Signed Tommy Cooper fezzes to be sold at auction

Two hats believed to have belonged to comedian and magician Tommy Cooper are to go on sale at auction.

The signed fezzes - rimless hats with tassels - were given to a family who now live in Cromer, Norfolk, by the star in a Greek restaurant in London.

Cooper, who died while performing on live television 40 years ago, was famed for his catchphrase "Just like that!" and always wore a fez on stage.

Mark Nelson-Griffiths, auctioneer with The Rostrum, said: "I suspect Tommy Cooper had a stack of these in his car and when he wanted to say thank you to anyone, he probably got one out, stuck it on his head for a few seconds and then signed it."

The hats are signed "Tommy Cooper" and dated 1965.

Mr Nelson-Griffiths said they were made of felt and in good condition.

He said he had no reason to believe the items were not genuine, and said the auction house had used numerous online sources to authenticate Cooper's signature.

They are expected to fetch "maybe £1,000 each" at Saturday's auction.

"I suspect a fez like these would fetch a few pounds. But once you've got a legend like Tommy Cooper, the price goes up dramatically, just like that!" he said.

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