THE AUCTION of a rare lock of Bob Marley’s hair has concluded without a sale after failing to meet its reserve price.
The 1.5-inch dreadlock, offered by JC Auctions in Jersey on Thursday 9 April, was “passed” when the highest offer fell short of the seller’s minimum expectation.
The lot, which had drawn significant publicity ahead of the sale, had been guided at between £20,000 and £25,000, with bidding starting at £5,000.
It was notable as the first authenticated piece of Marley’s hair to be offered at auction in more than two decades.
The seller, who obtained the lock as a teenager during a 1978 recording of Top of the Pops at BBC Television Centre, had also included the musician’s autograph in the lot.
Auctioneer Paul Fraser previously said he was “honoured” to bring Bob Marley’s hair to auction.
“Marley ignited global awareness of Rastafarianism and dreadlocks, and brought the religious significance of the hairstyle to the world’s attention. This lock is the physical embodiment of that legacy,” he added.
“We’re seeing a real boom in hair collecting. Collectors love owning a genuine part of their heroes.”
