Meet Michael Orsini: Inside the Collection
Here’s a collection with all the sparkle and showmanship of Liberace himself!
Aug. 23, 2026
Michael has built an extensive collection of Liberace memorabilia, and as a stage performer himself, he knows a thing or two about the magic of a legendary showman.
With around 450 items, including 10 costumes, 31 personal artifacts and two pieces of Liberace’s jewelry, Michael’s collection puts the "show" in showmanship.
He wants to preserve, protect and grow Liberace’s legacy, keeping the legendary entertainer’s memory alive for generations to come. It’s a collection with plenty of sparkle, plenty of showmanship and, of course, a little Liberace magic. Take a look!
1. Swarovski Crystal Suit
If you’re going to have a Liberace collection, you’re going to need a little bling!
Liberace was a longtime supporter of Swarovski, and the company’s crystals were featured in many of his iconic costumes.
This dazzling piece is hand-faceted with Swarovski crystals and weighs a whopping 17 pounds! With hundreds of thousands of crystals covering the costume, it’s every bit as sparkling and over-the-top as Liberace himself.
According to our expert, this costume likely cost Liberace between $15,000 and $20,000 in the 1970s. Today, he estimates its value at around $20,000.
Talk about dressing to impress!
2. Liberace's Hairpiece
This is Liberace’s hairpiece from the late 1960s to early 1970s. Not many people realized Liberace was bald, but this piece offers a glimpse behind the legendary showman’s signature look.
Michael acquired the hairpiece from another collector who obtained it directly from the Liberace mansion. It’s also photo-matched to Liberace, which adds to its value.
Our expert, who is also a Liberace expert, had never seen one before. Liberace was very private about his hair loss, and after his death, many of his hairpieces disappeared.
Today, this rare piece of Liberace history is valued at around $10,000.
3. Liberace's Academy Award Pendant
This jewelry piece once belonged to Liberace. It’s a 1982 Oscar pendant that he had created to commemorate his one-time performance at the Oscars.
The pendant is made with 14-karat gold, black onyx and cubic zirconia stones. Following the one-time performance, Liberace gifted it to his partner, Cary James.
The pendant was originally sold as part of Cary James’ estate in 2011. Michael was eventually able to track down the seller, who was ready to part with this rare piece of Liberace history.
According to our expert, the pendant is an exceptionally rare find. He values it at around $2,500, but the history behind this dazzling piece? That’s priceless.
4. Papal Souvenir Book
Many fans of Liberace may not know that he was a devout Catholic. In 1956, the pope invited Liberace to perform, and afterward, Liberace received this book as a souvenir from the pope.
What makes this piece even more special is the personal touch Liberace left behind. He signed the back of the book, and it traveled in his makeup case from the moment he received it until his final performance.
According to our expert, this piece carries two unique pieces of history: It came directly from the pope, and it has Liberace’s autograph. That makes it a remarkable piece of Liberace memorabilia with a story of its own.
The book is valued at around $5,000. It's a small slice of heaven for any Liberace collector!
5. Hilton Las Vegas Slot Machines
These slot machines are original Hilton Las Vegas casino slot machines, but they have a much more dazzling connection to Liberace.
Liberace was one of only three entertainers in Las Vegas history to have a private casino in his home. The others were Frank Sinatra and Howard Hughes. Friends, family and fellow celebrities could visit and try their luck on the machines.
Michael got these with a little luck of his own. He found them on eBay, where he discovered they were part of the original 1988 Liberace auction collection.
According to our expert, a vintage slot machine is valuable on its own, but add a connection to Liberace and the value really starts to climb. These machines are estimated to be worth around $10,000 today.
Talk about hitting the jackpot!
6. Liberace's Candelabra
This is Liberace’s trademark piece: the candelabra. For Michael, it’s the holy grail of his collection.
The candelabra was used on Liberace’s tours from 1957 to 1972, traveling around the world and appearing on stages in places including Australia, Las Vegas and even in front of the Queen.
According to our expert, Liberace was an avid antique collector and incorporated the candelabra into his shows for years. It’s also been photo-matched to numerous live performances.
Today, our expert estimates the candelabra would be worth around $25,000.
7. The total value of Michael's Liberace collection:
