Graham Kennedy Memorabilia
A moment of excitement in auctioneers Bonhams & Goodman's latest catalogue. Titled "Collectables", the contents go under the hammer in Melbourne at noon on April 29 (2007).
Among the curious collection of goodies, which includes dozens of movie posters and lobby cards, the odd tatty old cricket bat (one once wielded by Victor Trumper) and Item 1191: "an important early convict waistcoat", is Item 146.
Item 146 is Graham Kennedy’s crown. It's made - according to the catalogue and provenance notes - of "gold coloured metal frame with four fleur-de-lys decorated in relief with 'royal' motifs, and simulated pearls and applied with purple, orange, green and pink paste 'jewels', with purple velvet cap within and simulated white ermine trim, the white satin lining showing signs of wear."
A black and white photograph of Kennedy wearing the crown is included in the sale; it's from the final show of In Melbourne Tonight, December 23, 1969 when the headwear was presented to the king of comedy.
The estimated price is $2000-$4000. Can’t help thinking it will go for much, much more than that. In truth, it’s priceless.
