Kobe Bryant’s handprints’ copy, outside Hollywood’s famed Grauman’s Chinese Theatre and cast in cement, are soon to be up for auction in April with other memorabilia of Bryant.
On Thursday, Julien’s Auctions said that the handprints were made by Bryant in 2011 as tests when he became the first athlete to leave his handprints alongside some of the Hollywood’s biggest stars on Hollywood Boulevard.
Julien’s Auctions revealed a pre-sale estimate of $4,000-$6,000.
Bryant passed away in a helicopter crash on Jan. 26 at age 41 in the Los Angeles suburb of Calabasas.
Bryant apparel and other items’ demand surged after his death, with sellers on eBay and other sites quoting tens of thousands of dollars for sneakers, jerseys and balls signed by him.
Bryant items were being offered by a Kentucky-based collector to Julien’s, and the sale was part of its annual Sports Legends auction planned for even before the basketball player’s death.
“Celebrities’ auction values always increase when they pass away as they are no longer using or creating new items. It takes them to another iconic status when they pass away. Like Marilyn Monroe and Michael Jackson would always be remembered, Kobe was young, vibrant because he did not age.”
– Darren Julien, CEO, Julien’s Auctions
The top Bryant item is a No. 8 uniform which he wore in the 1999-2000 NBA Finals holding a pre-sale estimate of $10,000-$20,000.
The auction shall take place on April 30 in Beverly Hills and will be preceded by a public exhibit.
(Photos syndicated via Reuters)
This story has been edited by BH staff and is published from a syndicated field.