Boulder auction helps Christchurch earthquake victims

The recent earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand has produced a unique collectible which will help victims of the disaster.

Phil Johnson is putting the 25 tonne boulder which destroyed his home last month up for auction.

"Rocky" is being auctioned online and has already attracted considerable interest, with bids standing at £3,600 at the time of writing.

"He is in pristine condition (just a little bit of concrete dust). Suitable for garden feature, or as in our case a magnificent addition to your living area," reads the listing on Trade Me.

All proceeds from the auction will be put towards a fund assisting those affected by the 6.3 magnitude quake, which is estimated to have killed more than 200 people.


Cathedral Square has been badly damaged

Although not to everyone's taste, some collectors do specialise in pieces from tragedies, with items from the Titanic especially sought after.

For example, a menu of the meals for third class passengers on board sold for £27,000 at a 2005 auction.

Millvina Dean, the youngest and last survivor of the Titanic died in 2009. Despite having had no recollection of the event her autograph is greatly prized.

A happier event was the recent rescue of 33 trapped Chilean miners, which could also be a good source for collectors and investors. Memorabilia such as the suits and helmets the miners wore underground are likely to be much coveted.

Bidding on the boulder will end on Monday.

 

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