It’s odd to think about. And no — it’s nothing to do with a run-in with the mafia. Just an impulse purchase. Another addition to the collection.
I’ve always had alerts set up for puppet memorabilia. Little digital watchers that tell me when something strange and specific surfaces. Sometimes it’s photographic negatives from old TV shows — the kind used for promotion. Other times, toys from childhood. Occasionally, actual puppets.
After Will died, more things started appearing at auction. Most of it — if I’m honest — wasn’t great. But then a puppet head showed up online. Unpainted fibreglass. Nothing rare. Something that had probably been replicated dozens of times. Still… nice. Solid. Worth a look.
So I messaged the seller. Asked about the provenance. He didn’t say much — just that it was from his collection, made by someone I’d never heard of. Then he added, almost casually: if I was looking for something Will had worked on, there was a piece coming up at a proper auction house.
That got my attention.
It was a kangaroo head. With hands. Slightly ridiculous. In rough condition. But it had character. A hero puppet — the main one used on screen. It sat inside a large glass case like it knew it mattered.
I watched it for a month. Not entirely sure why. Not entirely sure I even wanted it.
Then auction day came.
I was at my desk at work, streaming it live. I had a number in my head — a limit. A sensible one.
The bidding started. Slowly at first. Then climbing.
My colleagues gathered round, watching over my shoulder. Mostly confused. Slightly concerned.
It hit my limit. I bid.
Then it went higher.
I hesitated. Do I actually want this?
The auctioneer gave the line — final warning.
Someone behind me shouted, “Don’t let it get away.”
So I didn’t.
I bid again.
Sold.
I’d won it.
And I’m still not entirely sure how I felt about that.
What I didn’t know — at the time — was how auctions really work. Fees. Premiums. Percentages quietly stacking on top. By the end of it, I’d paid over double what I’d planned.
So now, to this day, there’s a kangaroo head in my bedroom.
Sometimes I look at it and wonder if this is part of the reason I’m single.