JACKSON GLOVE FROM VICTORY TOUR ON SALE: 'Suit of Lights' item headed for auction in October.

July 2, 2009

Michael Jackson       *One of only two Michael Jackson electric-white gloves used in a special segment during one of his music tours is preparing to hit the auction block and expected to fetch six figures, an auctioneer told Reuters on Tuesday.      

       Joseph Maddalena, who heads auction house Profiles in History, said the item was consigned by glove designer Ted Shell and worn by the singer on the Jacksons' 1984 Victory Tour.      

       "Michael Jackson is 'The Gloved One.' That's his nickname. That is one thing he'll be remembered for," said Maddalena, who said the glove comes with a letter of authenticity from Shell.      

       Over the years, he wore many gloves when he performed, of course, but the glove being sold by Profiles in History is one of only two made for Jackson's "Suit of Lights" on stage. Shell not only designed the glove, but he went on the Victory Tour to protect and maintain the glove. After the tour ended, Jackson gave him one glove and kept the other, according to Maddalena.      

       The glove is emblazoned with bugle beads, Austrian crystal rhinestones and fitted with 50 small lights powered by a small battery placed in the cuff of the glove. The glass light bulbs were wired on separate circuits making them twinkle at random for added visual impact on stage.      

       "I estimate (the value) at $60,000 to $80,000, but it could sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars," Maddalena said.      

       The Profiles in History auction, set for October 1 and 2, also includes costumes Jackson wore on stage, a platinum record for the 20 millionth copy of "Thriller" and a fedora the singer wore that says on the headband that it was made expressly for Jackson.