The world of collectables is full of surprises—just when you think you've seen it all, something even stranger pops up at auction. From bizarre antiques to truly unique collectables in the UK, people will pay astonishing sums for items that are quirky, historic, or just plain weird. In this article, we take a fun and lighthearted look at some of the most unusual collectables ever sold.
1. Napoleon’s Tooth
Napoleon Bonaparte’s actual tooth was sold at auction for thousands of pounds. The legendary French emperor’s dental remains were preserved and eventually found their way into the hands of collectors who specialise in historical oddities. It’s proof that history buffs will collect just about anything—down to the last molar.
2. A Lock of Elvis Presley’s Hair
The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll continues to make headlines even after his passing. A lock of Elvis Presley’s hair, collected by his personal barber, sold for over £50,000 at auction. If that’s not a dedication to fandom, we don’t know what is!
3. The World’s Oldest Chewing Gum
Believe it or not, someone once paid thousands for a piece of chewing gum that is over 9,000 years old. Discovered in Finland, this ancient gum was made from birch bark tar and is believed to have been chewed by Neolithic humans. A true piece of history—if not exactly minty fresh.
4. William Shatner’s Kidney Stone
In one of the strangest moments in Star Trek history, William Shatner sold his kidney stone for charity, raising $25,000. It’s not quite the USS Enterprise, but for a hardcore Star Trek fan, it was the ultimate collector’s item.
5. A Slice of Royal Wedding Cake
Several slices of wedding cakes from royal weddings—including Queen Elizabeth II’s—have been auctioned off over the years. Some of these cakes are over 50 years old, preserved in elegant tins and never eaten (for obvious reasons). If you’ve ever wanted a taste of history—well, maybe don’t.
6. The Most Expensive Comic Book Ever Sold
A pristine copy of Action Comics #1, which introduced Superman to the world in 1938, sold for over £2.5 million. Proof that nerd culture is alive and thriving, and that sometimes, reading comics really does pay off.
7. Victorian-Era Vampire Hunting Kits
Nothing screams 'unique collectables from the UK' like an authentic Victorian vampire hunting kit. These kits, often featuring wooden stakes, crucifixes, and vials of ‘holy water,’ were once carried by those who feared the undead. Today, they make fascinating (if slightly eerie) conversation pieces.
8. A Dinosaur Skeleton (Because Why Not?)
For those with a budget to spare, how about buying an entire dinosaur skeleton? Private collectors have been known to spend millions on fossils, with species like T-Rex and Triceratops being particularly popular. Owning one of these definitely makes for an impressive centrepiece in any living room.
9. The World’s Rarest Pokémon Card
The Pikachu Illustrator card is the holy grail of Pokémon collectables, with one copy selling for over £4 million! This ultra-rare card was awarded only to winners of a Japanese illustration contest in the 1990s. If you’ve got one tucked away in an old shoebox, now might be the time to cash in.
10. A Haunted Doll with a Creepy Reputation
Collectors of the paranormal will love this one—haunted dolls are a niche but thriving market. Dolls with eerie backstories and ‘documented’ supernatural activity have been sold for thousands to those brave enough to house them. Some owners even report strange occurrences once they bring them home… proceed with caution!
From Napoleon’s tooth to haunted dolls, the world of collectables is filled with strange and wonderful items. Whether you’re searching for bizarre antiques, unique collectables in the UK, or just want to own a piece of history, there’s truly something for everyone.
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