A quick scan of Bob Hope’s expansive office and it's easy to sum up the late comedian's passions – travel (exotic ceramic elephant, carved tribal woman); golf (putters, balls and trophies); and all forms of entertaining (recording equipment, embroidered sign – "TV personalities never die; they just blow their tubes.")

But it is lot 551, a small blue plaque that reads "Bob Hope / Thanks for the Memories" estimated at only $100-$150, that probably best describes his incredible 100-year life.

Hope discovered his love for entertainment early (his quip: "When I was born, the doctor said to my mother, 'Congratulations. You have an eight-pound ham.'") However, Hope hoofed his way onto Broadway in Ballyhoo and sang in the musical Roberta.

In the 1930s, after honing his comedic talents, Hope scored his own radio show.

But he made the leap to super stardom when future Road co-star Dorothy Lamour (then a much larger star) recommended Hope to take over a role originally written for Jack Benny in the Big Broadcast (1938).

Hope played Buzz Fields, the emcee for shipboard entertainment. And, of course, in a natural plot twist, all three of his fictional ex-wives happened to be on board for the Atlantic crossing.

While it starred WC Fields and Martha Raye, Hope's duet with one of his exes, Shirley Ross, "Thanks for the Memory" stole the film and became an instant hit.

Legendary Hearst columnist Damon Runyon called the duet the highlight, writing, "What a delivery, what a song, what an audience reception!"

Composer Ralph Rainger and lyricist Leo Robin triumphed in winning the Academy Award for best song over a crowded field of 10 nominees including Irving Berlin's "Change Partners."

Most importantly, Hope adopted it as his signature song for all of his future radio shows, television broadcasts, USO tours, charitable appearances and golf tournaments, virtually wherever he went and entertained. The sentimental, fluid nature of the music allowed Hope and his writers to later invent endless verses of the song to fit specific events.

Here's one from the 40th anniversary of the Bob Hope Desert Classic golf tournament, in 1999. 
Thanks for the memory
of forty years of fun
beneath the desert sun
in the Classic, that's a winner –
never less than number one,
I thank you so much.

Thanks for the memory
of a week of fun each year
that's brought me so much cheer;
exchanging jokes
with gallery folks
who come from far and near,
I thank you so much.

Many-a-star have we hosted
and many pros we have boasted.
my form and my scor es
have been roasted.
We've withstood the test;
been entertained by the best.

So, thanks for the memory
of golf with Ink, Bing and Dino,
Ford, Palmer and Trevino;
a walrus, shark and golden bear
and the classic Ball extraordinaire,
and especially for you and me
what we've done for charity.
I thank you. So much
And we thank you, Bob.

Behind the Byline: Through her auctions at Sotheby's and her own business, collectibles specialist Leila Dunbar has rumaged through the closets, attics and cellars of some of the most famous entertainers and athletes ever, including Katharine Hepburn, Johhny Cash, Cher, Wilt Chamberlain and Billy Martin selling more than $75 million in memorabilia. Currently Leila, when she is not doing color commentary for Auction Network, handles appraisals, consults with private clients and institutions, and offers management and auctioneering services for all types of collectibles. Leila can be reached at leiladunbar@aol.com.

Bob Hope Estate Auction: Collector and museum quality items from the life, career and estate of the legendary Bob Hope will be sold during a live televised and real-time online auction presented by the Auction Network (auctionnetwork.com) on Oct. 18-19, 2008 at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif.

Proceeds from this auction will benefit the Bob and Dolores Hope Charitable Foundation. Hope's extraordinary career spanned Vaudeville, Broadway, radio, television and film, and his numerous USO tours to entertain U.S. military troops earned him the admiration of generations of fans around the world.

Highlights include: a one page letter dated October 23, 1943 from Bette Davis to Hope; a red and white feathered Indian headdress worn by Hope on the cover of Life Magazine on May 11, 1962; a Movado watch inscribed "To Bob Hope in sincere appreciation — The Cleveland Press Christmas Show 1944"; and a turquoise western suit made by Nudies of North Hollywood and worn by Hope on several television shows including Barbara Mandrell, Mandrell Sisters Show and Ann Margaret Rhinestone Special.  

To register for this auction, click here.