Who Said Crime Didn't Pay?
Auction of Kray twins' private effects fetches more than £100,000
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The private effects of notorious Kray twins went under the hammer at Chiswick Auction House on Monday 26th January fetching in excess of £100,000.
The largest bid of the evening was almost £15,000 for two pairs of cufflinks belonging to Ronnie Kray.
Included in the sale were family photographs a black and white photograph of Reggie and Francis Kray on their wedding day, a solicitors letter to Reggie Kray explaining his refusal of parole dated 30th May 1995 was sold for £600 and a letter to Ronnie Kray, from artist Francis Bacon fetched £7,400.
Suits, cuff links, ornate lighters and jeweler including a gold crucifix & chain were also sold as were hand written poems by Reggie Kray and a number of signed and dedicated photographs send to Reggie Kray from Barbara Streisand, Patsy Kensit, Mark Knoppler, Jimmy Ruffin and Fern Briton which sold for a total of £1,310.
Chiswick Auctions Director William Rouse said that no estimates were placed on any of the 144 lots as it was too difficult to gauge their value. He said that the 'unique collection' was a 'once in a life time opportunity to own a souvenir from their deceased estate' and were there to be sold to the highest bidder.
Speaking after the sale he said, "It was extraordinary. The interest has been phenomenal from the beginning."
Last year two oil paintings by the Kray twins went under the hammer Chiswick Auction House. They were sold to a private bidder for £4,800.
January 27, 2009