TOMMY COOPER’S FEZ TO GO UNDER THE HAMMER AT CITY AUCTION HOUSE
AN iconic red felt fez worn by comedian Tommy Cooper is expected to sell for thousands at auction.
The trademark fez was given to the vendor’s late father by Cooper after a performance at the Stardust Variety Club in Usk, South Wales, during the early 1970s.
The fez is constructed of red felt, with a black tassel to top and was made by Lambrani Freres – well known suppliers to the comedian – and still retains its original floral lining.
During the Second World War Cooper usually performed wearing a British Army pith helmet.
But moments before going on stage for a gig in Cairo he found he had misplaced his helmet.
Looking around, he lifted a fez from the head of a passing Egyptian waiter - and the look proved to be a lasting success.
The fez will be going under the hammer at East Bristol Auctions on May 28 – and is expected to fetch up to £3,000.
Auctioneer Andrew Stowe said: “There are a few iconic items in popular culture.
“But Tommy Cooper’s fez is one of those instantly recognisable items.
“One sees a fez, and immediate thinks of Cooper.”
“This fez represents and large faction of British comedy history. It’s as important to our heritage as Jimi Hendrix’s guitar, or Winston Churchill’s cigar.
“Just to think of the number of laughs that this very hat gave people is incredible. Cooper entertained millions, and this fez was all part of it.”
Cooper’s headwear features in East Bristol’s Entertainment Memorabilia & Vinyl Auction on May 28.
The catalogue can be viewed on their website www.eastbristol.co.uk.