The Prop Store auction is fast approaching and out of 600 items that will be up for sale at the auction it was incredibly hard to choose just 50 of my favorites.
I’ve taken a look at the catalog and made some tough decisions along the way and I hope you enjoy the top 50 items I’ve chosen that will be for sale at the upcoming Prop Store live auction taking place on the 26th September at the BFI IMAX London.
Alien Creature Costume, ALIENS (1986)
This insane Alien warrior costume from James Cameron’s action sci-fi sequel Aliens is a no-brainer to be included on the list.
Stan Winston was tasked with updating H.R Giger’s original design for the creature and here’s the result.
The costume consists of a black nylon bodysuit, with attached hard polyfoam parts molded in the creature’s iconic bio-mechanical shape, with foam boots, foam tail, and slip-latex gloves.
The headpiece is a replica to complete the display made from polyfoam with a soft foam interior. Replica chest and back panels were added to complete the piece also.
Estimate: £20,000.00 – £30,000.00
Dr. Peter Venkman’s (Bill Murray) Jumpsuit, GHOSTBUSTERS 2 (1989)
A more affordable addition to the Prop Store collection is Ghostbusters jumpsuit worn by Dr. Peter Venkman’s (Bill Murray).
This bespoke one-piece zip-up jumpsuit is made of cotton and features numerous cargo pockets on the sleeves, chest, and legs.
The iconic Ghostbusters logo patch is sewn onto the right arm and there is a urethane valve stuck over the left thigh.
The costume includes a spare valve and a separate name patch that reads “VENKMAN”.
Estimate: £6,000.00 – £8,000.00
C-3PO Special Effects Head, STAR WARS: THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK (1980)
A holy grail for Star Wars fans across the globe. This beautiful Special Effects C-3PO head.
After feedback from Anthony Daniels, the man inside our infamous droid the costume was overhauled for The Empire Strikes Back.
The helmet was now crafted from injection-molded plastic, making it more comfortable than the previous fiberglass design. However, when the helmets arrived after manufacture, the plastic was found to have shrunk, making them too small for wear. Not to let them go to waste, some were turned over to the special effects department.
The finish has tarnished and darkened with age, a common case with many original C-3PO pieces — the result of chemical reactions between the material and the coatings applied during the production.
Estimate: £60,000.00 – £80,000.00
Marty McFly’s (Michael J. Fox) Light-Up 2015 Nike Shoes, BACK TO THE FUTURE PART II (1989)
I’d sell my soul for these!
Worn by Marty McFly (Michael J Fox) in the Robert Zemeckis’ sci-fi sequel Back to the Future Part II are these Nike air mags.
Several versions were created in order to achieve the various special effects requirements for the self-lacing sci-fi shoes; this pair is a light-up walk-around version. The high-top sneakers feature a soft grey canvas panel with the Nike logo glued to the side and blue-flecked foam sole around the perimeter.
The sneakers are outfitted with LED lights on the side of the heel, and an illuminating “NIKE” logo on the ankle strap.
GREAT SCOTT!
Estimate: £25,000.00 – £35,000.00
Rodger Young Communications Tower – Starship Troopers (1997)
This model miniature communications tower is from Paul Verhoeven’s sci-fi action film Starship Troopers. The tower was used for large-scale versions of the troop carrier and is screen matched to a scene where Cadet Carmen Ibanez (Denise Richards) takes the Rodger Young ship out of the harbor during her first starship training flight.
Made of fiberglass and resin and painted in battleship grey. Fiber optic wires used for lighting the tower still run through it and are visible when the top of the tower is removed from the base.
Displaying some minor wear to some aerials on the rear, the tower is presented on a custom-made display stand.
Estimate £1,500 – 2,500
General Maximus’ (Russell Crowe) Stunt Sword and Scabbard – Gladiator ( 2000)
This sword right here is General Maximus’ (Russell Crowe) stunt sword and scabbard from Ridley Scott’s historical epic movie Gladiator.
Made from cast rubber with a metal insert in the blade to keep its shape. The scabbard is made of rubber and includes a leather carrying strap.
The scabbard has undergone minor restoration. Both items were likely used for horse riding scenes in the film’s opening battle.
Estimate £4,000 – 6,000
C-3PO’s (Anthony Daniels) Left Hand – The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Another C-3PO item on the list is the left hand of the droid as worn by Anthony Daniels in the 1980 movie The Empire Strikes Back. Like mentioned in the previous C-3PO item description the parts were heavily revised after the first movie. As part of the upgrade, the hands were simplified.
The hand is made from a one-piece urethane rather than the original vacuum-formed plastic.
Estimated £6000 – £8000
Trinity’s (Carrie-Anne Moss) Costume – The Matrix (1999)
Now, this is a costume everyone needs in their collection! Trinity’s (Carrie-Anne Moss) costume from the Wachowskis’ sci-fi film The Matrix. This black trench boat and trousers were worn when she and Neo (Keanu Reeves) were fighting in the infamous lobby scene.
The leotard is made of black Lycra material and is labeled ‘Trinity’ in black ink on an inside tag. There is wearing on both the trousers and the coat as there are made from similar material. The glossy, latex coating deteriorated after production and is now nearly stripped off in full.
Two wardrobe tags come with the costume that labels the costume to be used by Carrie-Anne Moss and there is also a letter of authenticity from Warner Brothers.
Estimated – £12,000 – 16,000
Mrs. Doubtfire (Robin Williams) Wig and Robin Williams Head Cast – (1993)
Well hello there dearies. Mrs. Doubtfire here. The late great Robin Williams in one of his most iconic roles I felt compelled to add this to my top 50 choices. Here we have a wig and a Robin Williams head cast made for Chris Columbus’ comedic family drama Mrs. Doubtfire.
The wig is made of faux greying blonde hair attached to a lace cap. The wig shows remnants of make-up inside the netting from production use. Also included is a biscuit-foam cast of Robin Williams’ head which is painted off-white.
The wig shows minor wear to the hair due to production use and storage. However, both wig and head cast remains in very fine condition.
Estimated £1000 – £1500
James Bond’s (Roger Moore) Royal Navy Cap – Live and Let Die (1973)
This Royal Navy cap was worn by the late great Roger Moore in the 1973 movie Live and Let Die. The cap was also recently worn by TV presenter Eamonn Holmes on the daytime breakfast TV show This Morning during a Prop Store live exhibition segment.
I’m not sure if that devalues the piece now. Only joking Eamonn!
The cap is in great condition for its age and comes with costume label attached inside the cap straight from production.
Estimate: 5 000-7 000 GBP
Mansion Portrait from Scarface (1983)
A beautiful painting featuring Tony Montana (Al Pacino) and Elvira Hancock (Michelle Pfeifer) from the 1983 movie Scarface.
Truly a one of a kind item. This picture is actually a hand-painted portrait in acrylic on canvas. The picture is seen in numerous scenes throughout the film, hanging on the first floor of Tony’s mansion.
“You wanna play rough? OK. Say hello to my little friend”
Estimate £30,000 – 50,000
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade Full-Size Stampe SV.4 Biplane – (1989)
A full-size plane. WHAT?!?!?!
This biplane from Steven Spielberg’s Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade is gliding into the upcoming Prop Store auction.
The mock-up aircraft has since been used in numerous productions, most notably The Mummy (1999), in which the crashed biplane carrying Rick O’Connell (Brendan Fraser), Jonathan (John Hannah) and Ardeth Bay (Oded Fehr) sank into the sands around the lost city of Hamunaptra.
Made from wood with a metal framework and canvas skin. Leather coats the cockpit interior.
You’re going to need some serious space to house this bad boy but what a stunning piece of movie prop history! I love the guy just hanging onto the wing there.
Estimate £20,000 – 30,000
Jules Winnfield’s (Samuel L. Jackson) “Bad Mother Fucker” Wallet, PULP FICTION (1994)
Samuel L Jackson’s “Bad Mother Fucker” wallet from Quentin Tarantino’s Academy Award®-winning crime film Pulp Fiction. An iconic prop that you see replicated on eBay every time you search the word ‘film prop’.
The wallet is one of four created for the film by Gary’s Leather and is brown in color with “BAD MOTHER FUCKER” embroidered in black thread on the front flap, and it will be sold with a faxed Letter of Authenticity from property master Jonathan Hodges.
Estimate: £20,000.00 – £30,000.00
Rocky’s (Sylvester Stallone) Autographed Shorts, ROCKY III (1982)
I’m currently humming the theme tune in my head as I’m typing this. In this lot we have Rocky Balboa’s (Sylvester Stallone) autographed shorts from the classic boxing sequel Rocky III.
Rocky wore these shorts during the films opening montage and during the fight with Thunderlips (Hulk Hogan).
Estimate: £8,000.00 – £10,000.00
Model Miniature Pizza Delivery Car, THE FIFTH ELEMENT (1997)
This heavily detailed model miniature pizza delivery car is from Luc Besson’s Sci-Fi movie The Fifth Element.
Constructed from fiberglass, foam and balsa wood, the car is finished with red and silver-colored paint.
Estimate: £5,000.00 – £7,000.00
Mohawk Mogwai Puppet – Gremlins 2 (1990)
A Mohawk Mogwai puppet from Joe Dante’s horror-comedy sequel Gremlins 2: The New Batch. Created by Rick Baker these full body puppets were used in earlier scenes where the mogwai needed to be viewed in full.
Made from foam latex for the skin with a mechanical body underneath a layer of soft fur. Acrylic eyes and hand punched hair complete the piece.
The puppet is completely armatured and whilst the trigger controlling the right hand is no longer functional the rest of the puppet remains in good condition.
Estimated £6,000 – 8,000
Victor Van Dort (Johnny Depp) Stop-Motion Puppet – The Corpse Bride (2005)
A Victor Van Dort (Johnny Depp) puppet from Tim Burton’s stop-motion film Corpse Bride. This piece is a steel and aluminum possible armature, the puppet is made from painted resin and silicone components.
Dressed in fabric clothing consisting of a grey frock coat and waistcoat, brown and black pinstripe trousers and a pair of black faux-leather shoes.
The head is fitted with elaborate internal watch-like mechanisms. It houses a complex series of paddles, gears, and pins that can be controlled by an Allen key inserted through the ears and back of the head. This allows the jaw to drop and the cheeks to contort. In addition, a cut in the back of the frockcoat gave the puppeteer access to control the armature within.
It shows evidence of age and production use, including small cracks on the right hand, shirt and cravat, and glue residue on the exposed leg. The piece comes complete with a Warner Bros certificate of Authenticity.
Estimated £20,000 – 30,000
Conan’s (Arnold Schwarzenegger) Atlantean Rehearsal Sword – Conan The Barbarian (1982)
Conan’s (Arnold Schwarzenegger) Atlantean rehearsal sword from John Milius’ fantasy epic Conan The Barbarian (1982).
The Atlantean Sword was discovered by Conan in an ancient tomb and became the signature weapon of the Cimmerian warrior, used throughout the film.
The sword was used for actor rehearsals so as to not damage the hero weapons, or hurt other performers. Made from a wooden blade bolted into a long aluminum grip and handguard.
The piece remains in a fair overall condition but there is wear to the blade and a few chips on the sides from practice use.
This lot includes a letter of authenticity from James Delson, a journalist who has gifted the sword while visiting the set for a story.
Estimated £8,000 – 10,000
Marty McFly’s (Michael J. Fox) 1885 Western Costume – Back to the Future Part III (1990)
What’s the matter Mcfly? Chicken?
From Robert Zemeckis’ sci-fi sequel Back to the Future Part III is this screen-worn Western outfit worn by Michael J Fox as Marty Mcfly.
The costume shows production wear with dirt and tears that are actually screen matched to the scene when Doc saved Marty from being hung by Buford ‘Mad Dog’ Tannen (Thomas F. Wilson).
The costume shows intentional production distressing but still remains in very fine condition.
Estimated £20,000 – £30,000
Drop-Ship Model Miniature – Aliens (1986)
A small-scale model miniature drop-ship from James Cameron’s action sci-fi sequel Aliens.
The Drop-Ship model is Constructed from wood and is painted a dark green/brown shade with black accents, and decorated with a weathered effect.
The ship has received repairs to it’s two horizontal wings and a small section of painted plastic is damaged on the left side below a thin dent.
Other than that the piece remains in very good condition.
Estimated £40,000 – 60,000
Ethan Hunt’s (Tom Cruise) Suspension Outfit – Mission Impossible (1996)
Ethan Hunt’s (Tom Cruise) infamous suspension outfit from Brian De Palma’s action film Mission: Impossible. When dangling from the ceiling in the CIA vault this famous costume consists of a black canvas jacket with metal cable attachments on the side.
A black t-shirt and jogging bottoms accompany the piece with smooth-soled black boots, black gloves, a pair of transparent surgical gloves, a pair of black-rimmed glasses and a communicator headset complete the outfit.
A great outfit and at a price that certainly isn’t ‘Bidding Impossible’.
Estimated £8,000 – 10,000
Ghandi (1982) Clapperboard
A production-used clapperboard from Richard Attenborough’s biopic Gandhi. Used throughout production while filming the aerial sequences from a helicopter.
The clapperboard has numerous scuffs, scratches, and chips throughout, and some of the ink has bled.
I could never be trusted with a clapperboard used in a movie. I’d go around re-enacting scenes and clapping that thing until it broke. Note to self – NEVER buy a clapperboard!
Estimated £800-1,200
Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) Peter “Star-Lord” Quill’s (Chris Pratt) Hero Helmet
Peter ‘Star-Lord’ Quill’s (Chris Pratt) hero helmet from James Gunn’s space adventure Guardians of the Galaxy.
Made from cast resin with a variety of different finishes the helmet has been lightly distressed by production.
The interior of the helmet is padded with foam. Star-Lord used his helmet throughout the film for protection in battle, and in the vacuum of space.
The lot contains electronic components which are the LED lights on the sides and behind the acrylic lenses.
Estimated – £30,000 – 50,000
Batman Forever Batsuit (1995)
I’m ever so glad this is out of my price range I’d probably wear it every single day. At home, out shopping, everywhere. Batman’s Batsuit from Joel Schumacher’s superhero sequel Batman Forever. Bruce Wayne wore his black ‘Panther Suit’ to defend Gotham City throughout the film.
The bodysuit is made of black foam rubber over a neoprene suit base. This costume is a stunt double costume with some pieces being lost over time. Nevertheless, it still looks incredible and still remains in good condition despite light cracking on the cowl.
Completing the lot are replica leather gloves and boots, and a replica resin belt and chest emblem, which attaches to the suit via screws.
Estimated £30,000 – 40,000
ILM Y-wing Model Miniature – Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (1983)
The holy grail of the Prop Store auction that is the Y-Wing from Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. This piece is the gem of the auction and is one of (if not THE) rarest piece in this year’s auction.
Estimated – £100,000 – 200,000
Captain Hector Barbossa’s Costume – Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
Shiver me timbers! Captain Hector Barbossa’s (Geoffrey Rush) costume from Gore Verbinski’s action-adventure film Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl.
The costume is composed of a large felt hat accented with black and brown feathers (marked ‘Geoffrey Rush’); a long nailhead-patterned grey coat (marked ‘Barbossa hero’); an off-white linen shirt with pleated sleeves; an ornate, woven vest with metal buttons; a pair of pleated trousers (marked ‘Mr. Geoffrey Rush’) and a pair of black leather boots (marked ‘Geoffrey Rush U3’).
Accessories include a rubber stunt flintlock pistol; a leather baldric and sheath with faux-silver metal buckles; a metal pendant with ornate serpent designs on a metal chain; a leather fingerless glove; and a green bandana.
An orange fabric sash and a replica sword have been added to complete the look of the costume.
Estimated £30,000 – 50,000
Alien Vs Predator (2004) Grid Alien Creature Mask
After going to the Prop Store live auction exhibition last year and seeing the full Grid Alien creature I always hoped that a more affordable segment would become available and here it is!
The mask is made of foam latex with vacuform plastic on the top of the elongated skull. The head shows a cross-hatch pattern applied to create the creature’s ‘grid’ scarring, with additional green blood painted in the recesses.
The base of the neck shows impressions from snap buttons which would have attached to the body of the costume, however, the buttons have since been removed.
The foam latex shows some signs of aging, including brittle sections around the mouth and neck, with breaks in the plastic at the skull.
Estimated £4000- £6000
Back to the Future The Ride – DeLorean Time Machine
GREAT SCOTT! Here is a unique item from the Universal Studios attraction Back to the Future: The attraction which ran from 1991 – 2007 (2016 in Japan), showed Biff Tannen (Thomas F. Wilson) stealing the DeLorean for a joyride through time, with Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd) and the audience in close pursuit.
In addition to original cast members Lloyd and Wilson, Steven Spielberg served as creative consultant on the project.
The DeLorean time machine model is entirely custom-made for the simulator attraction film, featuring a plastic body that has been fully dressed to match the time machine in the films, with the tires in a horizontal flying position. It features all of the dressing that made the time machine famous, such as the large rear vents, ‘Mr. Fusion’ and ‘OUTATIME’ license plate.
The model was hung from a marionette-style rig using nine small wires and was puppeteered using a motion control rig. It was used extensively for filming the Hill Valley and prehistoric scenes.
Estimated £40,000 – £60,000
Star Trek: The Next Generation – USS Enterprise NCC-1701-D “Pyro” Model Miniature
A USS Enterprise NCC-1701-D ‘pyro’ model miniature from episode 518, ‘Cause and Effect’, of Star Trek: The Next Generation. When the Enterprise was trapped in a time warp, the ship was repeatedly attacked and destroyed until the crew was able to break the time loop.
This model comprises original pyrotechnic components created for use in the episode. The model shows light wear, with small areas of flaking paint, but remains in good condition.
Estimated £20,000 – 30,000
Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975) – Knight of the Round Table Helmet
One of the most affordable pieces in this auction if the estimate is anything to go by is this helmet from the cult comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
The helmet is cast in fiberglass with faux-rivet detailing, a T-shaped opening and numerous holes drilled into each side. Foam lines the interior, which has yellowed with age, and the helmet is finished in a bright metallic steel paint.
The helmet displays chips in the fiberglass across the top and around the neck from use in subsequent productions, with the addition of a small cylindrical tube at the back, and has been sympathetically restored.
Estimated £400-600
300 (2006) Dilios’ (David Wenham) Costume, Shield, and Spear
Dilios’ (David Wenham) costume, shield, and spear from Zack Snyder’s swords-and-sandals action film 300.
The costume consists of a red canvas cape, a white canvas eyepatch, a leather codpiece, a sword and scabbard, and a pair of leather sandals. The sword and scabbard pieces are composed of a rubber sword with a metal insert and a brown leather scabbard.
The helmet and eyepatch are displayed on a mannequin head included in the lot.
The lot shows some wear from production use but remains in overall good condition.
Estimated £6000 – 8000
Gorillas In The Mist (1988) Simba Animatronic Screaming Head
A Simba animatronic head from Michael Apted’s biopic Gorillas in the Mist. This fully articulating gorilla head was designed to animate Simba’s angry roar during filming.
Consisting of and-punched hair over a foam-latex skin, attached to a padded fiberglass skullcap. The face features realistic acrylic eyes, and both resin teeth and gums. Inside the mask is a padded skullcap which protected the actor’s face from the articulating faceplates and wires.
This head was designed with articulating facial features allowing controlled movement to the jaws, upper and lower lips, nose, brow, and eyes. A puppeteer would use a remote control to send signals to the mask’s interior servos, which operated the various facial features.
Estimated £5000 – 7000
James and the Giant Peach (1996) James Puppet
A James Henry Trotter (Paul Terry) stop-motion puppet from Henry Selick’s James and the Giant Peach.
This stop-motion puppet is made of a jointed, metal armature that is covered in foam padding under the costumed portions of the character. James’ face and hair are made of painted foam latex. His hands and arms were once skinned with foam latex as well, though these portions have fallen off over time.
The puppet is mounted to a black acrylic base via two metal screws. A glass dome completes the display and helps protect the puppet from further wear.
The lot shows noticeable wear, with missing skin on both arms and cracking to the foam latex face, but remains in fair condition.
Estimated £8,000 – £12,000
Star Wars – Ep IV – A New Hope (1977) – Low Altitude Death Star Surface
This piece was used as part of a miniature set of the Death Star’s massive surface, specifically for low-altitude shots when fighters flew in close proximity to the station during the Rebel assault. Constructed from dense biscuit foam, the surface is decorated with greeblies to create an industrial patchwork of parts. Carved into the surface is a grid-like pattern, to simulate paneled construction.
The surface is painted in varying shades of grey, with some colorful highlights, giving the piece a cold mechanical look. This item shows wear due to production use and age, with some chipping to the biscuit foam and paint.
The lot stands as one of the largest complete Death Star surface panels in existence and remains in good overall condition. Dimensions: 60 cm x 60 cm x 17 cm.
Estimated £12000 – 16000
Hellboy 2: The Golden Army (2008) King Balor’s (Roy Dotrice) Antler Headpiece
King Balor’s (Roy Dotrice) antler headpiece from Guillermo del Toro’s action-adventure fantasy Hellboy II: The Golden Army.
Painted with exceptional detail, the antlers are made of resin and fixed to a fiberglass skullcap. Attached to the scalp are hair appliances which resemble aging blond hair. The headpiece is missing a rounded component at the forehead, exposing areas of unpainted foam.
The lot shows minor wear due to production use, with cracks on two of the antlers. But in otherwise, fine condition.
Estimated £800 – £1,200
The Martian (2015) Melissa Lewis (Jessica Chastain) EVA Suit
Melissa Lewis’ (Jessica Chastain) EVA suit from Ridley Scott’s sci-fi survival drama The Martian. Lewis wore her extravehicular activity (EVA) suit when operating the Manned Maneuvering Unit during the Hermes mission to rescue Mark Watney (Matt Damon).
What an incredible costume. A costume that was in fact based on a version of a NASA suit used for moving outside the International Space Station, and created by costume designer Janty Yates.
The suit is constructed mainly from a white synthetic material and comprises a helmet; a black-and-white skull cap; a torso with a backpack and GoPro camera housing attached; a pair of trousers; a set of gloves with rubber fingertip and palm detailing; and a pair of boots with rubber-sole crampons.
Completing the outfit is a mirror fastened to the wrist with a white Elastic strap.
The helmet is made from white metal and features a clear plastic front, a functioning faux-gold sun visor, and lights on either side. A chest pack is adhered to the torso and has a metal rig secured to the bottom with working clips and harness components.
Velcro orange and white Lewis insignia strips and mission patches are attached to the suit. The skull cap displays a label on the inside reading ‘Lewis’.
Electronic components are fitted to the helmet and the chest pack that allows them to illuminate with LEDs.
The space suit shows minor distressing from use on the production and is mounted to a custom-made display mannequin.
Estimated £12000 – 16000
Cool Runnings (1993) Team Suits
Feel the rhythm, feel the rhyme come on Jamaicans it’s bobsled time!
Jamaican Bobsled Team suits were worn by Derice Bannock (Leon), Sanka Coffie (Doug E. Doug) and a stunt performer in Jon Turteltaub’s comedy Cool Runnings.
Made by Adidas, the suits are fabricated from a nylon-spandex blend and consist of a long-sleeved, short-leg bodysuit with a pair of matching leggings, with the stunt suit’s components sewn together at the waist.
The suits display various plucks and marks, with scratches and exposed elastic throughout each from use.
Estimated £3,000 – 5,000
Tropic Thunder (2008) Jeff Portnoy (Jack Black) Helmet
Jeff Portnoy’s (Jack Black) helmet from Ben Stiller’s war comedy Tropic Thunder. Jeff Portnoy wore his helmet and accessories when he was dropped into the jungles of Vietnam to shoot a movie, guerilla style.
The helmet is an American M1 military helmet and is covered in cotton camouflage material. There are also handwritten messages on the helmet that read: ‘Keep on Truckin’ and ‘Dead Meat’.
The lot shows intentional production distressing but remains in very fine condition.
Estimated £2,000 – 3,000
Starship Troopers (1997) Hero Mobile Infantry Rifle
A hero Mobile Infantry Morita rifle from Paul Verhoeven’s action sci-fi Starship Troopers.
Made of fiberglass and urethane, the futuristic firearm was designed to cover a Ruger Mini-14 rifle, which fired blanks during production.
The Morita includes a ribbed pistol grip, a rifle sling and two barrels situated at the front.
The rifle shows some wear from production use but remains in good overall condition.
Estimated £2,000 – 3,000
Shawshank Redemption (1994) Andy’s (Tim Robbins) Hand-Written Funding Request Letter
Another affordable prop up for grabs in the Prop Store live auction is Andy’s (Tim Robbins) handwritten funding request letter from Frank Darabont’s prison drama The Shawshank Redemption.
The lot, which differs to the final version seen on screen, includes the addressed envelope, written in pencil, and Andy’s letter, written in ink on lined paper, folded inside the envelope. The lot shows some wear from production use but remains in very good condition.
Estimated £400-600
Star Wars – Ep V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980) Snowtrooper Helmet
It’s rare, oh so rare!
A snowtrooper helmet from Irvin Kershner’s Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back.
The helmet is constructed from vacuum-formed ABS plastic, with glued sections for the faceplate, dome and neck guard. Recesses are incorporated into the faceplate for the installation of eye lenses. Cast-in depressions are present on the faceplate’s ‘nose’ and down the back of the neck guard.
Made for the production but ultimately unfinished.
Estimated £20,000 – 30,000
Shark Fin and Air Pellet – Live and Let Die (1973)
A shark fin and air pellet from the eighth James Bond film Live and Let Die. The air pellet comes from the film’s finale where Bond finally bested Dr. Kananga (Yaphet Kotto) by forcing him to swallow the pellet.
The shark fin is hollow and is made of fiberglass that is painted matt brown. The air pellet is made of polished metal, with a small black, rubber ring around the bottom of the round that attaches to the screw top. Both pieces show light wear from production and age.
Estimated £4000-6000
The Fantastic Four (1994) Dr. Doom’s (Joseph Culp) Costume
Dr. Doom’s (Joseph Culp) costume from Oley Sassone’s unreleased comic-book action film The Fantastic Four.
The costume is constructed from a number of vacuum-formed plastic armor plates and features a fiberglass mask. The leg and arm armor are hinged to allow the performer to walk and pose during filming. The armor comprises two elbow and arm pieces, two leg pieces, and two shoulder pieces, with an additional arm piece also included. Vacuum-formed plastic plates are attached to a pair of trainers (marked US size 10 ½) to make the character’s boots.
The costume is completed by a number of pieces, not from production that were created for display purposes, including a tunic, cape, and hood made of green faux-velvet and a leather holster and belt.
The lot shows some wear and discoloration from age, with various scratches and minor cracks to the vacuum-formed components.
Estimated £3,000 – 5,000
Terminator 3: Rise Of The Machines (2003) Arnold Battle Damage Appliance and Bust
Presented on a foam lifecast of the actor, the appliances are made of silicone and finished in realistic flesh tones resembling severely burnt skin. The largest burn covers most of the left side of the face, while smaller burns are adhered to the right side.
Sections of endoskeleton painted faux-silver are exposed among the flesh pieces. Mounted to a custom-made wooden base, the bust shows evidence of age and production use, including wear to the foam.
Estimated £1,200 – 1,800
Harry Potter And The Sorcerer’s Stone (2001) Hogwarts Acceptance Letter
A hero envelope and letter used in Chris Columbus’ fantasy-adventure film Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.
The hero envelope features a real red-wax Hogwarts seal, unlike the many entirely printed versions that were also used in the scene.
Estimated £3,000 – 5,000
XMEN (2000) Magneto Costume
Magneto’s (Ian McKellen) helmet and tunic from Bryan Singer’s superhero film X-Men.
Magneto’s two-piece helmet is made of fiberglass and is painted with a multi-toned maroon finish. The helmet’s front piece attaches to the back section with two small magnets and Velcro. The inside of the helmet is lined with black leather hide for comfort.
Magneto’s tunic is a one-piece garment made of a grey material with a red lining. The lot shows light wear, with scratches and smudges to the helmet’s finish, but remains in good condition.
Estimated £20000 – 30000
The Lost Boys (1987) David (Keifer Sutherland) Coat
Made by Clothcraft, the black woolen trench coat is customized, with several unique items (such as a watch timepiece) used as buttons, and includes a belt at the waist. Inside one of the coat pockets is a production label, on which ‘#1’ is written in black marker.
The coat has been modified by the production, with harness holes at the upper back to allow the piece to be used during flying sequences.
Trench coat shows minor wear due to production use and is missing a button, but remains in very fine condition.
Estimated £8,000 – 12,000
Michael Jackson: Moonwalker (1988) Robotic Facial Appliance
A Michael Jackson robotic facial appliance from the production of his music anthology film Moonwalker. This appliance was made for the scene when Jackson transformed into a robotic spaceship.
This latex mask was cast from a mold and is detailed with geometric, robot-like cheeks. The mask is painted silver to appear metallic.
The appliance shows minor wear due to production use and age but remains in very fine condition.
Estimated £1,000 – 1,500
Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines
Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003) Arnold Schwarzenegger Costume
The costume comprises a black leather motorcycle jacket and trousers, with a grey cotton T-shirt (marked size XL), a black leather belt and a pair of black motorcycle boots. The jacket features padding on the arms and across the shoulders, a full-zip front fastening, four pockets and a belt. Adhered to the interior of the jacket is a handwritten label reading ‘A.S. 20H WET’, suggesting the jacket was created for the sequence when the Terminator and T-X (Kristanna Loken) battle at the Air Force base. Also stitched to the interior is the embroidered text ‘AST Original 3/3’.
The components have been heavily distressed, with the jacket showing a number of bullet holes, some of which are filled with painted flesh remnants.
The T-shirt is stained and ripped across the chest, and wear has been applied to the knees of the trousers for a battle-damaged appearance.
The costume is displayed on a custom-made mannequin that features a fiberglass sculpt of the actor’s likeness, detailed with a head of artificial hair and a pair of replica sunglasses to complete the Terminator’s look. Dimensions (displayed): 38 cm x 68 cm x 200 cm (15″ x 26 3/4″ x 78 3/4″)
Estimated £10,000 – 15,000
The Godfather Part 3 (1990) Al Pacino’s Shirt
Michael Corleone’s (Al Pacino) shirt from Francis Ford Coppola’s final installment of his Mafia trilogy, The Godfather: Part III.
Don Corleone wore his shirt while shaving in the Corleone villa and asking Vincent (Andy Garcia) to pretend to switch allegiance to Don Altobello (Eli Wallach).
It remains in very good condition, with tiny holes from being displayed previously.
Estimated £400 – 600
Everything you see above is just a tiny glimpse into the upcoming Prop Store Live Auction.
The items above are my own personal favorites but I guarantee you there are many, many more I wish I could have added.
To see the full range of items available in the upcoming auction please visit https://propstore.com/
