Hawaii sports legend Duke Kahanamoku's ink handprint failed to sell at an auction of surf memorabilia in Los Angeles yesterday, but an engraving of Capt. James Cook depicting the explorer's final, fatal encounter with Sandwich Island natives fetched $12,000.

The ink print of Kahanamoku's two large hands was among the most watched items in a 500-plus lot of Hawaiiana, on sale from unnamed owners, and surfing-related items from the collection of Mark Blackburn of Honolulu.

Also on the auction block were Bibles in Hawaiian; documents signed by Bernice Pauahi Bishop, Charles Reed Bishop and Samuel C. Damon; a program from the 1899 funeral service of Princess Kaiulani; a silver print photo showing the aftermath of the great Chinatown fire of 1900; and books and materials related to Pacific voyagers Cook and William Bligh.

A first-edition, presentation copy of the 1935 book "Hawaiian Surfboard" by Thomas Blake went for $3,250 while a first edition of "The Art of Wave Riding" by author Ronald Blake Drummond went for $1,500.

The engraving of George Carter's famous 18th-century painting, "The Death of Captain James Cook by the Indians of O,why,ee one of the Sandwich Islands," was valued at between $12,000 and $18,000 in pre-auction appraisals. It was among the items drawing the most spirited bidding.

As is the practice, auction officials would not reveal names of winning bidders.

About eight people attended the auction in the West Sunset Boulevard offices of Bonhams & Butterfields, but phone bids were also taken in Los Angeles and from New York.

Catherine Williamson, senior specialist and director of the Bonhams' fine books and manuscripts department, said the economy did not appear to impact the sales or bid prices. She said it may be that bidders of books and manuscripts can still get in on the bidding at a relatively low price point compared to other auctioned items, such as paintings.

Although the Kahanamoku print did not sell immediately, it could still be sold after the auction, Williamson said. The print was valued at between $8,000 and $12,000.

Photos and correspondence between Winnie-the-Pooh author A.A. Milne and his son, Christopher Robin, and historical California state documents were also up for auction.