Crazy $21,000 for item at Anthony Bourdain’s estate sale

Celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain’s possessions are being auctioned off online and there is one item in particular that everyone wants.

Some of the prized possessions belonging to celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain are being auctioned off, more than a year after his tragic death

The US chef took his own life in June 2018 and last month it was reported that his family would be auctioning off the majority of his possessions.

Around 60 per cent of the proceeds are expected to go to supporting his family with the rest being used to fund a scholarship created in his name at the Culinary Institute of America.

More than 200 items, including art, furniture, clothes and other personal belongings are now up for auction, with bids being taken until October 30.

Here are some of the most noteworthy items for sale.

Anthony Bourdain’s personal items are now on sale.

Custom Bob Kramer Steel and Meteorite Chef’s Knife, with Certificate to Anthony Bourdain

Out of the hundreds of items there is one in particular that is clearly the most sought after, having already cleared the $20,000 mark.

This knife was made for Bourdain in March 2016 by Bob Kramer, who is considered to be one of the most famous knife makers in the US.

Kramer’s knives are incredibly sought after and aren’t available to purchase in stores.

They can only be bought by custom order or via auction.

The blade is in good condition with “some oxidation”, according to the listing. It also comes with a sheath and certificate of authenticity.

The estimated price was between $4000 and $6000, but the current bid sits at $21,000.

This knife seems to be the most sought after item. Picture: iGavel Auctions

Custom US Navy Jacket from the USS Nashville, with a ‘Tony Bourdain’ Patch

There are a number of articles of clothing on offer, but one of the most interesting is a US Navy jacket given to Bourdain when he had to be evacuated from Beirut, Lebanon in 2006.

The chef and his crew were filming his show No Reservations in the country when conflict boiled over between the Israeli military and Hezbollah.

The group had to be evacuated on the USS Nashville and in 2014 Bourdain was presented with this jacket with a custom patch showing his name

This estimated selling price for the jacket was $200-$300 but the bid currently sits at $3600.

The jacket was given to Bourdain after he and his crew had to be evacuated from Beirut. Picture: iGavel Auctions

Chrome Duck Press from the Paris Episode of The Layover

Bourdain once told the Wall Street Journal that this duck press was one of his favourite possessions.

The press appeared in an episode of his show The Layover and is sued to press the blood and juices out of a dismembered duck to use as a sauce.

“The duck press was just an extravagant, pure object of desire,” Bourdain told the publication.

“When I see these used in a restaurant, I practically weep. It’s like watching Joe DiMaggio playing his last game.”

It has an estimated sale price of $200-$400 but the current bid sits at $7750.

Bourdain said the duck press was one of his favourite items. Picture: iGavel Auctions

Simpsons Script for ‘The Food Wife’, with Signed Inscriptions to Anthony Bourdain

In 2011 Bourdain appeared in an episode of The Simpsons, alongside fellow celebrity chefs Gordon Ramsay and Mario Batali.

The episode was called ‘The Food Wife’ and Bourdain voiced a part where the three chefs appear in a dream.

After the show he was sent a script signed by the entire cast.

The estimated value for the script was between $800 and $1200, with the bid currently at $1100.

The script is signed by the whole cast. Picture: iGavel Auctions

Originally published as Crazy $21,000 for item at Anthony Bourdain’s estate sale