Bizarre reason why Coast man is selling Picassos
A GOLD Coast is man is looking to offload three signed Picassos, a Buzz Aldrin cheque and the Queen's signature for $10,000 each.
Why? Because they don't match the dark interior of his Surfers Paradise apartment.
Richard Duce, the former owner of shop Rare and Famous Memorabilia in Chevron Island, said if the items were to be sold retail, they would cost three times as much.
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After repainting his apartment black - even the toilet paper is black - the avid collector said the items did not match his new decor and needed new homes.
"I just liked collecting things," he said. "I've been collecting stamps and coins since I was in my teens. Then I moved into rare coins."
But it was when he started a sporting hall of fame at the Marsden Tavern that his collection took off, eventually leading him to America where he was able to pick up unique items.
Some of the memorabilia he has come across in the past four decades include items from the Beatles, Elvis Presley and James Dean, as well as cheques from Walt Disney and Thomas Edison.
"It's difficult to come across authentic items," Mr Duce said.
"I almost bought the John Lennon album (Double Fantasy) that was signed for Mark Chapman (who later killed him). It was used in evidence but when I went to buy it, it had already been sold."
Mr Duce said he obtained three signed Picasso lithographs around 2003. Two were signed in 1955 and 1954.
He came across the Queen's signature, signed on a Christmas card, in 2001, while he bought astronaut Buzz Aldrin's cheque to check against other signed items of his.
The items have been certified authentic.
To inquire about the items email richardgduce@gmail.com.
