The eyepatch worn by John Wayne in True Grit, his most iconic role, is to appear in an online auction which ends on May 29.

An oscar-winning collectible

The patch was worn by Wayne's character Rooster Cogburn in the 1969 western. It was this performance that won the actor the only Academy Award of his career, a success which Wayne himself attributed to the patch.

In his acceptance speech for the Oscar, Wayne exclaimed: "Wow! If I'd known… I'd have put that patch on 35 years earlier!"

The star would wear the eyepatch again in 1975 for True Grit's sequel, Rooster Cogburn. Shortly after filming, Wayne donated it to a charity auction for the Southern California Chamber Symphony Society. 

The fantastic item comes to auction complete with a letter of provenence from Wayne himself, which was written ahead of the original charity sale. Dated November 4, 1975 on Wayne's personal stationary, the letter reads:

"Dear Friend: Please let this certify that the enclosed 'eyepatch' is one which I wore during the filming of 'True Grit' and 'Rooster Cogburn'. Now that my eye is better I'm happy to donate it to such a worthy cause - the Southern California Chamber Symphony Society auction. Wear it in good health! Sincerely [signed] John Wayne".

The auction house can expect renewed interest in True Grit related items, following a successful 2010 re-make of the film. With less than 48 hours left to go in the sale, bids have already reached $11,000.

Paul Fraser Collectibles has a brilliant photograph of Rooster Cogburn signed by John Wayne. Like the eyepatch, we ensure that all our items have unrivalled provenance so you can feel confident in your purchase.