A leather jacket worn by Michael Jackson for his “Thriller” video sold for $1.8 million at an auction on Sunday to a Texas gold trader who plans to use it to raise money for children’s hospitals worldwide.
The black and red calf leather jacket with winged shoulders was one of two used for the shoot. The other one, in scuffed condition, is owned by the Jackson estate.
The one sold by Julien’s auction house in Beverly Hills is in better shape and is signed on the sleeve by Jackson. It was designed by Deborah Landis, the wife of “Thriller” director John Landis. Jackson presented it to the vendors, Dennis Tompkins and Michael Bush, his longtime costume designers.
It sold to Milton Verret of Austin, Texas, who showed up in person to triumph over about a dozen bidders from around the world.
“It is one of the most important pieces of rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia in history,” Verret told Reuters. His collection also includes another Jackson jacket and guitars signed by members of U2.