John Wayne’s True Grit Costume
True Grit, released in 1969, won John Wayne his lone Academy Award for his performance as Rooster Cogburn. He dressed himself in a full cowboy uniform for the part, including a shirt, jacket, waistcoat, pants, boots, the iconic cowboy hat, and, of course, that eye patch that gave his character that rugged aspect.
"John Wayne / "Comancheros"' is written in black marker beneath the front brim of a camel-colored felt cowboy hat, with "John Wayne" written in black marker on the leather sweatband.The brim of the hat measures 16" long and 5" height. The inside diameter is 7 inches. To the brim, there are six little holes. Long sleeve shirt in wine color with fabric-backed, lined suede vest, collars, and embroidery. "Western Costume Co / Hollywood / No. 2249-3 / Name John Wayne / Chest 49 Sleeve 36 / Collar 18 1/2," according to the label. Along with a letter about the subsequent sale and a Certificate of Authenticity from a reputable movie memorabilia auction company.
After John Wayne's death in 1979, the outfit was sold, with the headgear and eye patch sold separately. The hat alone brought in $119,500, while the eye patch brought in a whopping $47,800. The remainder of the costume was auctioned for $167,300.
