At Engravers Guild of London, we keep a keen eye out for engraved items that come up for auction.
Most of the time, the lots range from things like personalised watches, bespoke jewellery and custom pens. However, every so often something comes up that even we didn’t know was commonly done.
We’re all aware of how there are a myriad of options to customise a car. Limited edition trims, gold plated detail and embroidered initials are favourite details of the celebrities and wealthy alike.
Engraving, though, was never closely associated with vehicles… until now.
This week an old bike that belonged to Brad Pitt was announced for auction. The Hollywood megastar is a well-known lover of two wheel transport, regularly buying and selling bikes as he develops his collection.
One particular bike stands out from the others.
When Brad Pitt had finished filming Ocean’s Eleven, he was reportedly gifted a rare 2009 Triumph Bonneville Bud Ekins Desert Scrambler by the producer, Jerry Weintraub.
On the fuel cap was engraved a personal birthday message to the ‘Fight Club’ star, cementing its status for evermore as a highly coveted motorcycle.
Only three of this model of bike were ever made, and it was produced in homage to the late Bud Ekins, who was the stunt rider and friend of Steve McQueen.
The design is intended to mimic the posture of the riders in the 1960s, and on the side is painting a list of famous motorcycle victories from the era.
The bike comes complete with its original plates and is reported to be in good working condition.
All this helps add up to make an extremely valuable collectable, and a price guide has been set at up to £30,000 when it goes under the hammer in London.
So if you’re looking for a new way to get about town, then don’t miss your opportunity to buy your part of motorcycle history.