Phar Lap bridle an auction gem
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Posted February 2, 2009 Article from: news.com.au A RARE souvenir from arguably Australia's greatest racehorse is up for grabs, with Phar Lap's racing bridle to be auctioned off next week. And a remarkable peek at the workings of an Olympic Village will be revealed, when photographs, letters and archival material collated and kept by the mayor of Melbourne's 1956 Olympic Village also go under the hammer. Auctioneer Charles Leski said the simple bridle and bit belonging to Phar Lap's jockey, Jim Pike, would attract a lot of interest because it was rare for items associated with the track legend to be on the market. While a Phar Lap saddle sold for $95,000 a few years ago, Leski Auctions has put an estimation of just $3000 to $4000 on the bridle. The leather strapping was used in 1931 by jockey Jim Pike, who rode the racehorse 30 times for 27 wins. "It's always a personal thrill for our staff when we get to handle Phar Lap memorabilia," Mr Leski said. "We see so little of it, and yet Phar Lap was one of the very few sporting greats of that era to elevate Australia in the eyes of the world." Another event to spotlight Australia internationally was the 1956 Olympic Games. The auction of an extensive collection of paraphernalia belonging to the former village commandant, Philip Miskin, is also likely to generate enormous interest. Among the treasures, the village visitors' book, signed by everyone from Prince Philip, Sir Robert Menzies and Sir Dallas Brooks down to all the officials and athletes from every country that participated in the Friendly Games. The collection includes photos of the village buildings and scenes, the Chinese dining room and chefs, a shoe repair shop and VIP functions and Dawn Fraser. Documents detail security, menus, daily diary, daily provisions and staff transfers. The brushed, kid skin visitor's book has the signatures of more than 2080 people, from dignitaries, politicians and Olympic competitors and officials. Mr Miskin hoped the items could be bought and donated to a suitable sports museum. The public auction will take place on February 11 and 12. - NEWS.COM.AU Original Article Here |
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