# Truman Capote’s Personal Possessions Head to Public Auction A vast collection of the author's eccentric treasures will be sold this November. - **Source:** [Literary Hub](https://lithub.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-09 - **Topic:** [culture](https://brifing.si/c/culture) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/3a37b048-20b1-42c8-9bf7-8232206b346f ## Legacy of a Magpie Truman Capote, the renowned author who passed away in 1984, left behind an extensive collection of personal belongings. Titled The Magpie and the Swans, this upcoming auction showcases the eclectic treasures housed in his New York apartment and Sagaponack home. These items reflect his unique taste for glitter, wit, and comfort. ## Forty Years of Custody Gerald Clarke, Capote’s biographer and long-time confidant, has served as the custodian of these items for the past four decades. Clarke describes the collection as a testament to the author's magpie eye for detail. The auction offers fans a rare opportunity to acquire pieces that defined the writer's private daily life. ## Literary Partner Memorabilia The auction includes significant items belonging to Jack Dunphy, Capote’s partner of 35 years. Collectors can bid on Dunphy’s mint green Olivetti portable typewriter, currently valued at 500 dollars. This functional piece of Italian design offers a tangible connection to the creative environment shared by the two writers during their long partnership. ## Whimsical and Odd Objects Beyond literary artifacts, the sale features eccentric items like a plywood carnival game priced at 400 dollars and a leopard head ashtray for 700 dollars. These objects highlight Capote’s penchant for the unusual. The collection also includes cartoon watches and hand-painted coasters, illustrating the playful side of the famous novelist's home. ## Controversial Canine Remains Perhaps the most unusual and debated item in the catalogue is the cremains of one of Capote’s dogs, likely Maggie. Currently attracting bids around 250 dollars, this lot has sparked curiosity regarding the ethics of auctioning pet remains. It stands as a stark example of the extreme nature of celebrity estate sales. ## Classic Literary Treasures For traditional collectors, the auction provides a first edition copy of To Kill a Mockingbird. This specific hardcover features an inscription from Harper Lee to her best friend, Truman Capote. It represents a significant piece of American literary history, contrasting sharply with the more bizarre items found within the broader estate collection. ## Bidding and Market Access The auction officially goes live on November 21st, inviting the public to vie for these historical treasures. Current listings range from affordable 60-dollar bulldog totes to high-end decorative objects. Prospective buyers are encouraged to review the catalogue thoroughly, as the items vary wildly in both historical significance and personal provenance. ## Reflecting a Complex Life This event offers a rare glimpse into the private world of a literary icon. By selling everything from crystal orbs to personal clothing, the estate provides a comprehensive look at Capote’s aesthetic preferences. The auction serves as both a commercial venture and a final public exhibition of the author's complex, eccentric legacy. ## Sources covering this story - https://lithub.com/you-can-now-buy-the-ashes-of-truman-capotes-dog/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._