Extraordinary prices at Paris auction of Tintin memorabilia

A Paris auction of items related to the popular comic book character Tintin, created by Belgian writer and illustrator, Hergé, has fetched also twice the one million euros expected.

Tintin memorabilia are highly sought-after comic book items 2010Columbia Pictures Industries Inc, and Paracout Pictures

Auctionners Arcturial, the organisers of Saturday’s sale said the final tally was 1,873,396 euros which included an original drawing of a battle scene from “The Secret of the Unicorn” which was sold for 168,000 euros, more than four times the estimated price.

An original drawing for another Tintin adventure “Flight 714 to Sydney" fetched 90,100 euros. And a special edition of the adventure “Explorers on the Moon” signed by Herge and six astronauts who had been to the moon sold for 100,000 euros - 10 times more than expected.

Hergé memorabilia are among the most highly-prized comic book items. A Paris auction of Tintin drawings and sculptures last year brought in just over one million euros.

And a single illustration fetched 764,200 euros at another Paris auction in 2008, a world record in the field of comic books.