Have you ever wondered what the most expensive movie memorabilia ever sold was? From iconic props to costumes worn by legendary actors, movie memorabilia has a special place in the hearts of fans and collectors alike. In this blog post, we will explore some of the most expensive movie memorabilia ever sold and the stories behind them.
What is Movie Memorabilia?
Movie memorabilia refers to any item that was used or featured in a movie, such as props, costumes, scripts, and even vehicles. These items are often collected by fans and collectors and can be worth a significant amount of money due to their historical and cultural significance.
The Ruby Slippers from The Wizard of Oz
The Ruby Slippers worn by Judy Garland in the classic film, The Wizard of Oz, are perhaps the most iconic movie memorabilia of all time. In 2000, the slippers sold for $666,000 at auction, making them one of the most expensive movie memorabilia ever sold.
The slippers were one of four pairs made for the film, and the only pair known to exist in its original form. The shoes were sold by a private collector to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which then sold them at auction.
The Maltese Falcon
The Maltese Falcon is a 1941 film noir directed by John Huston and starring Humphrey Bogart. The Maltese Falcon statuette used in the film sold at auction for $4,085,000 in 2013.
The statuette was one of two made for the film, and the only one known to exist. The buyer, a private collector, paid a record-breaking price for the iconic prop.
The Cowardly Lion Costume from The Wizard of Oz
The Cowardly Lion costume worn by Bert Lahr in The Wizard of Oz sold for $3,077,000 at auction in 2014. The costume was one of several made for the film, but the only one in its original condition.
The costume was sold by James Comisar, a collector of movie memorabilia, who had purchased it in the 1980s. The buyer, who wished to remain anonymous, paid a record-breaking price for the iconic costume.
The Aston Martin DB5 from Goldfinger
The Aston Martin DB5 used in the James Bond film Goldfinger sold for $4,600,000 in 2010. The car featured several gadgets, including machine guns, a smoke screen, and an ejector seat, making it one of the most iconic cars in movie history.
The car was sold by RM Auctions in London to a private collector, who paid a record-breaking price for the iconic vehicle.
Question and Answer
Q: What makes movie memorabilia so valuable?
A: Movie memorabilia is valuable due to its historical and cultural significance. These items are often one-of-a-kind and were used or featured in iconic films, making them highly sought after by collectors and fans.
Q: Are there any other famous movie props that have sold for a high price?
A: Yes, several other famous movie props have sold for high prices, such as the lightsaber used by Luke Skywalker in Star Wars, which sold for $450,000, and the DeLorean time machine from Back to the Future, which sold for $541,000.
Q: Do movie studios ever sell their own memorabilia?
A: Yes, movie studios often sell their own memorabilia, either through auction houses or through their own online stores. These items can include props, costumes, and even scripts used in their films.
Q: Can ordinary people own movie memorabilia?
A: Yes, anyone can own movie memorabilia, although some items may be more expensive than others. There are many online auction houses and stores that specialize in selling movie memorabilia to collectors and fans.
Conclusion of Most Expensive Movie Memorabilia Ever Sold
Movie memorabilia holds a special place in the hearts of fans and collectors alike, and the most expensive movie memorabilia ever sold is a testament to its cultural and historical significance. From the Ruby Slippers from The Wizard of Oz to the Aston Martin DB5 from Goldfinger, these items have become iconic symbols of the films that they were a part of. While not everyone can afford to own these treasures, they will continue to inspire and delight fans for generations to come.
