Honestly, I think this stuff is utter crap. Do we want to preserve Tolkien's toilet paper dispenser, his toothbrush, his kettle or washing machine? I mean, it was owned by Tolkien, so it must be worth a bundle, right? And it is a real historical artifact with value to a scholar, surely. Er, no. Just because someone famous owned a thing it doesn't mean it has any intrinsic value beyond the basic value of the item had it been owned by the local nobody.

Now something Tolkien produced, that was a product of his intellect - yes, I think that has value. Something he purchased and installed in his house? Nope, that's just "stuff" and it is meaningless and IMHO worthless. Every time I see that fireplace advertised, it irks me, because it feels like exploitation of ill informed idiots. No offence intended, but that is how it feels to me.

When I saw that stuff advertised some time back, I felt a cynical line had been crossed.

Stu

This reminds me of "Tolkien's Gown and Other Stories of Famous Authors and Rare Books"

Rick Gekoski was asked very similar points when he sold Tolkien's gown.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tolkiens-Othe ... ous-Authors/dp/1845292391

It is an interesting book on book selling, and he was very much criticized on selling items like Tolkien's gown.

I enjoyed reading that book; very entertaining...

I think provenance, is really all garm is getting at here.
(Beyond that, I'm sure he has no interest in Tolkien's furniture! )

BH

Khamul - quite right!

I'd still like to know -

"The seller has been in & out of Miramar hotel and there has been speaking with members of the Tolkien family."

Which members of the family, Beren?