The extraordinary piece is part of Just Collecting’s online auction, which also includes two vintage Sooty puppets from the original TV programmes and a pocket watch once owned by Reggie Kray.
Ending on 30 July, the auction is being held online at invaluable.com, a locally based company which has specialised in high-end memorabilia since 2009. Typical pieces can range from documents signed by Henry VIII and rare postage stamps to even more unusual pieces such as the Pete Doherty painting currently for sale. The artwork is a self-portrait with Kate Moss – who the Libertines frontman dated – and is drawn in blood and crayon. It is estimated the piece will sell for between £6,000 and £7,000.
Dan Wade of Just Collecting said: ‘Many of our clients buy from us not just for the pleasure of owning rare artefacts but also as a potential long-term investment.
‘You wouldn’t want to do transfusions with it but, make no mistake, Pete Doherty’s blood is a precious commodity. And I get it. Pete Doherty’s blood paintings aren’t to everyone’s taste. But if they are, this is one of the best around.
‘Not only does it depict one of the most infamous couples of the noughties, it’s also never been seen publicly before. As such, I’m expecting a lot of interest.’
Of the Sooty puppets, meanwhile, Mr Wade said: ‘Putting your hand inside Sooty is like having an out-of-body experience. And to think that these are two of the earliest original Sootys, a puppet who has delighted generations, and whose name is part of British folklore. That you’re following in the footsteps of Sooty’s creator, Harry Corbett, makes your head swim.’
The auction features many more peculiar and historic pieces of memorabilia, including one of Michael Schumacher’s race-worn F1 overalls.
