More than 700 items from the estate of actor John Wayne, including cowboy hats, saddles and other film props brought more than $5.38 million at the event organized by Heritage Auctions and John Wayne Enterprises. Some of items have brought at least two-to-three times their pre-auction estimates. More than 2,600 fans submitted bids either in person or online from around the world.
John Wayne's The Green Berets
The highest price went to the green wool beret that Wayne wore in The Green Berets. It fetched $179,250. Other top-selling items at the two-day auction held at the Hyatt Century Plaza in Los Angeles, and online, on Oct. 6-7, 2011:
– Wayne’s Golden Globe Award for Best Actor for his role in the 1969 film, True Grit, realized $143,400
– Cowboy hat from two of Wayne’s films, Big Jake and The Cowboys brought in $119,500
– Wayne’s last Driver’s License brought a record price for a permanent Driver’s License when it realized $89,625
– Wayne’s iconic eye patch from the Academy Award winning film True Grit sold for $47,800
This was all about my father’s fans, says Ethan Wayne, son of the legendary actor and President of John Wayne Enterprises. He loved his fans almost as much as his family, and now they will always have something to remember him by.
A portion of the proceeds was used to fund cancer research, treatment and education by the John Wayne Cancer Foundation.
John Wayne in The Green Berets
John Wayne's Golden Globe Award for True Grit Movie
John Wayne's Cowboy Hat from Big Jake Movie
John Wayne's Eyepatch from True Grit Movie
John Wayne in True Grit Movie
