January 12th 2025.
Eric Morecambe's glasses have fetched a whopping five-figure sum at a recent memorabilia auction in Hertfordshire. The comedy legend, who was part of the iconic duo Morecambe and Wise, passed away in 1984 at the age of 58, leaving behind an incredible legacy in British comedy.
Known for their hilarious sketches and iconic routines, Morecambe and Wise captured the hearts and funny bones of the nation from the late 1960s until Morecambe's sudden death from a heart attack in the mid-1980s. Their numerous episodes and specials became ingrained in UK pop culture, and Morecambe's thick-framed glasses were a key part of his comedic identity.
At the recent auction, a pair of Morecambe's glasses, in imitation tortoiseshell by company Metzler, sold for an impressive £20,000. Alongside them were also sold his Barling briar smoking pipe and two black and white photographs of him wearing the glasses, adding to their value and significance.
But it wasn't just his glasses that fetched high prices at the auction. Morecambe's love for smoking pipes was evident in the sale of a selection of his pipes, which were sold in a lot for £1,100. Other items that went under the hammer included his tailcoat and trousers, writing desk, and Breitling watch, all of which were snapped up by eager bidders.
Perhaps the most surprising item to fetch such a high price was Morecambe's OBE medal, awarded to him by the late Queen Elizabeth II in 1976. The medal sold for a staggering £11,000, which was £8,000 above its highest estimate. Additionally, an oil canvas painting by royal portrait artist Richard Stone, depicting Morecambe sitting down smoking a cigar, was also sold for an impressive £15,000.
Aside from his comedic talents and love for smoking pipes, Morecambe was also a beloved fan of Luton Town football club. This was evident in the sale of a vintage Admiral tracksuit featuring his likeness, which was given to him by the club. The tracksuit sold for an impressive £5,500, showing the deep affection fans continue to hold for the late comedic legend.
The auction was held after Morecambe's widow, Joan, passed away last year at the age of 97, almost 40 years after her husband's tragic death. The sale of personal items, such as a letter from King Charles III and Morecambe's ventriloquist dummy Charlie, which he took to America for an appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show, all added to the extraordinary results achieved at the auction.
A spokesperson for Hanson Auctioneers, Charles Hanson, expressed their delight at the impressive prices achieved at the auction, stating that they reflect not only the quality and uniqueness of the items but also the deep affection fans continue to hold for Morecambe and his legacy. Morecambe and Wise's 1977 Christmas episode remains one of the most-watched episodes of live television in the UK, with a staggering 28 million viewers tuning in.
In 2002, Morecambe was named as one of the 100 Greatest Britons in a national poll, and a statue of him was unveiled by Queen Elizabeth II in Morecambe in 1999. Luton Town also honored him by naming a suite after him, and in 2004, J D Wetherspoon opened a pub called the Eric Bartholomew, based on Morecambe's real name, John Eric Bartholomew.
The legacy of Eric Morecambe continues to live on in the hearts of millions, and this auction is a testament to his enduring popularity and impact on British comedy.
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