Greyfriars Bobby statue cast auctions with 210% increase on estimate

A plaster cast of Edinburgh's world famous Greyfriars Bobby statue has sold with strong results, as part of a UK auction that was held on January 26.

Greyfriars Bobby auction cast
Greyfriars Bobby's story may not have been quite as it appears...



The cast, which was gifted to a Scottish police officer, sold for £3,100 ($4,877), seeing impressive bids after the lot attracted much media attention. It was expected to make around £1,000, resulting in a 210% increase on estimate.

Greyfriars Bobby was a Skye terrier who apparently guarded his owner's grave in Edinburgh's Greyfriars Kirkyard for 14 years, his endearing story becoming well known to locals. Following his death in 1872, Bobby was immortalised in a statue that was erected near the Scottish capital's George IV Bridge.

See Paul Fraser Collectibles' blog to find out why this may not have been the full story.

The cast was presented to chief constable William Merrilees, who had volunteered to scout for locations in Edinburgh for the 1961 Disney film based on Bobby's remarkable tale. Merrilees was also given the dog that played Bobby in the movie by Walt Disney himself, shortly after filming.

The cast was sold at auction by Mr Merrilee's granddaughter, Margaret Cumming, along with a period photograph believed to depict the real Greyfriars Bobby. It was purchased by the Skye Terrier Club, a spokesman for which commented: "Bobby will become a centrepiece to celebrate the breed on the island."

See our collectibles for sale for a brilliant selection of nostalgic items, including a number of rare Walt Disney signed pieces.

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