The only genuine piece of Winston Churchill’s hair ever to appear for sale is set to be auctioned in Jersey this week.
A teenage barber cut the hair from the former Prime Minister at his Chartwell home in 1961.
The 8cm-long lock is expected to make between £10,000 and £15,000 at Just Collecting Auctions on Wednesday 24 June.
The hair is being sold by the family of 17-year-old barber Brian Wells from Kent, who regularly cut Mr Churchill’s hair in the 1960s.
Mr Wells was quoted in a newspaper at the time as saying: “I was shown up into Sir Winston’s bedroom. He was there sitting in a chair and told me how he wanted his hair trimmed. I was very scared but I just got on with the job.”
He added: “He was very patient with me. I think he knew I was nervous. I didn’t say a word and he didn’t speak to me. When I’d finished he paid me, and I can tell you it was much more than half a crown.”
The hair comes framed with original press cuttings, and a 10 shilling note with which Churchill paid for one of the cuts.
Paul Fraser of Just Collecting Auctions said: “This is an actual piece of Winston Churchill. Arguably the greatest Briton who ever lived.
“Demand is always strong for Churchill artefacts. And as this is the only hair from Churchill that’s ever appeared for sale, we’re expecting a lot of interest.
“Historical hair collecting is enjoying a popularity not seen since Victorian times.”
The auction, which will run online until Wednesday 24 June, also features a pair of spectacles that Mr Churchill wore whilst he was Prime Minister.
The glasses are expected to fetch around £45,000 at auction.
More information about the Just Collecting Auctions’ Autographs & Memorabilia Auction can be found online.
