Charles Dickens' Dog's Collar Brings $11,590

Charles Dickens' Dog's Collar Sold for $11,590
A dog collar that once belonged to Charles Dickens was sold at Bonhams New York's 28th dog art sale last month and went for well above its pre-auction estimates of $4,000-$6,000. The collar, made of leather and brass was engraved with Dickens' name and address sold for $11,590. Although the final price was more than twice what was expected it's not completely without precedent: last year an ivory and gold toothpick that once belonged to Dickens went for $9,150. Dickens was known for being fond of dogs and this collar certainly looks well-worn.

Engraving of novelist Charles Dickens (1812-1870) with his pet dog Turk. Photo: Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images

When he was a boy Charles Dickens and his father took a walk through Kent. On Gravesend Road they passed a house called Gad's Hill Place. Young Charles was very impressed.

His family was plagued with financial problems. However this imposing structure seemed to be part of a different world. His father noted his interest and told Charles that if he "were to be very persevering and work very hard" he might one day live there.

He did. He bought the house in 1856 and lived there until his death in 1870.




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