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 "They were both fanatical golfers," said producer Ann Lopez, George's wife. "George hosted the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic for two years. He wants to wear the hats on the course to keep Mr. Hope out there in spirit, still golfing."
The pieces of Hope history were sold to fans and dealers alike at the auction, which was spread over Saturday and Sunday. The sale was televised live and online by the Auction Network, allowing viewers worldwide to participate in real time.
Proceeds from the auction will benefit charities and causes that were important to Hope, who died in 2003 at age 100.
The item that generated the most interest was the executive desk that sat in Hope's Toluca Lake office for more than 50 years. It sold for $18,750, Julien said.
"Presidents sat in front of it, Mr. Hope conducted countless meetings from behind it," Julien said. "Everyone cheered when it sold. It wasn't the most expensive item, but it was the most exciting sale."
Many items sold for far more than their estimates, Julien said. A black
and white photograph of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor inscribed to Hope
was expected to bring in about $500. It fetched $27,500.
Julien said he was surprised by the $6,562 sale price of the Ball photo.
"Lucille Ball sold for Marilyn Monroe prices," he said. "Amazing."
A 1951 handwritten letter from Bing Crosby sold for $5,000. Presidential
cufflinks gifted from Richard Nixon fetched $10,000.
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On the Net:
http://www.juliensauctions.com/
http://www.bobhope.com/
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