The late Freddie Mercury’s possessions proved to be popular this past week, with the Queen frontman’s personal items racking up multi-millions at auction. According to Barron’s, 1,406 personal items owned by Freddie Mercury brought in a total of $50.4 million in sales at Sotheby’s, with a silver Tiffany mustache comb going for £152,000—or nearly $190,000 in U.S. dollars.
“The jewel in the crown of our sale series, The Evening Sale pays tribute to Freddie Mercury’s inimitable life, work and art,” Sotheby’s said on its site. “A multicategory sale comprising a refined selection of artworks, objets, costumes and lyrics, this is the story of one man’s extraordinary vision, artistry and exquisite taste.”
Last month, the auction house also called the mustache comb “the surprise hit” of the sale, but underestimated the final bid.
“Nestled amongst the accoutrements of Freddie’s wardrobe, an unexpected auction sensation is gathering momentum. Next to his Cartier brooch and a decorative Victorian clock, sits an unassuming silver moustache comb that somehow captures the singer’s essence.
This modest item, which one can imagine being carried in his top pocket or sitting atop his dresser, has seized the imagination of collectors, sending bids soaring 50-times higher than its conservative £400-600 estimate to, at the moment, £24,000—and rising.”