Copper cast of Lady Liberty's nose up for auction

[August 24, 2010]  NEW YORK (AP) -- A copper casting of the tip of the Statue of Liberty's nose is among a collection of iconic items that will be auctioned off next month in New York City.

Arlan Ettinger, president of Guernsey's Auction House, says the casting of Lady Liberty's nose is one of four that was made during a restoration effort in the 1980s. One of the four was used on the statue, one was destroyed, and another is in a private collection.

He says the piece is about 2 feet wide, consisting of the tip and the area around the nostrils. He says it's "actually quite good-looking."

The sale also includes a motorcycle from John F. Kennedy's Dallas motorcade and James Dean's sunglasses. The auction is scheduled for Sept. 24.

[Associated Press]

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