This is the second in my ongoing series of articles about the Little John’s Auction Service featuring the World Famous Stembridge Armory Collection.
This article focuses on the sale of one of the top pieces of the auction, as well as my introduction to Joe Maddalena, owner of Profiles in History, with a preview of my extensive interview with him which follows in the subsequent article, Featured Interview Preview: Joe Maddalena, Profiles in History – Stembridge Recap.
Stembridge Auction, Han Solo Blaster – Return of the Jedi (Lot 31)
One of the highlights of the auction was the drama and excitement surrounding the Han Solo blaster used in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (Lot 31, est. $3,000-$6,000). This is obviously a rare and highly coveted piece, in that Baptys handled most of the firearms for the production, since very little was filmed in the U.S. It is also rare in that it is a true hero piece from the Original Trilogy that was made available for purchase and is “in the clear”, in terms of ownership.
I was aware that Brandon Alinger of Prop Store of London was very interested in acquiring this piece for his personal collection.
As the time for this piece drew close, Brandon, Stephen Lane (owner of Prop Store of London), and friend Dave Abberly got up from their seats and moved to the back corner of the room.
Finally, the time arrived, and the iconic image of Han’s blaster came up on the monitors at the front of the room.
The auctioneer started the auction at like $5K or something ridiculous, so, of course, everyone in the room’s hands went up. Brandon stood in the back, card raised, not flinching and confident.
The bidding was frenzied, the auctioneering trying to choose who’s bids to recognize. The bidding got to around $10,000 or $15,000 and Joe Maddalena, owner of Profiles in History, steps to the middle back of the room and shouts above the noise of the room:
“Fifty Thousand!”
The room draws quiet as the participants turn around.
Brandon keeps his card up.
The auctioneer recognizes Mr. Maddalena’s bid, and queries the room for more bids.
Bidding continues, but the number of players shrinks significantly.
Again, from the back of the room, Mr. Maddalena shouts:
“One Hundred Thousand!”
The room grows quiet again. The auctioneer notes the bid.
In all the excitement, I can’t quite recall if that cleared the room of all but Brandon and Mr. Maddalena, but that is what it ultimately comes down to. Bidding continues…
$110,000…
$120,000…
$130,000…
$140,000…
$150,000…
Then it stops. Brandon stands, unflinching, card held up.
There is a long, long pause.
I think it’s all over, and I suspect more do as well.
Stunned silence.Suddenly, a new bidder enters (who I learn after is another dealer, David Jackson of Back Lot Props) at the next increment: $160,000!
Brandon appears shocked. He looks uncertain for the first time, turns to Mr. Lane, contemplates, raises his card again, recording a bid of the next increment: $170,000!
Mr. Jackson immediately goes to the next increment: $180,000.
Brandon is done.
Going once, twice, sold!
Winner: David Jackson
Final Price (with Buyer’s Premium): $201,600.00
It was an absolutely amazing display of action, excitement, and drama. I was a mere spectator, and was just fascinating to watch history unfold as such, before my eyes.
Congratulations to David on his amazing prize and piece of motion picture history.
Jason De Bord