This Halloween, Catawiki offers a haunting glimpse into history’s most macabre collectibles
From a Titanic survivor doll’s head to a 1920s Exorcist’s briefcase, each item holds a spine-tingling story
Discover some of the spookiest objects ever auctioned
Amsterdam, 29 October 2024 - Whether you’re into ghostly tales, supernatural lore, or just love a good scare, spooky season has something for everyone. This year for Halloween, Catawiki, the leading online marketplace for special objects, has taken a look at the archives to gather a list of most macabre objects ever sold on the platform. For those still finalising their Halloween decor or on the hunt for costume inspiration, this list will bring out what there is of most eerie in you.
1. The head of a doll that survived the Titanic: the doll’s head was found in 1997 by a Spanish fisherman, who originally mistook the head for a rock. The doll is believed to have belonged to Eva Hart, a Titanic survivor who was 7 years old when it sank, and it sold for €6,500 euros to a Belgian buyer in 2018.
2. Vampire killing kit: they say our fears are only as real as our imagination, but this Vampire Killing Kit makes it hard to deny the existence of these creatures of the night. Equipped with a copper mirror, a holy water bottle, and even silver bullets, the kit offers everything needed to confront supernatural threats. Sold for €450 in 2017, it proves that one can never be over prepared for the unknown.
3. Fiji Mermaid: this is the chilling blend of a monkey’s head and a fish’s tail that first captivated audiences under P.T. Barnum’s spotlight in 1840s New York. Rumoured to have been caught by fishermen off Fiji shores, this macabre artefact sparked a wave of replicas after the original was lost to fire. This unsettling fusion of myth and reality was sold for €1,000 in 2018.
4. Letter Condemning a Witch: this letter from 1603 brings the chilling reality of witch hunts to life, detailing the condemnation of Ursula Grimm to death by public execution. Accused of attending a wedding alongside six other witches and the devil, Ursula's fate was sealed by statements allegedly extracted under torture from Anna Schmidtner, the bride. Sold for €2,550 in 2015, this letter is a reminder of the hysteria and brutality that characterised the era's witch trials.
5. Automaton vintage doll: the dolls make a comeback! This rare automaton doll features an all-original Simon & Halbig head. Dressed in an original early 1900s swimmer outfit and complete with a matching cap, it captures the unsettling charm of vintage dolls. It was sold for €700 in 2022.
6. Japanese print: Sold for nothing less than €560 in 2022, this piece leaves a lasting impression. While it displays good condition, the small signs of wear—stains, scratches, and wrinkles— whisper tales of its haunted journey through time, dating back to the Edo Period, which spanned from 1603 to 1867.
7. Exorcist’s briefcase: A rare early 20th-century exorcist kit in original 1920s-30s leather case, containing over 20 authentic items: silk stole, crucifix, holy water containers, rosary, breviary, and foldable altar base, has been auctioned for €443 earlier this year.
If you have any courage left, dive into the universe of Catawiki to discover the next haunting object to make your own.
ENDS
Editors notes
High resolution images here.
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Catawiki is the leading online marketplace for special objects that fulfil people’s passions. Over 75,000 objects are offered in auction every week - each reviewed and selected by one of Catawiki’s hundreds of in-house experts specialised in Art, Design, Jewellery, Fashion, Classic Cars, Collectables and much more. Catawiki is headquartered in Amsterdam with over 750 employees across the world. Fulfil your passion on catawiki.com or download the app.
