A $65 billion Ponzi scheme, and all I got was this lousy tree-stump table.
Nearly 1,000 bidders came yesterday to the Midtown auction of Bernard Madoff’s ill-gotten gains, shelling out more than $940,000 — double what was expected — on the mega-swindler’s lavish jewelry, paintings and even golf clubs.
Some of the nearly 200 items on the block far exceeded their asking prices. A pair of pre-Vic torian-era diamond earrings worn by Madoff’s wife, Ruth, were expected to sell for between $14,300 and $21,400 but fetched $70,000.
Some of the lesser-valued items also drew a flurry of bidding. A blue satin Met jacket that bears Madoff’s name and the number 25 was expected to go for between $500 and $720 but was snapped up for $14,500 by an online bidder.
Many of the 40 lavish watches Madoff once dangled on his dainty wrists also commanded high prices, although a few were bought at a bargain. One vintage 18-carat gold Rolex went for $65,000, $10,000 less than expected.
All the Madoff items were seized by US marshals. The feds will funnel the money to victims.
The Post found some of the winning bidders and asked them why they wanted Madoff’s stuff.
CLICK HERE TO SEE WHO BOUGHT WHAT–AND WHY
The following were plucked by unknown onsite and online bidders:
Blue satin Met jacket with Madoff’s name
* Sold for: $14,500
* Pre-bid price: $500
Platinum Art Deco Cartier black onyx and diamond earrings
* Sold for: $70,000
* Pre-bid price: $6,500
Platinum Edwardian-era diamond and emerald-link bracelet
* Sold for: $50,000
* Pre-bid price: $15,600
Lady’s Bill Blass brown mink coat
* Sold for: $1,000
* Pre-bid price: $450
* Pre-bid price: $5,900
Golf bag and Titleist clubs
* Sold for: $2,100
* Pre-bid price: $350
Stationery with “Bernard Madoff” printed on top
* Sold for: $2,500
* Pre-bid price: $90
Abercrombie & Fitch Telescope
* Sold for: $1,000
* Pre-bid price: $140
Wooden duck decoy
* Sold for: $4,750
* Pre-bid price: $53
Drawing of Bernie Madoff’s yacht
* Sold for: $3,000
* Pre-bid price: $140