The baggy green sweater was sported by the grunge star for his band's MTV Unplugged in New York show at the Big Apple's Sony Music Studios on 18 November, 1993.

After Cobain's death five months later in April, 1994, the concert aired repeatedly on the music channel MTV, and an MTV Unplugged In New York album released later that year reached the top of the U.K. and U.S. charts.

Bosses at Julien's Auctions estimate the tattered garment, which is described by the auction house as a Manhattan branded cardigan sweater with a burn hole and discoloured pockets, will sell for between $40,000 (£25,000) and $60,000.

The cardigan, which has a starting price of $20,000 (£12,500), is accompanied by a signed letter of authenticity from a "close friend of the Cobain family" who obtained the garment.

Also up for auction is a lock of Cobain's hair, given to the comic artist Dame Darcy by Cobain's partner Courtney Love. It is being offered at a starting bid of $4,000 (£2,500).

The auction due to close on 7 November (15).