrity Design

Lotus isn’t the first to pitch in for the relief efforts in Haiti. And godwilling, it won’t be the last. But it is the latest, and every bit helps. The British sportscar-maker has teamed up with supermodel Naomi Campbell for a limited run of special Evora sportscars that will be auctioned off, with proceeds going towards relief on the disaster-struck Caribbean island.

Each of the eight examples of the “Naomi for Haiti” edition Lotus Evora gets a special paintjob designed by Campbell and Lotus, bearing the Haitian flag, coupled with a special interior and all the options. The first example will be auctioned off live during London Fashion Week, with the seven remaining examples up for grabs at naomiforhaiti.com.

Lotus and Naomi Campbell Team Up for Haiti Relief originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 15 Feb 2010 23:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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