Iconic Film Memorabilia from Star Wars and Jaws to Fetch Millions at Auction
Some of cinema's most legendary props, including items from Star Wars and Jaws, are set to go under the hammer in a highly anticipated auction next month. The Propstore auction house in Los Angeles will host the event from March 25 to 27, offering over 1,550 lots with a combined pre-sale estimate of nine million dollars (£6.5 million). This sale promises to be a landmark moment for film collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.
Jaws Props Expected to Command High Prices
The auction features two standout items from Steven Spielberg's 1975 classic Jaws. The iconic harpoon gun used by actor Robert Shaw, accompanied by its original case, carries an estimate of $250,000 to $500,000 (£185,000 to £370,000). This prop is particularly rare, as pieces from this film seldom appear at such a level. Additionally, the Fenwick fishing rod with reel, wielded by Shaw's character Quint during the shark encounter, is estimated to sell for between $75,000 and $150,000 (£55,000 to £110,000).
Star Wars Artifacts Among the Highlights
Star Wars fans will be drawn to several key pieces. A light-up C-3PO head from The Empire Strikes Back (1980) is expected to fetch $350,000 to $700,000 (£260,000 to £520,000). Meanwhile, the lightsaber hilt used by Rey (Daisy Ridley) and Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) in Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) has an estimate of $50,000 to $100,000 (£35,000 to £75,000). These items represent significant moments in the beloved franchise's history.
Other Notable Film Props on Offer
The auction includes a diverse range of memorabilia from other iconic films:
- An arena helmet and mask from Sir Ridley Scott's Oscar-winning Gladiator (2000), estimated at $125,000 to $250,000 (£90,000 to £185,000).
- A golden ticket from the 1971 adaptation of Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory, with an estimate of $80,000 to $160,000 (£60,000 to £120,000).
- A Wilson volleyball used by Tom Hanks in Cast Away (2000), expected to sell for $150,000 to $300,000 (£110,000 to £220,000).
Propstore's Role in Preserving Film History
Brandon Alinger, Propstore's chief operating officer, emphasized the significance of this auction. "This auction brings together some of the most significant artefacts in cinema history, spanning landmark films, iconic characters, and extraordinary moments of filmmaking," he said. "At Propstore, we see ourselves as caretakers of film history, and it's always rewarding to help place these remarkable items into new collections where they can be preserved and appreciated for generations to come."
The event highlights the growing market for film memorabilia, with collectors eager to own a piece of cinematic legacy. As these props go to auction, they not only represent financial investments but also cultural treasures that continue to captivate audiences decades after their on-screen debuts.
