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Camera
1923 Prototype Leica O-Series $2,800,000 The most expensive camera in the world isn’t digital or fitted with a high-powered lens. Instead, the Prototype Leica O-Series is a compact camera from 1923, made two years before the commercial introduction of the Leica A. Still in working condition, the camera sold at auction to a bidder wishing to remain anonymous. Being one of only 25 ever made makes it, well, unbelievably valuable.
Alpaca Huacaya $675,000
Known for being petting-zoo darlings—watch out, they spit— alpacas are also bred for their silky, nonprickly fleece that’s spun into a variety of garments, Armani suits very much included. The fluffy, beige, award-winning “Snowmass Matrix” became the highest selling alpaca ever sold in auction when it was acquired by Double “O” Good Alpacas a few years ago for $675,000. According to the Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association, these animals are representative of a billion dollar and growing industry.
Pen
The Aurora Diamanté Torino, Italy $1,300,000 The absolute pinnacle of writing utensils the world over, this extremely limited fountain pen is made available for purchase only once a year. The stunning pen is encrusted with more than 30 carats of De Beers diamonds that overlay a solid-platinum barrel. The quill—also referred to as the nib— is made of two-tone, rhodiumtreated 18-karat solid gold, putting a signature on this masterpiece.
Bathtub
Crystal Incantations Rock Crystal Bathtub by Luca Bojola Florence $550,000 This is one of only three bathtubs ever made by the Italian master craftsman Luca Bojola, and each is carved from a single block of pure crystal found in the Amazon’s rainforest. Equal parts unconventional, contemporary and classical, the culminating three-ton design allows you to bathe in effervescent waters brought to life by the opaque crystal. Indulgent doesn’t begin to cover this magical creation.
Tree House Blue Forest East Sussex, England $426,000
Fantasy getaways in the backyard aren’t just for kids anymore. This upscale timber “home” by Blue Forest—the world’s leading treehouse design consultancy—is the British company’s most lofty project, valued at nearly half a million dollars. The thatched medieval towers feature a kitchen, a toilet and large living areas for adults, while a separate children’s tree house comes complete with a trapdoor game room with plasma television and game console. And don’t forget the 80-yard zip wire for the necessary dramatic exit.
Pacifier Diamond Pacifier coolpacifiers.com $17,000
If the rumors are true, your favorite Beverly Hills celebrity couple might have bought this luxe present for their newest bundle of joy. Dubbed “the newest trend in celebrity baby gifting,” the Diamond Pacifier features an overlay of 278 pavé-cut white diamonds totaling 3 carats on 14 karats of white gold. Further customization can include adding colored diamonds, the baby’s name and the birth date.
JUNE/JULY 2013 HUDSONMOD
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