Wikicollecting.org – Top 5 Kurt Cobain memorabilia sales The grunge rocker had a huge impact on the early 90’s music scene before his death in 1994. Today, the Nirvana frontman’s memorabilia remains in great demand…
News-Antique.com - Aug 24,2011 - The Top Five Kurt Cobain Memorabilia Sales
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 in 2006 for $131,000.
2) Kurt’s smashed Fender Mustang guitar
Cobain smashed the guitar at a gig during Nirvana's 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.
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.
4) Original Fax from Kurt Cobain to Courtney Love
While 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 onTop of the Pops. The original letter sold at a Christie’s auction in 2004 for $19,120.
5) Angry handwritten 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.
