The most controversial figures are often the most collectible. Former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher is no exception.
Here is Paul Fraser Collectibles' Top 5 Margaret Thatcher memorabilia items ever auctioned.
Spitting Image puppet
 Thatcher's Spitting Image puppets were hugely popular |
In the 1980s and early 1990s Spitting Image was Britain's most popular satirical comedy, with its grotesque portrayals of the leading political figures and celebrities of the day.
In June 2007, a Margaret Thatcher puppet, undoubtedly the show's most popular character, auctioned for ?�5,040 ($7,700) at Bonhams.
Business suit
 Thatcher was wearing the green suit the day she became Tory leader |
Thatcher was known for her distinctive, business-like attire
Her jade green wool business suit sold for ?�25,000 ($39,625) at Christie's in September 2012. Thatcher wore the suit on the day she was confirmed as leader of the Conservative party in February 1975, becoming the first female leader of a major political party in the UK.
Made by Mansfield of England in 1972, it is the most valuable Thatcher dress ever auctioned.
Helmut Newton's portrait
 Helmut Newton produced the photograph in a limited edition of three |
One of just three identical 1991 photographic prints of Thatcher by Helmut Newton, signed and dated by the German-Australian artist, sold for ?�27,500 ($44,605) at Christie's in May 2011.
Northern Ireland "Battle Bus"
 The bomb-proof bus battled its way around Northern Ireland |
Thatcher's Northern Ireland "Battle Bus" sold for ?�16,940 ($25,840), making a 41.1% increase on its ?�12,000 high estimate, at a JP Humbert auction in February 2013.
It transported the former prime minister as she visited the troubled country during the 1980s, and was later used to carry troops.
Handbags
 Thatcher was rarely seen without her handbag |
Thatcher was famous for her "handbaggings" of cabinet ministers, and the accessory is synonymous with the former prime minister.
A black Salvatore Ferragamo bag once owned by Thatcher sold for ?�82,110 ($125,000) at a charity auction in 2000.
It was followed in 2011 by a black Asprey handbag, which Thatcher had with her during important meetings with both Reagan and Gorbachev. It sold for ?�25,000 ($38,250).
View Paul Fraser Collectibles' Margaret Thatcher memorabilia for sale.
