21-05-2025
Jethro's J35 TER number plate up for auction
A distinctive number plate belonging to the late Cornish comedian Jethro is expected to fetch more than £12,000 at auction.
The stand-up comedian used the J35 TER plate on his personal cars, including his series of Toyota Land Cruisers.
The number plate is part of a dispersal sale of vehicles, farm equipment and other machinery at Jethro's former home at Lewdown near Okehampton, Devon.
A viewing is being held on Wednesday and the online auction will close to bids on Thursday evening.
Harvey Pile from Stags Auctioneers said the J35 TER number plate had already attracted bids of up to £12,000.
He said: "It is a very unique piece of comedic history. It was also seen on his Toyota Land Cruiser on his final journey as he was carried in his coffin to Truro Cathedral for his funeral.
"There is a high level of interest from all over the country. Lots of people have made enquiries - we will see if that is translated into bids.
"It's definitely unusual. It's not something we'd sell every day."
Dave Pearce, speaking at the viewing, said he knew the late comedian "exceptionally well".
"I worked with him and we were neighbours. I drove him thousands of miles, I was his chauffer," he said.
Mr Pearce said he had already been given Jethro's joke books by the late comedian's wife but stated he would never sell them.
"Money isn't everything but friendship is a lot," he said.
Also speaking at the viewing, Jethro fans Lesley and Peter Taylor, said they had travelled from Truro to have a look at the "relics".
Mr Taylor said he had his eyes on some "curious" and "clever" things that he may bid on, including Jethro's tractors.
He added: "About 45 years ago, I met Jethro and he had us on the floor laughing.
"At the time, I said to him, 'blimey, you're very, very funny' and I said, 'who are you?', because I didn't know who he was at the time.
"I told him he was so funny he ought to be on TV because he would make millions of people laugh if they could hear him.
"Then blow me, six months went by and he was on Des O'Connor and I wonder if I gave him a push in the right direction."
Jethro, real name Geoffrey Rowe, died in December 2021 at the age of 73 after contracting Covid-19.
While most of the 59 lots up for sale this week are diggers, farm machinery and 4x4 vehicles from his contracting business, there is a second number plate available - B11 ECS.
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