Kurt Cobain's most expensive pieces of memorabilia On the anniversary of his death, we look at how collectors are keeping his legacy alive with the 5 most expensive pieces of Kurt Cobain memorabilia.
News-Antique.com - Apr 05,2011 - In 2006 he topped Forbes' list of the highest earning dead celebrities with earnings of $50 million, and his memorabilia has become more sought after for fans looking to get their hands on a fragment of his life.
Here, collectibles news service, Paul Fraser Collectibles list the top five most expensive pieces of Kurt Cobain memorabilia sold to date:
5) Angry letter to MTV
The undated handwritten letter read:
"Dear Empty TV/ the entity of all Corporate / GODS / We will survive without you/ easily - - the / oldschool is going / DOWN FAST/ my lifes Dedication/ is Now to Do Nothing/ But SLAG something / Kurdt Kobaineee professional Rock musician."
It was sold at auction in 2010 by Juliens for $12,800.
4) Original Fax from Kurt Cobain to Courtney Love
Whilst on tour in England in 1991, Cobain faxed the two page letter to Courtney Love from a hotel in Sheffield. It contains a description of him tripping on acid, along with mentioning their appearance of Top of the Pops. The original letter sold at a Christie's auction in 2004 for $19,120.
3) Kurt Cobain's 1953 Martin D-18 guitar
The guitar was purchased by Cobain whilst on tour, shortly before the release of the seminal 'Nevermind' in 1991. It was later given by Cobain as a gift to singer Mary Lou Lord during their brief relationship, and sold at auction in 2007 for $29,875.
2) Kurt's smashed Fender Mustang guitar
Cobain smashed the guitar at a gig during their first U.S tour. Whilst in New Jersey, he then traded it with friend and punk guitarist Sluggo (of the band Grannies and Huballaloo) for a playable Gibson SG. The Fender was signed and inscribed 'If it's illegal to rock and roll, throw my ass in jail!', and was sold by Sluggo in a private sale in 2008 for $100,000.
1) Kurt's Mosrite Gospel Mark IV guitar
The guitar, purchased by Cobain in San Francisco, was one of only two known 1960's Mark IV Gospels. Still in its original case, it was first sold at auction in 1994 for $75,000. It appeared for sale again in Texas in 2004, when it brought $117,500, and finally sold for a third time by Heritage Auction Galleries in 2006 for $131,000.
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