These Celebrity Items Have Been Sold at Auctions

Celebrity auctions truly draw the line between an average fan and an obsessed fanatic. While one person purchases a truly iconic item, another will buy something completely mundane that they wouldn’t give a second thought in other circumstances. Discover some of the most fascinating celebrity mementos that made their way to an auction below.

Interesting Items Sold at Celebrity Auctions

Would you buy a tennis racket? What about dirty tissue paper? These are just a few examples of strange memorabilia purchased by super fans.

Below, you’ll learn about:

• Darth Vader’s iconic helmet
• Serena William’s broken tennis racket
• Scarlett Johansson’s used tissue
• Queen Victoria’s undergarments

Some of these items earned a place in American culture. Others would go in the trash bin under any other circumstances.

Darth Vader’s Helmet

“Star Wars” is a classic American film franchise with all the right ingredients to develop a cult following and impact generations. So you can understand why costumes and set pieces would sell quickly. In 2019, Darth Vader’s helmet from “Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back” went up for auction.
Auctioneers, initially valuing the helmet at $400,000, absolutely expected the iconic costume piece to turn a profit. They didn’t expect the final price to be more than double the going price. The helmet sold for nearly $900,000 to an anonymous buyer.

Serena William’s Broken Racket

If you break a piece of equipment beyond repair, you will probably throw it away without giving it much thought — unless you’re Serena Williams. In her case, her trashed tennis racket became someone else’s treasure. In the 2018 Open, she broke it during a heated argument with the umpire.

An unknown person procured the broken equipment and put it up for sale on Goldin Auctions. In 2019, it would sell for $20,910, about four grand less than the original estimation. Still, auctioning broken sports equipment is an interesting way to make a profit.

Used Tissue from Scarlett Johansson

How much would you pay to become the proud owner of a tissue used by your favorite celebrity? In 2008, Scarlett Johansson appeared on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.” During her interview, she needed to blow her nose.

She secured the specimen in a plastic baggie and sold it on eBay. Someone purchased the tissue for $2,050. Johansson donated all proceeds to charity.

Queen Victoria’s Undergarments

The oddities of celebrity auctions go beyond the living. Queen Victoria, who died in 1901, has world-famous cotton underwear that sold for $14,500. Historians believe the underwear dates back to the late 1800s.

A private collector in England would ultimately purchase them alongside replica crown jewels and other original garments. But what was Victoria’s secret? She had a 45-inch waist at the time she wore this underwear!

Explore Auctions Near You with High Plains Auctioneers

Are you looking to acquire rare items or eccentric oddities from celebrity auctions? Look no further than High Plains Auctioneers. We work with crowds in a variety of settings, from estate sales to classic auctions. Call (806) 244-6776 to learn about our upcoming auction events.