Comedian Eric Morecambe’s Joke Books and Writing Desk Surge Past Estimates at Auction
The Ernie Wise letter to Morecambe, sold for £3,200
Memorabilia from the much-loved British comedian Eric Morecambe’s career exceeded expectations at this weekend's dedicated Hansons auction at the Burton Albion Pirelli Stadium.
One of the most emotional items was an autograph letter from Eric's longstanding double act partner Ernie Wise which revealed Ernie’s wish to end their partnership which sold for £3,200 (estimate: £500 – £600). Eric's 19th century inlaid mahogany slope front desk went for £2,800 and three separate lots of handwritten and typed manuscript television sketch ides on notepaper went fo £1,100, £800, and £1,200 respectively. A personal letter from HM King Charles III when he was the Prince of Wales to Eric fetched £2,500 (estimate £500 – £1,000).
Other highlights included:
- Eric’s iconic spectacles which sold for £20,000 (estimate: £2,000 – £4,000)
- Eric’s tailcoat and trousers from the Morecambe and Wise Show (£4,500)
- The Society of Film and Television Arts Award for 'Best Light Entertainment Performance' (£4,400)
- Eric Morecambe’s OBE, which sold for £11,000
- Morecambe's collection of pipes (£1,100)
“We were thrilled with the extraordinary results achieved at this auction,” said Charles Hanson, of Hanson Auctioneers. “Eric Morecambe’s legacy lives on in the hearts of millions, and the prices reflect not only the quality and uniqueness of the items but also the deep affection fans continue to hold for him.”
