Iconic Style: Freddie Mercury’s Mustache Comb Goes Under the Hammer

By Kele Johnson

Because my parents were utterly awesome and understood their teenage daughter’s obsession with 70s rock, they gave me tickets to Queen’s “Fat Bottomed Girls” tour for my 19th birthday. But these were not just any tickets. They were fourth-row center. From my up-close and personal viewpoint, I watched Queen make rock and roll history. I was captivated by the music and the powerful vocal range, showmanship, and electrifying stage presence that was Freddie Mercury.

Even today, in music and fashion, few figures are as legendary and flamboyant as the iconic Freddie Mercury. With his wild, outrageous personal style and nearly four-octave vocal range, he left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. Beyond his mesmerizing performances and Queen’s timeless hits, there is an element of Freddie’s persona that has become nearly as iconic as his music—his fastidiously groomed mustache.

In a unique event that will captivate music enthusiasts and collectors alike, Freddie Mercury’s estate is set to be auctioned by Sotheby’s, offering fans a chance to own a tangible piece of the rock legend’s legacy. His relatively unassuming grooming tool, a Tiffany’s sterling silver mustache comb, has already surpassed its initial auction estimate of $500 to $600 and is currently sitting at £26,000 or roughly $33,000 USD.

There are a total of six auctions: The Evening Sale, closing at 5 PM BST, September 6^th, On Stage, closing at 10:00 AM BST, September 7^th, At Home, closing at 10:00 AM BST, September 8^th, In Love with Japan, closing 10:00 AM BST, September 11^th, Crazy Little Things 1, closing at 10:00 AM BST, September 12^th, and Crazy Little Things 2, closing at 10:00 AM BST, September 13^th (which is where the mustache comb can be found).

If the sterling silver mustache comb doesn’t stir your soul, perhaps this kaleidoscopic collection of cats is more your style. Apparently, Freddie Mercury was a cat person. Who knew?

The more traditional rock memorabilia collectors will find gold records, photographs, lyrics, and stage wear. For everyone else, gorgeous antique furniture, stunning artwork, ceramics, and a plethora of 18^th-century Edo-period Japanese prints are also available.

In addition to the auction, Sotheby’s is hosting a London exhibition, “Freddie Mercury: A World of His Own,” at their New Bond Street galleries. It began on August 4^th and runs through September 5^th.

More information about this spectacular auction event, its offerings, and the London exhibition can be found on the Sotheby’s website.

Freddie Mercury’s mustache comb is currently up for auction at Sotheby’s. Estimated at $500-$600, the current bid is approximately $33,000. Image courtesy of Sothebys.com.

 

Freddie Mercury performing live with Queen onstage at Wembley in 1986. Photo courtesy of FG/Bauer-Griffin/Getty Images