Jackson's items to go under hammer

Here's an opportunity to see what it was like to be the 'King of pop'. A selection of items from Michael Jackson's private life and pieces related to Marilyn Monroe are set to be auctioned.

A wide variety of items related to Hollywood, rock 'n roll and animation arts, including a selection of property from Michael Jackson's private life and pieces related to Marilyn Monroe are the highlights of a Bonhams sale on Sunday.

Headlining the Bonhams & Butterfields' Entertainment Memorabilia auction is a selection of personal items related to Jackson which offer the public an opportunity to see what it was like to be the 'king of pop' including clothing, items from his Neverland Ranch, master recordings of his songs, signed photographs, and behind-the-scenes paperwork.

Jackson lots include: the T-shirt worn by him in the Beat It video (the turquoise one seen under the red leather jacket he wears during the dance sequence, estimated USD 10,000-12,000), an enormous customised area rug depicting Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley that was given to the couple as a wedding gift (estimated USD 1,000-1,500).

Jackson's letterman's style Mickey Mouse jacket which still contains items he left in the pocket almost 20 years ago (estimated USD 3,000-5,000); an audio cassette tape recording from his now-infamous 1984 Pepsi commercial (est USD 500-700); and the original 1983 master test proof recording of his hit song Thriller (estimated USD 4,000-6,000).