BOSTON, MASS.- Winston Churchill's cigar from a 1947 trip to Paris sold for $12,262 according to Boston-based RR Auction.

The half-smoked cigar from May 11, 1947 at Le Bourget Airport in Paris, measuring 4″ long, retaining the "La Corona / Winston Churchill" red-and-gold band at the end.

The cigar was retained by Corporal William Alan Turner, Air Quartermaster with 24 Squadron Transport Command, who was a member of the cabin crew that flew Churchill and his wife from RAF Northolt to Paris and home again.

Includes a candid photo of Churchill just before boarding his plane, this cigar in hand, signed in fountain pen, "Winston S. Churchill," contained in a small folder with Corporal Turner's pencil annotations on the opposite side: "A photograph I took from the doorway of York MW101 at Le Bourget airport, Paris, on 11th May 1947 just before we flew black to Northolt. He is surrounded by French ex-servicemen with whom he had been chatting. He stubbed out his cigar in an ashtray when he came aboard, and I took the remains into protective custody."

Accompanied by a letter from Churchill's secretary, dated July 1, 1949, transmitting the signed photo to Turner. Also includes two of Turner's scrapbook pages bearing nineteen affixed candid photos recording the trip, showing other members of the 24 Squadron, the York MW101 airplane, sightseeing in Paris, the parade honoring Churchill, and Churchill's departure from Le Bourget.

During the trip, Churchill went to the Palace des Invalides where he was awarded France's highest military honor, the Medaille Militaire.

“Winston Churchill is remembered as one of Briton's greatest leaders and the cigar became a synonymous piece from Churchill’s trademark look,” said Bobby Livingston, Executive VP at RR Auction.

“It’s not surprising that the cigar, along with the letter and photographic evidence makes this highly collectible— and able to achieve such an impressive figure,” said Livingston.

Highlights from the sale include, but are not limited by:

• Norman Rockwell original oil painting sold for $28,553.

• Beatles signed Fan Club promo card sold for $10,412.

• Bruce Lee signed check to his instructor sold for $7,742.

• Boston Red Sox vs. All Stars: 1917 Game used ball sold for $6,727.

• Alexander Graham Bell distinguished formal portrait sold for $6,125.

The Fine Autographs and Artifacts from RR Auction began on September 28 and concluded on October 11.