Anthony Bourdain's Most Prized Possessions Are Up for Auction This Month
Anthony Bourdain, the celebrated chef and host of CNN's Parts Unknown and Travel Channel's No Reservations, passed away in June 2018 but his legacy lives on. Now, more than 200 pieces from his private collection are available for auction until October 30, 2019. Some of the top items being auctioned by iGavel Auctions include his white chef's jacket (estimated value $350), a 19th century chrome duck press, and a custom Bob Kramer knife. After just one day of the auction, the knife already had 28 bids, with a current high bid of $19,500.
Other items up for auction include several wooden bookshelves, cherry-wood sleigh bed, multiple pairs of sunglasses, a Kenneth Cole distressed leather jacket, a Ermenegildo Zegna cashmere coat, the Tom Ford tuxedo jacket and pants that he wore to accept an Emmy award, designer neckties, paintings by John Lurie and Brad Phillips, original manuscripts for several of Bourdain's books, a pair of Cartier 18K gold cuff links, a Pottery Barn table with chairs, and a filing cabinet with a top drawer that won't open, according to The Washington Post.
Related: Our Favorite Items to Start Collecting
"He valued comfort, and he knew what looked good," Bourdain's former longtime assistant Laurie Woolever told iGavel Auctions about his personal style. "He was definitely aware of how to play to his assets." His iconic, custom-made US Navy jacket from the USS Nashville, with a "Tony Bourdain" patch is also for sale, as well as a handwritten, framed note from Billy Joel.
The auction is expected to make between $200,000 and $400,000, according to Forbes. Proceeds from the auction will go towards the Anthony Bourdain Legacy Scholarship at Bourdain's alma mater, the Culinary Institute of America, to help students pursue a semester abroad and study global cuisine. Additional proceeds will benefit his estate and young daughter.
