His wife Ruth's 10-plus carat emerald cut diamond engagement ring is expected to fetch at least $300,000. The auction includes Persian rugs, Chanel blazers and Hermes ties, but also less showy items like red colanders, pineapple-shaped pitchers and high school reunion t-shirts for sale. Lot number 380, a collection of designer boxer shorts, five pairs of socks (including one used pair) and assorted items has an estimated worth of about $1000.
\"It's really a peak behind the curtains of what their life really was,\" said Jennifer Crane of the U.S.Marshals Asset Forfeiture division.
One of the most unusual items is the branding iron with the initials \"BLM,\" designed for branding steaks. Madoff loved to monogram his possessions – bidders at the auction can choose from monogrammed custom-fitted shirts, luggage and even a pair of size 8 ? black velveteen slippers with red quilt lining.
Curiously, the Steinway grand piano has a hidden tape cassette player underneath -- perhaps so the host could pretend to play?
Madoff is currently serving a 150-year sentence at a federal prison in North Carolina.
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