A Seiko-branded quartz timepiece - Fidel Castro's ambition to sway the famous Lollo's affection.
A tribute to Castro's deep affection for the remarkable Lollobrigida is up for sale: a titanium Seiko LCD quartz watch that the meticulous Fidel gifted to the most beautiful woman in Hollywood 50 years ago. The endearing inscription: "For Gina with admiration." In Italian. This was how Fidel Castro aimed to capture Lollo's affection. Alas, the story suggests he failed.
Castro and Lollobrigida first met in Havana in 1974. After her illustrious acting career - collaborating with Anthony Quinn, Humphrey Bogart, Marcello Mastroianni, and Frank Sinatra - Lollo ventured the globe as a journalist. Cuba was no exception: she stayed with Castro for a dozen days, capturing an exclusive portrait. And received an extraordinary present from the Cuban.
"We adored each other greatly," Castro later reminisced - possibly more of a fantasy than a fact. His adoration for the screen icon was also apparent during his visit to Rome as a head of government: "I came to see the Pope - and Lollo," he said at the time.
No opening bids or projections for the "Seiko" watch have been announced yet. The auction will occur in two weeks at Genoa on the Italian Riviera. About 400 goods from the late film star's estate will be put up for auction. Paintings, jewelry, statues, furniture.
The sorry state behind the auction, according to the Italian newspaper "Il Messaggero": The great Gina Lollobrigida left behind debts.
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Source: symclub.org
