On January 21st, 1994, the legendary grunge musician and Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain signed this homeowner’s insurance policy for his Lake Washington Boulevard home in Seattle, Washington. Just under three months later (74 days to be exact), the 27-year old singer was found dead in his home, the victim of suicide. In the time between signing the policy and his untimely death, Cobain finished Nirvana’s final European tour and unsuccessfully visited rehab in an attempt to treat his dependence on heroin. Cobain changed alternative music in his brief career as the catalyst of Nirvana, with his band selling over 75 million records since its formation in 1987.

This Chase Bank homeowner’s loan document identifies Cobain and his trustee Allen Draher as the loan recipients, with Cobain’s address listed as 171 Lake Washington Boulevard East – the very house in which Cobain was found dead. Cobain has signed his name as “Kurt D. Cobain” in black liquid ink roller. This is a rare full signature of Cobain with his middle initial. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member added the date “1-21-94” in addition to his signature. Draher has also signed in black ink, inscribing “Trustee” and “1-21-94” as well. Please note the “94” in Draher’s inscription is smudged slightly. “Received Jan 26 1994 / Newton Insurance” is stamped in red ink on the upper corner of the document. Included in this lot are unique photographs of Cobain’s home. There are seven total photographs, with six bearing handwritten notes including “Side”, “Side of Garage”, “Corian Vanity”, “Kitchen”, “1 of 5 Fireplaces”, and “New Furnace / Fuel Efficient”. Also included in this lot are 13 Polaroid photos showing how the house looked in 1994 as it originally stood. The house was caught on fire in 2016. This incredibly rare piece of music history is accompanied by a LOA from JSA for Cobain’s signature (Z53065).

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