Unusual: Some Bizarre Antiques Sold at Auction Houses

Antique auctions have always intrigued us, giving a fascinating look into the quirks and oddities that have molded our history. While many auctions feature timeless art, elegant jewelry, and significant historical items, there are also moments when the truly bizarre takes the spotlight. Below, we explore some of the strangest antiques ever sold, along with their sale dates and jaw-dropping price tags.

Celebrity Relics and Historical Oddities

Auction houses have handled a fair share of strange items tied to famous personalities. Here are some remarkable lots that showcase the unusual blend of celebrity and history:

| Item | Sale Price | Year | Auction House |

|------|------------|------|---------------|

| Napoleon Bonaparte’s Hair | €13,000 | 2015 | London Auction |

| Elvis's Hair | $115,000 | 2002 | MastroNet Inc. |

| Einstein’s "God Letter" | €2,400,000 | 2018 | Christie’s |

| Justin Timberlake’s Half-Eaten French Toast | $1,025 | 2000 | eBay |

A lock of Napoleon's hair, cut shortly after his death while in exile on Saint Helena, was auctioned in London for an impressive €13,000 in 2015. This unusual keepsake holds historical significance and shows our fascination with personal mementos from iconic figures. Likewise, a jar of Elvis Presley’s hair sold for a stunning $115,000 in 2002.

In a more recent twist, Albert Einstein's "God Letter," written in 1954 and containing his reflections on religion and the meaning of life, fetched a staggering €2.4 million at Christie’s in 2018. This illustrates how philosophical artifacts can command nearly as high a price as the most opulent antiques.

Supernatural and Macabre Items

The auction world extends beyond tangible items into the realm of the supernatural and eerie. Consider these chilling sales:

1. The Ghost Cane (Sold in 2007 for €57,000): An unassuming cane was auctioned at a U.S. event for an astonishing €57,000. It was said to harbor the spirit of its previous owner, an enigmatic New Orleans woman dubbed "Granny," who allegedly haunted it.

2. A Haunted House Ghost (Sold in 2010 for NZ $2,000+): In a unique sale in New Zealand, a woman auctioned off two "ghosts" from her supposedly haunted house in glass vials for over NZ $2,000.

3. Lee Harvey Oswald’s Coffin (Sold in 2010 for €72,000): The wooden coffin of Lee Harvey Oswald, accused of assassinating President John F. Kennedy, was auctioned for €72,000 after being replaced post-exhumation.

Royal and Historical Artifacts

Royal memorabilia often grabs attention at auctions too:

1. A Slice of Queen Victoria’s Wedding Cake (Sold in 2016 for €1,800): A slice of Queen Victoria's wedding cake from 1840 was sold for €1,800 in 2016. This preserved piece, nestled in a decorative box, offered a taste of one of the most famous royal weddings in British history.

2. A 4,000-Year-Old Egyptian Prosthetic Toe (Sold in 2011 for €12,000): In 2011, an ancient prosthetic toe from ancient Egypt was sold by a German auction house for €12,000.

Unusual Collectibles and Artworks

The collectibles scene has also displayed its share of bizarre items:

1. The Dinosaur Bone Chair (Sold in 2017 for €2,200,000): Designed by French artist Alexandre Biaggi using real dinosaur bones, this extraordinary chair was sold in Paris for a phenomenal €2.2 million.

2. A Pair of Victorian-Era Taxidermy Kittens Having a Tea Party (Sold in 2019 for €19,000): This quirky creation featured taxidermy kittens at a table enjoying a proper tea party, selling for €19,000.

3. The "Hand of Glory" (Sold in 2015 for €3,000): A mummified human hand from European folklore, thought to have magical properties, was auctioned for €3,000.

4. A Cursed Amethyst Known as "The Delhi Purple Sapphire"(Sold in 2004 for €20,000): Rumored to be cursed, this gemstone went for €20,000 at an auction in London.

Final Thoughts

From ghostly canes to ancient prosthetics and celebrity memorabilia to macabre relics, auction houses have played host to some truly peculiar sales throughout history. These antiques, which might challenge conventional taste, are nonetheless treasures for those who appreciate the extraordinary. Whether they’re creepy or just plain quirky, these items remind us that history often has a unique sense of humor and that there are collectors willing to pay dearly for a slice of that history!