All items auctioned on Catawiki are special, rare or unique. But some are so unusual that people from all over the world join in on auctioning and discussing them. Here are the 10 most amazing, surprising, authentic and fascinating items ever auctioned on Catawiki.
10. Signed Game of Thrones Scripts - €1,800
Since the series started in 2011, Game of Thrones has conquered the world. In 2015 Catawiki auctioned the original script of the pilot episode “Winter is Coming”, signed by the lead actors: Peter Dinklage (Tyrion Lannister), Emilia Clarke (Daenerys Targaryen), Sean Bean (Ned Stark), Lena Heady (Cersei Lannister), Maisie Williams (Araya Stark) and Iain Glen (Jorah Mormont). The script itself was actually used in the production of the episode.
9. Napoleon's Hair - €2,400
One single hair can turn the world upside down - at least the world of history enthusiasts. A 4-millimetre tress of Napoleon Bonaparte's hair went up for auction in 2015. It was cut off by a doctor on 4th of July, 1817 and handed to English Captain O’Meara (who guarded Napoleon) in order to return the hair to his family.
8. Letter Condemning a Witch - €2,550
When confronted with this letter condemning a witch in 1603, witch hunts suddenly become an actual thing instead of something you read about in history books. This particular letter sentences a woman named Ursula Grimm to death by public execution for being present on a wedding along with six other witches and the devil himself. Statements from Ursula Grimm were supposedly obtained under torture by Anna Schmidtner, the bride of the wedding in question.
7. World's Smallest Gun - € 6,055
“Le Petit Protector” is approximately the size of an average fingernail, designed as protection for nobility. It is attached to a ring so they could carry it at all times. There are not many of these pistols around anymore, so it is not surprising the one auctioned off on Catawiki in 2016 was sold for almost €7000. It was completely handmade and accompanied by the original casing as well as six bullets.
6. Michael Jackson’s Hat - € 10,000
Although MJ quite often used to throw his hat into the crowd at the end of a concert, most of these hats were torn into pieces by fans fighting over it. So it is not surprising a genuine Michael Jackson hat in good condition proves to be very valuable. This particular hat was presented as a gift to his manager at the time, signed “Love Michael Jackson → 1998”. It is one of the custom-made white fedoras used for the Moonwalk film and Smooth Criminal video – and it still shows visible traces of Michael Jackson’s make up from twenty years ago!
5. Panini Album Signed by Pélé - €12,038
Probably one of the most wanted albums in the world: the complete 1970 World Cup Panini International Album, signed by Pélé. Twice. Including a picture of the moment right after Pélé signed the album. Since the album was in very good condition, it sold for an astonishing €12,000.
4. Kurt Cobain's Guitar - € 15,211
Kurt Cobain became world famous in the 90s with his band Nirvana. When he died fans from all over the world travelled to the United States, hoping to purchase some of his belongings which were sold, presumably by Courtney Love. Something to remember him by and a good investment too, since this Kurt Cobain left-handed Fender Stratocaster guitar sold for over €15,000.
3. Skullcap of Pope Francis – € 16,100
The moment Pope Francis exchanged his original skullcap for a new one from a member of the crowd was documented and broadcasted worldwide. It was in June, 2014, during a general audience on St. Peter’s Square in Rome that this unique moment took place, making this item very valuable!
2. Dinosaur skeleton - € 18,250
This Mosasaur skeleton gives insight into a world far different from the one we know now. The skeleton of a Prognathodon dinosaur, the most dangerous predator at sea of its time, was very well preserved when put up for auction in 2016. It measured 3.6 metres long.
1. Golden LEGO brick - € 18,498
One would start collecting LEGO just to give this golden brick a good home! A 2x4 LEGO brick, 14 karat gold, weighing 25.65 grams should be on top of every LEGO collector’s wish list. Only around 10 of these pieces were given to LEGO employees between 1979 and 1981 for 25 years of service.
Keep an eye on our weekly auctions; perhaps you will be the next one to win something as special and amazing as the objects on this list! Catawiki offers a variety of special objects not available in your average store, from vinyl records to classic cars, and from century old watches to nostalgic toys.