One of the most fascinating collections in fast-food history has gone under the hammer in Shelbyville, Kentucky, where dozens of personal belongings of Colonel Harland Sanders, the founder of KFC, have been auctioned. Among the most talked-about items is a handwritten planner that many believe could contain clues to the chain’s legendary 11 herbs and spices recipe.
A Rare Collection of KFC History
The auction featured nearly 70 personal and business artifacts once owned by Colonel Sanders and his wife, Claudia. Collectors had the opportunity to bid on a wide range of historic items, including:
- Colonel Sanders’ iconic black bow tie
- His personal 1964 planner
- Original pressure cookers
- Carving knives and kitchen tools
- An original cash register
- Business documents and photographs
- A framed letter signed by former U.S. President Richard Nixon
- His honorary Kentucky Colonel certificate
The Planner That Sparked Global Curiosity
The centerpiece of the auction was Colonel Sanders’ 1964 handwritten planner, which includes a list of 11 ingredients with precise measurements. The notebook has fueled speculation for years that it might reveal the famous KFC fried chicken recipe.
KFC has previously reviewed the document and stated that the handwritten list does not match the company’s official secret recipe, suggesting it may instead relate to a stuffing recipe. Nevertheless, its mystery and historical significance made it the auction’s most valuable item.
Record-Breaking Bids
The auction attracted collectors from around the world, with several items fetching impressive prices:
- 1964 handwritten planner: $30,000
- 1955 Kentucky Colonel certificate: About $23,000
- Colonel Sanders’ signature bow tie: $8,000
Historic Home Also Up for Sale
In addition to the memorabilia, bidders also had the opportunity to purchase Blackwood Hall, Colonel Sanders’ former residence, along with the historic Claudia Sanders Dinner House, which served as KFC’s headquarters after Sanders sold the company in 1964.
A Lasting Legacy
Harland Sanders transformed a small Kentucky restaurant into one of the world’s most recognizable fast-food brands. Even decades after his death, his white suit, black bow tie, and famous fried chicken recipe remain enduring symbols of KFC’s global identity.
The Bottom Line
The Kentucky auction offered fans and collectors a rare opportunity to own authentic pieces of KFC history. While the mystery surrounding the famous 11 herbs and spices remains unsolved, Colonel Sanders’ handwritten planner and other personal belongings continue to capture the imagination of food lovers around the world.