Key items belonging to KFC founder Colonel Harland Sanders are set for auction, alongside his former home and the esteemed Claudia Sanders Dinner House. This significant event is taking place in Shelbyville, Kentucky.
Colonel Sanders’ Legacy
Colonel Sanders, globally recognized as the face of KFC, established the Shelbyville property as his initial headquarters in the late 1950s. After selling his famous chain, he handed over the property, which included his home and the dinner house, to Tommy and Cherry Settle in 1974. The Settles have managed it since then.
Auction Event and Items
Auctioneer Jonathan Klunk, while displaying a black bow tie of Sanders, announced that the auction would attract global participation. Online pre-bidding has been followed by a live, in-person event on Tuesday evening. Sealed bids for the restaurant and Sanders’ 5,000-square-foot home, Blackwood Hall, are open until Friday.
Items up for auction include personal watches, an original cash register, a set of cutlery, and a bust sculpted by his daughter. As of Tuesday morning, the bust had a bid of $4,400, while the cash register was priced at $5,000.
Sanders’ Impact
Though Sanders sold KFC in 1964, he continued as its ambassador. His character of the Colonel became a marketing phenomenon. Auctioneer Bill Menish hailed Sanders as a marketing genius for crafting such an enduring brand image.
Intriguing Memorabilia
A personal 1964 planner featuring a handwritten recipe sparked interest as its contents once led to a lawsuit. Although KFC Corp. eventually concluded that the recipe didn’t match Sanders’ signature blend, it remains a noteworthy item. Additionally, a 1955 certificate naming Sanders an honorary Kentucky Colonel already has a $7,500 bid.
The Bow Tie Secret
Few know
, said Auctioneer Klunk, that Sanders’ bow ties were clip-ons
. One such bow tie has reached an online bid of over $4,000.