A hoverboard from Back to the Future Part II
When it comes to dedication to hobbies, you may find no more group more diligent and resolute in their pastime than collectors. Whether it be baseball cards or artifacts found at thrift stores, collectors often find themselves competing amongst themselves to purchase and own some of the most unique items on the planet. Combine these folks with movie buffs, and you’ve got a recipe for a showdown unlike any other.
See Also: Discover The Wonders of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
At least, that’s what Prop Store – one of Los Angeles’ leading sellers of film artifacts and more – is hoping for. The company is hosting a massive auction from November 9 through November 11, offering unique products and props from some of the biggest blockbusters of all time, including Star Wars, Back to the Future, James Bond, Spider-Man and more. The auction, which will be available to access both over the phone and online for collectors all over the world, is the second such auction Prop Store will host this year, after their initial proceedings netted the reseller over $7 million.
Prop Store is pleased to announce our London record-breaking #PropStoreLiveAuction is back, with 1100 lots of amazing original props, costumes, and production material from over 450 films and television shows! Find out more: https://t.co/gTUuiClLRD pic.twitter.com/plnRUagM0N
— Prop Store (@propstore_com) September 28, 2021
“After our second hugely successful Los Angeles Entertainment Memorabilia live auction in the Summer making over $7.1 million, Prop Store is back again, bigger and better than ever with a superb collection of over 1,000 lots up for sale,” Prop Store CEO Stephen Lane said in a statement released by the company. “Our first ever three-day event in the UK will take place via live stream on the 9th, 10th and 11th November 2021, with plenty of opportunity for bidders to get up close and personal with the incredible content via live streams, virtual consultations and much more.”
It's almost time to announce something big...! Did you catch our segment on @gmb with Richard Arnold? #PropStoreLiveAuction pic.twitter.com/Pevj6e6wZw
— Prop Store (@propstore_com) September 28, 2021
Star Wars: Return of the Jedi is the top cash cow for this auction, earning the top two listings with a light-up ILM X-Wing filming miniature – valued between $276,000 and $414,000 – and an original stormtrooper helmet, valued between $138,000 and $207,000. Close behind it is a light-up remote control droid used in both Star Wars: Rebel One and Solo: A Star Wars Story, valued between $100,000 and $150,000. The values should come as no surprise to movie buffs, as original props from the beloved franchise often earn big price tags. At Prop Store’s last auction, an original lightsaber from Revenge of the Sith earned a big payday, selling for $150,000.
A stormtrooper's helmet from Star Wars
Beyond the space epic, plenty of other props earn headlines. An original hoverboard from Back to the Future: Part II, signed by Michael J. Fox, and an original “Terminator” skeleton will both reportedly earn between $82,800 and $110,400, while the famous “Wilson” volleyball from the Tom Hanks epic Cast Away will be sold for between $55,200 and $82,800. The props are just a few of 1,000 lots offered by the auction, which can be viewed online at Prop Store’s website.
Other items gaining notice are the high amount of original costumes, straight off the sets of favorite movies. Among those listed are the screen-matched suit Sean Connery wore in the classic Bond film, You Only Die Twice – which could earn more than $70,000 – and Will Ferrell’s costume from the Christmas favorite Elf, potentially worth more than $40,000.
Sean Connery's screen-matched suit from You Only Die Twice
Those wishing to participate in the auction can register on Prop Store’s website, and online proxy bits can begin to be made on October 12. There will also be a preview exhibition at Prop Store’s location in Hertfordshire, UK, from Oct 12 until Nov 9, but those away from the real thing will still be able to access the auction via livestream and website. What’s more, some of the items on sale will earn proceeds for charity, including a dress worn by Gal Gadot in Wonder Woman – valued between $6,900 and $9,600 – earning proceeds for BAFTA.
Sometimes, we all wish life was like the movies. With items like these on sale, maybe that dream can be a little closer.
Photography by: Courtesy of Prop Store
