Winston Churchill's slippers sell for almost 拢40,000 at auction - double the estimated price
A brandy glass belonging to Churchill was also sold as part of the auction.
Tuesday 9 March 2021 21:58, UK
Velvet slippers which belonged to Sir Winston Churchill have sold for nearly 拢40,000.
The wartime leader's footwear were auctioned on Tuesday afternoon for the first time in more than 20 years.
The slippers, which date back to the 1950s, are embroidered with his "WSC" initials - Winston Spencer Churchill - in gold thread
As well as the comfy footwear, a large brandy glass belonging to the two-time prime minister also went under the hammer.
It too bears the WSC initials.
According to auctioneers, items that belonged to Churchill tend to generate a large interest.
And the slippers were no different - the expected hammer price of £10,000-£15,000 was more than doubled.
When the bidding stopped the price agreed was £32,000 - rising to £39,040 with buyer's premium.
Despite interest from the United States, a private bidder from the UK will be taking home the goods.
Then, the 21cm brandy glass fetched a price of £18,000 including buyer's premium - this compared to an expected fee of £7,000-£10,000.
The items were sold by Bellmans Auctioneers based in Wisborough Green, West Sussex.
Auctioneer Julian Dineen said: "It's been very exciting in the run-up to the auction. Sir Winston Churchill is still highly regarded around the world and we had interest from both the media and from buyers from all over the world.
"It was only the second opportunity to acquire these wonderful items and especially the slippers saw significant interest."
The previous owner acquired the slippers and brandy balloon in 1998 and said he would be sad to see them go.
He said: "I often imagined the great man sitting in his chair with these slippers on and this very glass filled with brandy in his hand.
"You can't really beat that."