Joan Rivers’ Shag Wigs, Dog’s X-Rays and Royal Family Keepsakes Auctioned Off
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Joan Rivers’ Estate has auctioned off over 300 pieces of memorabilia once owned by the late comedian. Presented by Julien’s Auctions, the collection comprised an eclectic assortment of items, including Rivers’ shag wigs, X-rays of her dog Spike’s thorax and royal family-related keepsakes. Rivers died in 2014 at the age of 81.
Rare Joan Rivers memorabilia captured the attention of eager bidders at an auction celebrating the late comedian’s one-of-a-kind personality. X-rays of her dog Spike’s thorax, keepsakes highlighting the star’s affinity for the British royal family, and over 300 other lots went under the hammer at the sale presented by Julien’s Auctions at The Peninsula Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif., on Thursday, Oct. 9.
Billed by Julien’s as the first comprehensive sale of Rivers’ personal and professional treasures, the catalogue reflected her inimitable humor and the things she cherished most. One of Joan Rivers’ shag wigs, sold at Julien’s Auctions, was a highlight of the auction. Several lots underscored Rivers’ love for her dog, Spike. The two X-rays of her Yorkshire Terrier’s thorax fetched $576 at the auction. The scans came with a manila envelope from Spike’s veterinarian, dated “April 12, 1993″ and labeled “Spike Rosenberg” (Rivers’ late husband was Edgar Rosenberg).
A framed photographic portrait of Spike wearing a crown, combined with the pooch’s collar and ID tags, a OnePass Elite ’92 credit card bearing the name “Spike Rivers,” a button which says “I Like Spike,” and a copy of the May 26, 1986, issue of PEOPLE with Rivers and Spike on the cover, sold for $1,920. Rivers often credited Spike with saving her life at a moment when she was contemplating suicide shortly after the death of her husband in 1987.
Two of Rivers’ shag wigs that she wore in her one-woman show, “A Work in Progress by a Life in Progress,” sold for $5,760 and $2,880, respectively, while two voodoo dolls went for $448. Royal keepsakes owned by Rivers also found new homes, including a bone china mug commemorating the marriage of Prince Andrew and the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, a.k.a. “Fergie,” on Jul. 23, 1986, which was auctioned for $384. Two bone china mugs commemorating two other special events in the history of the royal family were also sold for $512.
Though Rivers was a fan of the royal family, her affinity didn’t stop her from lampooning members of the Windsor clan. Ferguson, in particular, was a frequent target of the comic’s quips. Rivers became friends with King Charles (then Prince Charles) after they were introduced during a painting holiday in the South of France in 2003. She attended Charles and Queen Camilla’s 2005 wedding and was praised by the King as “utterly irreplaceable” when she died.
The auction showcased a unique blend of personal and professional items belonging to the iconic comedian Joan Rivers, capturing the essence of her vibrant personality and love for her loyal dog, Spike. The eclectic assortment of memorabilia auctioned off provided fans and collectors with a rare opportunity to own a piece of Rivers’ life and legacy.
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