Many of Stephen Sondheim's fans were watching enviously last year as a diverse collection of items from his Manhattan and Connecticut homes were auctioned by Doyle Auctions on June 18. Every item in the auction was sold which is a rare occurrence and most went for far above their pre-auction estimate. Sondheim’s favorite type of pencils sold for $200 each! Four of his well-used thesauri sold for over $20,000.

Some fans at the June 18 auction allowed their enthusiasm to get ahead of their bank accounts and did not complete their purchases. Those lots were offered by Doyle in a second Collection of Stephen Sondheim auction on November 14, 2024.

My name is John Fredette and I am an antiques dealer based in Dallas. I participated in both auctions. I know there are many people who would have liked to have a momento of Stephen Sondheim but they were intimidated by the frenzied auction environment and/or the high prices. 

I have now curated the lots I purchased to offer Sondheim fans a wide range of objects with prices beginning at $55.50 for individual game pieces. I have also framed and arranged the individual objects so that they are ready for display in your home. Any of the pieces would also make a unique, and undoubtedly cherished, gift for any musical theater lover. Be sure to check out all the sections of the site and please don't overlook "Treasures."

Sondheim was known for his love of games and puzzles. He also appreciated antique objects and particularly Victorian era pieces. Most of the pieces available here reflect those tastes.

I am not only a dealer, I am also a musical theater aficionado. I had the privilege of meeting Stephen Sondheim at a private Carnegie Hall reception and that is the autograph he gave me in the banner. I saw the original London production of A Little Night Music the summer I turned 20. I have seen too many Sondheim productions since then to possibly count. I see these offerings as a celebration of the Sondheim genius and a way for diehard fans to acquire a tangible memento for their homes. Each is  keepsake to perhaps ilicit a smile when they see it on their desk or on their wall. 

Most of the lots in the Doyle auctions sold for over $1000 with auctions fees and shipping. My $55.00 framed game piece is a relatively modest item, but it came from a household where some of the greatest lyrics and music of the 20th century were created. What else do you have that you can say that about?