Full Breakdown
Colonel Sanders Memorabilia Auction Draws Global Interest in Shelbyville
7/29/2026, 11:35:38 PM
Auction Highlights
On July 22, 2026, a public auction in Shelbyville, Kentucky offered dozens of personal items belonging to Harland “Colonel” Sanders, the founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken. The event featured his iconic black clip-on bow tie, original white suit, glasses, goatee-shaping hairpiece, a 1955 honorary Kentucky Colonel certificate, and a 1964 planner that once sparked a lawsuit over the secret “11 herbs and spices” formula. Sealed bids for Sanders’s former 5,000-square-foot home, known as Blackwood Hall, and the Claudia Sanders Dinner House will be accepted through the following Friday.
Historical Context and Legal Background
Sanders built the Kentucky Fried Chicken brand in the 1950s, later selling the company in 1964 while remaining its public ambassador. In the early 2000s, KFC Corp. sued to keep the contents of Sanders’s 1964 planner private, alleging it might reveal the proprietary spice blend. After reviewing the document, KFC dropped the action, stating the listed ingredients did not match the secret blend and were likely intended for a stuffing recipe.
Sale Prices and Notable Items
The auction’s top sale was the 1964 planner, which fetched $30,000. The black bow tie that appears in the KFC logo sold for $8,000, and the 1955 honorary certificate commanded $23,000. —were also sold, though their prices were not disclosed.
Official Commentary
Bill Menish, whose firm The Menish Group organized the auction, described Sanders as a “marketing genius” who crafted the Colonel persona to promote the restaurant chain. Auctioneer Jonathan Klunk noted that many attendees were unaware Sanders wore clip-on ties, emphasizing the rarity of the items. Both men highlighted the worldwide interest generated by the sale, reflecting Sanders’s enduring cultural impact.
Future of the Property
The former headquarters, which includes Sanders’s home and the Claudia Sanders Dinner House, was sold in 1974 to Tommy and Cherry Settle, who continue to operate the restaurant. Prospective buyers will submit sealed bids for the property by the end of the week, potentially transferring ownership of a landmark site in fast-food history.
