Mo. Governor's Mansion roof tiles sold on eBay

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Pieces from the official home of Missouri's governors are going up for sale on eBay.

Bidders on the Internet auction site will get roof tiles from the 137-year-old Governor's Mansion. The dark gray slate tiles up for sale aren't relics from before the Civil War but from the mid-20th century, installed onto the home in 1969. The tiles will be marked on the back to certify that had been on the roof of the residence for Missouri's chief executives.

For those who want more uses from the roof tiles responsible for keeping sleeping governors dry, some of the slates to be auctioned have been fitted with leather feet and made into serving trays. But you'll have to pay a little extra, starting your bid at $55 instead of $35.

"Offering these slate tiles, which are just a small sample of the mansion's historic charm, for sale on the Internet gives Missourians and anyone interested in history and this historic home a chance to bring some of that history into their own homes," said Melanie Blunt, the wife of Gov. Matt Blunt.

The roof tiles are irregular pentagons -- 9 3/4 inches wide by 15 1/2 inches long. They will come with two holes that were used to nail the tiles to the mansion's roof.

The auction ends in seven days.

Proceeds will help pay to repair the interior of the residence. Renovations started last month on the residence, which is on a bluff over the Missouri River and just down the street from the Capitol.

Lawmakers earlier this year approved $3 million for structural repairs, such as the roof, windows, floors, and heating and cooling systems. Missouri's past and present first ladies also have undertaken an effort to raise $3 million in private donations for Missouri Mansion Preservation Inc., the nonprofit group that takes care of the home.

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On the Net:

Governor's Mansion: http://www.missourimansion.org