Joan Rivers’ Estate Auction Features Unique Items, Including Voodoo Dolls

The estate of the late comedian Joan Rivers recently held an auction that showcased a collection of unusual items, attracting fans and collectors alike. On October 9, 2023, over 300 lots from Rivers’ personal and professional life were made available at The Peninsula Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. This marked the first estate sale since Rivers’ death in 2014.

The auction, authorized by her daughter Melissa Rivers, featured a wide array of memorabilia, including items that reflected Rivers’ eclectic taste. Fans of the comedian, who passed away at the age of 81, snapped up everything from her iconic wigs to personal belongings of her beloved Yorkshire Terrier, Spike. Notably, two X-rays of Spike sold for $576, coming with the original envelope from his veterinarian.

The sale was organized by Julien’s Auctions and included some unique pieces, such as a framed photo of Spike wearing a crown, his collar and ID tags, as well as a OnePass Elite ’92 credit card with “Spike Rivers” inscribed on it. A special edition of People magazine from May 1986, featuring Rivers and Spike on the cover, fetched an impressive $1,920.

Highlights of the Auction

Among the standout items were two wigs worn by Rivers during her 2008 show, “A Work in Progress by a Life in Progress,” which sold for $5,760 and $2,880, respectively. These pieces highlight her distinctive style and enduring legacy in the world of comedy and fashion.

Rivers was also known for her admiration of the British Royal Family, which was evident in the auction items. A china mug commemorating the marriage of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson in 1986 sold for $384. Additionally, two bone china mugs celebrating significant royal events, including Queen Elizabeth’s Silver Jubilee in 1977 and The Queen Mother’s 80th birthday in 1980, were sold for a combined total of $512.

In a surprising twist, two voodoo dolls owned by Rivers attracted considerable attention and sold for $448. This reflects Rivers’ eccentric personality and her penchant for the unusual, further solidifying her status as a cultural icon.

The auction not only allowed fans to acquire a piece of Rivers’ legacy but also highlighted the enduring fascination with her life and career. The eclectic collection showcases her unique personality and the various facets of her life, from comedy to her beloved pets.

As fans and collectors continue to celebrate the legacy of Joan Rivers, this auction serves as a reminder of her significant impact on entertainment and popular culture.