Auction to feature bronze buttocks of Saddam

A UK auction house will soon be selling the bottom from the bronze sculpture of Hussein, famously toppled in 2003. It was saved as a memento of the event by a former British soldier in this area. Resource for this article: Saddam Hussein bronze buttocks to go on the auction block

Toppled on Television

A sledgehammer and crowbar was used by the former British Special Sir Service Soldier, Nigel “Spud” Ely, who was at the 2003 function in order to get the two-foot-wide rump off of the sculpture. He now hopes that the bronze buttocks of the despot will fetch some big money for charity.

BBC spoke with 52 year old Ely who said:

"The US Marines had erected a cordon of tanks to guard the square, but I wanted a piece of the statue. And when I mentioned to the Marines that I was an old soldier and with the press, they told me, 'No problem, buddy. Help yourself.'"

Ely meant to just get a small piece to put in his pocket. He got a much bigger piece than that though. He spoke to himself after it happened. He asked, "What the hell am I going to do with this?"

Why he was allowed to keep it

"I threw it in the back of my truck and forgot about it until we tried to re-enter Kuwait, where the Kuwaiti army arrested us and searched us for plunder," Ely related.

Ely was able to keep the chunk. This was only after he said it was armor for the truck. He took it home with him to England on a plane. He had to pay $606 to do this.

Trying to get a huge profit

Hansons Auctioneers in Derby, England will get to see the “piece of modern history.” This is where Ely sent it for sale. The gavel falls on the oppressor's posterior on October 27, when it is expected to fetch at least $15,755.

"It should appeal to military and art collectors alike," said auctioneer Charles Hanson. "Not to mention anyone who has an interest in the major events that have helped shape the world we live in."

Where will the cash go?

As reported by the AP, Ely plans to donate proceeds from the assassin's posterior to a charity for harmed servicemen.

Articles cited

New York Post: http://www.nypost.com/p/news/international/saddam_bronze_buttock_up_for_...

Huffington Post: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/13/saddam-husseins-buttock-auction...

BBC: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-derbyshire-15272578

Posted by Xander on Tue, 10/18/2011 - 7:32pm