From Her Dog’s X-Rays to Royal Family Keepsakes, Joan Rivers’ Estate Auction Draws Huge Crowds and Reveals the Comedian’s Unforgettable Humor and Heart
Even in death, Joan Rivers still manages to make people laugh — and gasp. Nearly a decade after her passing, the legendary comedian’s estate once again reminded the world that there was simply no one like her. At a lively auction held at The Peninsula Hotel in Beverly Hills on October 9, fans and collectors gathered to bid on an astonishing mix of items that perfectly captured Rivers’ wit, eccentricity, and unmistakable flair for the dramatic.
The sale, presented by Julien’s Auctions, featured more than 300 lots that painted a portrait of Joan Rivers as both a larger-than-life entertainer and a woman with a deep sense of humor about herself. There were glamorous wigs — the same shaggy blond styles she wore while delivering her famously sharp one-liners on the red carpet — alongside her beloved dog Spike’s X-rays and a collection of quirky royal memorabilia that underscored her long-standing fascination with the British monarchy.
The auction house described the event as “a celebration of Joan’s unapologetic personality and comedic genius.” And that description couldn’t have been more fitting. The catalog ranged from her custom-made jewelry and designer gowns to hilariously personal treasures, such as voodoo dolls, joke props, and even Spike’s very own credit card. Each item told a story — a reminder that Joan’s humor didn’t stop when the cameras turned off. She found comedy in every corner of her life, even in the everyday moments most people would overlook.
One of the most talked-about lots was a collection of her royal family keepsakes, including rare photographs and handwritten notes referencing her encounters with members of the monarchy. Rivers, who often joked about her “obsession” with Queen Elizabeth II, reportedly owned a selection of porcelain figurines and custom art depicting the royal family in unexpected, tongue-in-cheek poses. Bidders eagerly competed for these items, reflecting how her admiration — and humor — resonated with so many who followed her decades-long career.
But perhaps the most quintessentially Joan item was Spike’s X-ray — an odd yet oddly fitting reminder of her love for her pets, her penchant for the outrageous, and her ability to make a statement even through the most unexpected objects. It was this perfect balance of absurdity and authenticity that made Joan Rivers such a singular presence in entertainment.
The event drew fans from around the world, many of whom attended not just to own a piece of memorabilia, but to honor a woman who broke barriers for female comedians. Rivers was never afraid to push limits — in comedy, in fashion, or in life. “Joan had this incredible way of combining elegance with total irreverence,” one attendee shared. “You could have a diamond necklace next to a joke about Botox, and somehow it made perfect sense.”
Throughout her career, Joan Rivers became a symbol of fearless honesty. Her biting wit often stirred controversy, but it was always paired with vulnerability and truth — a combination that kept her beloved by audiences long after the punchlines ended. The Beverly Hills auction, in many ways, felt like an extension of her legacy: loud, glamorous, and unexpectedly touching.
Each bid, each laugh, and each shared memory in the auction room reflected the deep affection people still hold for her. Even in the strangest of items — a dog’s X-ray, a wig stand, a royal trinket — there was an undeniable warmth that reminded everyone of the joy she brought to millions.
As the final hammer fell, it became clear that Joan Rivers’ spirit continues to shine — unfiltered, unpredictable, and eternally funny.
