Salvation Army auctions Dali works

HOUSTON, Aug. 27 (UPI) -- A Houston Salvation Army thrift store is auctioning off some unusual donations -- Salvador Dali originals given by an anonymous donor.

Assistant store Supervisor Carl Roberts said a wealthy Houston woman donated the pieces, including a bronze crucifix, a drawing of Don Quixote and several prints, with the only condition being the money must go to the Salvation Army's adult rehabilitation center, KTRK-TV, Houston, reported Thursday.

Dali experts said the certificates of authenticity issued by a California gallery do not guarantee the pieces are not forgeries, but Roberts said he is convinced they are genuine. Experts said Dali works are difficult to authenticate due to massive amounts of forgeries in circulation.

The Salvation Army store said the works have gathered bids of thousands of dollars. The auction will close at the end of August.