As a continuation of recent articles, the focus of this feature is the recent activity in the marketplace concerning the “Staff of Ra” headpiece props attributed to Raiders of the Lost Ark – all of which appear to have originated from the Harrison family (who retired from and sold the “Elstree Props” business in early 2008 and now sell unlicensed replica props as “Norank Engineering” and on eBay as “unisusu”). With one purchased for $450 and another offered for resale for $30,000 (along with a German hat), it certainly raises a number of questions and concerns, and warrants investigation, debate, and discussion.
- Related Articles – Market Watch: Elstree Props (pre-2008)
Background: Headpiece from The Staff of Ra, “Raiders of the Lost Ark”
One of the key recognizable and iconic props from the first Indiana Jones film, Raiders of the Lost Ark, is the headpiece from the “Staff of Ra”. This piece was featured early on in the film, as Indiana Jones and the Nazis both go to Marion Ravenwood’s bar to find the piece, which is the key to finding the Ark of the Covenant. Memorably, the character Toht has the design of one side of the headpiece burned into his hand when he grabs the piece that was knocked into the flames. Later in the film, Indy places the headpiece on a staff in the underground map room and the sun, shining through the crystal in the center, identifies the resting place of the Ark.
The headpiece was reportedly sculpted by Barry Minot (see moonshinepewter.com).
Below are a series of screencaptures of the prop as seen in the film (click each for full resolution):
Staff of Ra Headpiece – The Lucasfilm Archives
One of the original props used in the film is featured prominently in the book, From Star Wars to Indiana Jones: The Best of the Lucasfilm Archives (released in 1994) on page 130. Though difficult to discern from the photos, but this piece appears that it may have been painted gold, rather than plated in actual gold.
Lucasfilm Archives – Front:
![LucasFilm-Archives-Staff-of-Ra-Headpiece-Front-x1200 [x425]](https://www.originalprop.com/blog/dylsoagh/2009/07/LucasFilm-Archives-Staff-of-Ra-Headpiece-Front-x1200.jpg "LucasFilm-Archives-Staff-of-Ra-Headpiece-Front-x1200 [x425]")
Lucasfilm Archives – Back:
![LucasFilm-Archives-Staff-of-Ra-Headpiece-Back-x1200 [x425]](https://www.originalprop.com/blog/dylsoagh/2009/07/LucasFilm-Archives-Staff-of-Ra-Headpiece-Back-x1200.jpg "LucasFilm-Archives-Staff-of-Ra-Headpiece-Back-x1200 [x425]")
Note that the Lucasfilm example above compares most favorably to the one depicted in the following screencapture (with an overall “painted” appearance, flaking as highlighted in yellow, and a similar style stone as highlighted in green):
Staff of Ra Headpiece – Profiles in History “Hollywood Auction 27”
A Staff of Ra prop headpiece was sold at auction by Profiles in History in April 2007 for $60,000 (plus 15-18% Buyer’s Premium) in their “Hollywood Auction 27” event.
Below is an archive of the related page from the catalog:
The description is as follows:
641. Golden headpiece of the “Staff of Ra” from Raiders of the Lost Ark. (Paramount, 1981) This incredible piece, the rare “relic” around which the entire plot revolves, is the headpiece that de-codes the location of the Ark of the Covenant. The piece measures 3 ½ in. diameter, with an opaque red jewel “bird’s eye” on each side. The Aramaic characters ringing the edge of the piece are different on each side – one of the details that has kept the Nazis from digging in the proper place! It was also burned into the fleshy hand of “Major Toht” (Ronald Lacey), who is on the trail of the headpiece and ultimately, the Ark. This piece can be screen-identified based on the lower edge of the medallion, the distinctive shape of which is clearly visible on screen. Comes with a letter of provenance from Jane Page whose father, Malcolm Page was Works Manager at Norank Engineering (based at Elstree Studios) during the production of the film. The head piece of the Staff of Ra was cast by the studio and later machined and finished at the Norank facilities.
The most distinctive and recognizable prop from the film, this is the ultimate screen-used piece from Raiders of the Lost Ark.
$60,000 – $80,000
Profiles in History (“Norank Engineering”) – Front:
![Profiles-in-History-Staff-of-Ra-Headpiece-Profiles-in-History-Front-High-Resolution-x1200 [x425]](https://www.originalprop.com/blog/dylsoagh/2009/07/Profiles-in-History-Staff-of-Ra-Headpiece-Profiles-in-History-Front-High-Resolution-x1200.jpg "Profiles-in-History-Staff-of-Ra-Headpiece-Profiles-in-History-Front-High-Resolution-x1200 [x425]")
Below are two additional photos showing the back and slot in bottom:
![Profiles-in-History-Staff-of-Ra-Headpiece-Back [x425]](https://www.originalprop.com/blog/dylsoagh/2009/07/Profiles-in-History-Staff-of-Ra-Headpiece-Back.jpg "Profiles-in-History-Staff-of-Ra-Headpiece-Back [x425]")
![Profiles-in-History-Staff-of-Ra-Headpiece-Slot [x425]](https://www.originalprop.com/blog/dylsoagh/2009/07/Profiles-in-History-Staff-of-Ra-Headpiece-Slot.jpg "Profiles-in-History-Staff-of-Ra-Headpiece-Slot [x425]")
Note: Comparing the Profiles-produced publicity stills with these more candid shots above – all of the exact same prop – illustrate the difference photography and lighting conditions can have on the appearance of these pieces.
The prop sold by Profiles in History is claimed by Luke Harrison (son of Paul and grandson of Norm) to have been consigned by his family (see excerpts from Replica Prop Forum discussion below).
The Profiles in History headpiece (LEFT) differs from the Lucasfilm Archives headpiece (RIGHT) most significantly in comparing the outer edge/perimeter of the piece and the “chain” wrap, as seen in this detail side-by-side:
![LucasFilm-v-Profiles-Detail-Comp-x1600 [x425]](https://www.originalprop.com/blog/dylsoagh/2009/07/LucasFilm-v-Profiles-Detail-Comp-x1600.jpg "LucasFilm-v-Profiles-Detail-Comp-x1600 [x425]")
While analysis is limited by the quality, resolution, and angles of the photographs available, the Lucasfilm Archives example on the right above appears to have a chain embedded in a different type of material (or perhaps unplated/unpainted) which goes around most of the perimeter (save for the bottom “slot” area). The details of the chain can be seen clearly and in great detail. With the Profiles in History example on the left, there is comparatively little and “soft” detailing in the same area, and it all appears to be one cast of the same material rather than a separate piece.
Below is a close-up comparison produced from the same images (Profiles in History LEFT, Lucasfilm Archives RIGHT):
Staff of Ra Headpiece – Crew Gifts
As has been discussed in prior Original Prop Blog articles, many film productions celebrate their work and efforts and memorialize their participation in the craft by making “crew gifts” for principals of the production and others. In some cases, props from the film are copied and made available to cast and crew. Such pieces would be classified as non-“Original” (in that they are not made for use in the production).
Different sources I have spoken with have cited different quantities of crew gift Staff of Ra headpiece props (cast from original sources), but it appears that a significant number have been made, and some of those in turn have been copied, with replica castings produced.
In a discussion on the Original Prop Community forum, Brandon Alinger from The Prop Store of London shared some photos taken at a Raiders of the Lost Ark screening at Pinewood Studios of a “Staff of Ra” headpiece prop “crew gift” owned by Robert Watts.
Lucasfilm Production Crew Gift – Front:
Lucasfilm Production Crew Gift – Back:
Staff of Ra Headpiece – eBay “NOT a screen seen original, but it isn’t a replica either” Auctions from the Harrison Family
In June 2009, unisusu” (Luke Harrison, son of Paul Harrison and grandson of Norm Harrison) published two consecutive listings for “Staff of Ra” headpieces on eBay characterized as “NOT a screen seen original, but it isn’t a replica either” (see eBay Item # 260423387838 & 260425444314). A third auction listing was published this past week (see eBay Item # 260446115937).
The first listing was ended early on June 8, 2009:
eBay Marketing Description:
I’m a student at Southampton University. My parents and grandparents all work or worked in the film industry. My grandad ran Norank Eng Co Ltd who were the resident studio engineers at Elstree Film Studios when Indiana Jones Raiders of the Lost Ark was made. They worked on the original Staff of Ra headpiece. This is NOT a screen seen original, but it isn’t a replica either. That’s why it’s in the original props section of eBay, not the reproduction or replica section. I’m stressing this point as I don’t want to mislead anyone.
I was given this many years ago by my grandad and he has said I can sell it now as I have finished my 1st year at Uni. Next year I move out of halls and into a shared house, so whatever I get for this goes towards that. He got this from the sculptor who made the screen used ones.
This was made by the same original maker, from the original mold, made of the same material (pewter) and finished around the edges in the same way as the original. This is NOT a lighweight resin replica, it is solid pewter with a deep 24K Gold plating, just like the screen seen original. It is the same age as it was made at the same time, the sculptor made more than one as is usual with film props. The gold plating is newer though, it was only plated a few years ago, this came from the sculptor in raw metal.
My grandads company milled out the bottom section to fit the piece they made for the top of the staff. This has also got that section milled out, showing that it was one of the original batch. Every detail matches to the one in the Archive book. It is the most accurate headpiece you will ever see, apart from the one in the Lucas archive obviously.
After it was plated it was taken back to the sculptor who added the dull red “stones”. He says that the original screen seen one had amber stones, but one had opaque red stones as the color of the amber stone kept changing when filmed. He also says the one the girl wears around her neck was lightweight resin but couldn’t hold enough detail for the close-ups like when the german burns his hand.
So this is an original piece that was made for the production, not screen seen and plated later, just to be crystal clear. Shipping within the UK is £9 as this will have to go recorded, USA or Australia £30. eBays rules state that I have to offer shipping at £4. I have, but you’d be mad to take this option, you’d have no insurance or tracking, and this will probably go around the £1000 mark as it’s a really rare piece. I am starting at just £0.99 to save fees. My grandad will write a letter confirming all this for the winner. Good luck, any questions feel free.
eBay “Question and Answer”:
Q: Hi there, Can I ask what the provenance for this piece is?Does this come with any paperwork from the original maker ? Any buy-it-now price in mind for this by the way? Thanks! Cheers, Niall
A: Hi, I asked my grandad and he says get can the original maker to detail the history. But that would only be to the winner. He doesn’t want to be swamped with collectors turning up. My grandad brought his whole collection anyway, but they are all getting older and value their privacy. No idea of a buy it now, it’s worth what someone will happily pay really. Cheers, Luke.
The second listing went to conclusion and ended June 15, 2009:
The buyer of this piece, Brad Fyfe (AKA “Jedifyfe” on the RPF and AKA “indyfyfe” on IndyGear), identified himself on the Replica Prop Forum in a discussion topic he initiated about the prop (see RPF: “Production Made Staff of Ra Headpiece. Thoughts?”). He won the auction on eBay for approximately $450.
The third listing was ended early on July 14, 2009:
The buyer of this piece, “Luke Moonwalker” on the RPF, identified himself on the Replica Prop Forum in the same discussion topic referenced above:
I feel exactly the same way. I am ok with what I paid ($500 shipped for the curious :) ). Regardless of the validity of claims made… it was a piece that to me was worth it. That opinion based entirely on the going price of better than average replicas available.
Based on this statement added to the marketing description of this third consecutive listing by Luke Harrison, it would appear that at least three of these were sold on eBay (referencing multiple copies sold previously, in addition to the one sold in this third listing off eBay):
My grandad will write a letter confirming all this for the winner. I think this is the last one as my grandfather went back to the sculptor after the last ones we sold on eBay, I know someone else asked for it, but can’t remember which ebay id, sorry.
Below is a side by side comparison of the Staff of Ra headpiece sold by Profiles in History (LEFT) for $60,0000 and one of the “NOT a screen seen original, but it isn’t a replica either” pieces sold on eBay by “unisusu” (RIGHT):
Staff of Ra Headpiece – The Replica Prop Forum (The RPF) Discussion
The winner of one of the pieces sold on eBay for approximately $450, Brad Fyfe, had subsequently published additional opinion and information about the piece in a topic he started on that discussion forum:
- The Replica Prop Forum: Production Made Staff of Ra Headpiece. Thoughts?
Additional information published by “jedifyfe”:
So far I have been talking with Luke Harrison. Supposedly the grandson of Norman Harrison. His dad is Paul Harrison, brother of Nick Harrison who passed in 1999. Everything he has been stating is adding up and it seems legit. He says I will get a handwritten letter from his grandad about the history of this piece and the work they did for ROTLA. Luke also stated that the $60,000 headpiece that sold at Profiles was owned by his grandfather as well.
I am aware of the ElstreeProps background with the “golden idol” but I have never seen them offering the Staff of Ra at all. I have heard that 6 of these production headpieces supposedly exist and Luke states that his family has two of them.
I e-mailed him about my research and he stated this:
Hi brad, the sculptor is my grandads friend. He thinks he made 3 finished ones that went to the set, but pulled 12 altogether. It was a long time ago! The rest he kept as spares in case. He is a specialist who mainly does jewellery and miniatures. He wants to stay anonymous as he would get swamped otherwise.
I understand that Elstree Props has a reputation for misrepresenting props and their lineage. Luke has never represented this as a screen used prop but as a production used. It matches up EXACTLY with the screen used staff of ra that was sold for $60,000. So it is safe to say that it has some good lineage. Would I have paid $1000 for this…no. $450….yep!
I would love to know more about the Harrison’s. I have been dealing with Luke the grandson. He is having his grandfather, Norman, pose with the headpiece and type out a letter about this piece’s history and his involvement with Raiders.
So as of right now we know of about 3 crew HP’s and possibly 3 “Elstree” HP’s. So no matter what I have 1 of only 7 known HP’s that have come from the original HP makers.
–
Even the 60K Profiles HP could not be validated as original or screen used and had even lesser provenance than my piece. So I have an identical HP to that in which I paid $450…not bad in my eyes no matter what.
–
Once I get the HP in hand I think I will drop Luke Harrison an e-mail and ask him about their famliy’s and Elstree’s questionable past. Also it will be intersting to see if more headpieces pop up on Ebay anytime in the near future.
Staff of Ra Headpiece – IndyGear Discussion, YourProps Listings, Craiglist “For Sale” Marketplace Resale Listing
Per the RPF and the IndyGear discussion forums, it appears that at least two other Raiders of the Lost Ask “Staff of Ra” headpieces have turned up in the marketplace recently, in addition to the ones sold on eBay. These other two also appear to have Harrison Family, (former) Elstree Props, and Norank Engineering lineage. The other two owners of the other two headpieces (in addition to the one sold on eBay and discussed on the Replica Prop Forum) commented within their own topics about them on the IndyGear forums:
- IndyGear Forum: Original Production Staff of Ra Headpiece
- IndyGear Forum: Screen used prop headpiece and Indy’s nazi disguise hat
IndyGear can only be viewed by registered members, but Brad Fyfe reposted material on the RPF topic: See Post #65
All three of these pieces are currently showcased on YourProps.com in the “Original/Screen-Used” category.
Brad Fyfe (aka “jedifyfe”):
- YourProps: Indiana Jones And The Raiders Of The Lost Ark (1981), Staff of Ra Production made Headpiece
Click for Full Resolution Archive
Description:
This was sold to me from the original owner, Norman Harrison. He was the owner of the company that cast the headpieces for the film. His grandson sold this to me and this came with detailed photos and a letter from Norman Harrison himself with a complete background of this prop and signed by him. An identical headpiece like this sold at the elite prop auction site Profiles in History for $60,000 back in 2006.
![YourProps jedifyfe Staff of Ra Headpiece 7-10-2009 6-44-29 PM [x425]](https://www.originalprop.com/blog/dylsoagh/2009/07/YourProps-jedifyfe-Staff-of-Ra-Headpiece-7-10-2009-6-44-29-PM.jpg "YourProps jedifyfe Staff of Ra Headpiece 7-10-2009 6-44-29 PM [x425]")
“Kevjh”:
Click for Full Resolution Archive
Description:
This is an original production made staff of ra headpiece from the original Indy movie. Made at Elstree Film Studios sculpted and then cast in base metal where more close up detail was needed. There is a slot underneath for the piece to click onto the staff. Harrison ford pretends to clip it on as it proved tricky to perform live. The red resin stone is also one of the originals. There is a lot of controversy about the colour of the stone. According to the sculptor he supplied this red resin stone but a transparent amber stone was used for some scenes. This was made in 1981 as part of the original run of 6 Comes with COA WOW!!!
![YourProps Kevjh Staff of Ra Headpiece 7-10-2009 6-44-29 PM [x425]](https://www.originalprop.com/blog/dylsoagh/2009/07/YourProps-Kevjh-Staff-of-Ra-Headpiece-7-10-2009-6-44-29-PM.jpg "YourProps Kevjh Staff of Ra Headpiece 7-10-2009 6-44-29 PM [x425]")
“hulkangry”:
Click for Full Resolution Archive
Description:
Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) screen used prop Staff Of Ra medallion. This medallion is complete with the precious gem placed in the middle of the Egyptian artifact. There’s a unique fact to this prop that only Elstree, Harrison and myself knows. It is also the version used IN THE MAPROOM. This is not an extra, This got used.
![YourProps hulkangry Staff of Ra Headpiece 7-10-2009 6-44-29 PM [x425]](https://www.originalprop.com/blog/dylsoagh/2009/07/YourProps-hulkangry-Staff-of-Ra-Headpiece-7-10-2009-6-44-29-PM.jpg "YourProps hulkangry Staff of Ra Headpiece 7-10-2009 6-44-29 PM [x425]")
Craiglist Sale Listing 06/26/09:
This was also listed for sale on Craigslist on June 26, 2009 (less than two weeks after Brad Fyfe announced his $450 eBay purchase on the RPF), along with a German-style hat, for $30,000:
![INDIANA JONES screen used PROPS for high end collectors HARRISON FORD 30000 6-26-2009 9-08-06 PM [x425]](https://www.originalprop.com/blog/dylsoagh/2009/07/INDIANA-JONES-screen-used-PROPS-for-high-end-collectors-HARRISON-FORD-30000-6-26-2009-9-08-06-PM.jpg "INDIANA JONES screen used PROPS for high end collectors HARRISON FORD 30000 6-26-2009 9-08-06 PM [x425]")
Craigslist For Sale Marketing Description:
los angeles craigslist > SF valley > collectibles
Avoid scams and fraud by dealing locally! Beware any deal involving Western Union, Moneygram, wire transfer, cashier check, money order, shipping, escrow, or any promise of transaction protection/certification/guarantee. More info
INDIANA JONES screen used PROPS for high end collectors HARRISON FORD – $30000 (Sherman Oaks)
Reply to: [email protected]
Date: 2009-06-26, 1:43PM PDT
I am selling off two very rare props, obtained from Elstree Productions, the people involved in the making of Raiders of the Lost Ark. THESE ARE NOT REPLICAS, THEY ARE ORIGINAL.
Are you a film maker or in the business and looking for a high end piece actually used in Raiders? Then this is your day.
What I am selling is only for the most particular collector. So chances are this will either go unsold and if it doesn’t sell, it’s no skin off my back. I still love these and you can see in pics below I have taken great pride into displaying them. I will not be offering to lower the price, 30k is what I paid for both combined and 30k is what I am selling them for. Or like I say, I am cool with keeping them. Please only email if you are serious in buying.
What you would be getting:
Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) screen worn Nazi hat used by Harrison Ford (Indiana Jones). When Indy steals a Nazi uniform to disguise himself, this is the hat he puts on. Comes with a letter of authenticity from Elstree Props.
Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) screen used prop Staff Of Ra medallion. This medallion is complete with the precious gem placed in the middle of the Egyptian artifact. Comes with a letter of authenticity from Elstree Props.
Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) production used storyboards used in the scene where Indiana uses the medallion in the map room.
Photos of Harrison Ford from 2008, checking the props out.
2 signed photos of Harrison Ford with the Nazi disguise hat on.
Display cases for each prop.
A custom made display stand (see below).
A a genuine hand shake from me (wow!!!)
Maybe I’ll even buy you a coffee at Coffee Bean (double wow!!!!)
So there you have it. Two iconic pieces from a most iconic film. Naturally, only in person cash transactions only per Craigslist standards. We can meet in a very public area of your choice.
I am very new to the ever so popular Craigslist, and I have had several collector friends point me in its direction. If anyone sees a discrepancy in my listing please feel free to contact me to correct me. I am a newbie!
A photo of an Elstree Props COA signed by “N. Harrison” was included among the photos (see “Who is ‘N. Harrison’?”).
I posed several questions about this public for sale listing on IndyGear topic on June 26:
Could an actor distinguish between an original and a copy? 25 years later?
Didn’t someone on the RPF just buy one of these same Elstree/Norank/Harrison headpieces on eBay for $450?
How does the three figure one differ from your five figure piece?
Do you have a universally affirmative and positive view of every piece sold into the marketplace by Paul and Norman Harrison?
If you sell this, per your terms noted in Craigslist as cash only, how would the COA guarantee function if later proven to have not been made for or used in Raiders of the Lost Ark? Is this guaranteed to be original and made for and used in the film? If guaranteed, by who?
How is the “screen worn Nazi hat used by Harrison Ford” different from this one [a “cap from one of the German soldiers”]?
Nuno Mirando “Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)German cap”
There is also a “show off”-style discussion on TheRaider.net discussion forum (see “Screen used prop headpiece and Indy’s nazi disguise hat”).
Overview of the “jedifyfe” Staff of Ra Headpiece Purchased on eBay for $450
Brad Fyfe (“jedifyfe”) contacted me unsolicited in late June and asked for assistance in evaluating his “Staff of Ra” headpiece acquired from the Harrisons on eBay. I agreed, and he loaned me the piece and paperwork for direct analysis.
As a point of reference, below is a comparative compilation between one of the original props in the Lucasfilm Archives, the crew gift example, the piece sold by Profiles in History, the two pieces discussed on the IndyProps forum, and the three items listed by “unisusu” on eBay:
Below is a scan of the “Norank Engineering” Letter of Authenticity included with the prop:
Excluding the self-promotion of the first three paragraphs, the section that actually pertains to the “Staff of Ra” headpiece prop directly reads as follows:
This is one of the old Staff of Ra headpieces which I got from the original sculptor many years ago. When I got it it was not gold plated as it hadn’t been finished. So I had it deep tank plated in 24k gold at the same place as the originals were plated. Then the sculptor added the two original red stones. You notice the slot is milled out at the based to allow the headpiece to be connected to the staff, I did that on the screen seen ones, and this one!
This is one of my original pieces which I have looked after very carefully.
NOTE: Per the request of the owner, I am limiting my full front and full back, straight on photos to the resolution of those photos already published on the Internet (approximately 800×800 pixels), though I have permission to publish my close-up cropped photos at high resolution.
Harrison Family / eBay “unisusu” / Norm Harrison (“Norank Engineering”) – Front:
Harrison Family / eBay “unisusu” / Norm Harrison (“Norank Engineering”) – Back:
Below is a three way comparison of the piece sold by Profiles in History, the example from the Lucasfilm Archives, and the piece sold on eBay by the Harrisons to Brad Fyfe last month:
As can be seen, the outer perimeter differs significantly between the Lucasfilm Archives example and the Profiles in History and Harrison/Norank eBay piece. However, in my research, it appears that there were two or more distinct styles/variations of headpiece produced for use in the film.
Below is a compilation of photos of the prop purchased from “unisusu” on eBay by Brad Fyfe under a variety of lighting conditions which shows details of the outer perimeter “chain” (click for full resolution):
Evaluation & Analysis of the “jedifyfe” Staff of Ra Headpiece Purchased on eBay for $450
The following addresses the request for evaluation posed to me by the new owner of the second piece listed for sale by “unisusu” on eBay. He contacted me to request an opinion as to the “status”, for lack of a better word, of the headpiece prop sold by the Harrisons on eBay for $450 last month.
If one were to take Luke and Norm Harrison’s statements at face value, at best the piece would be a casting made at the time of production, finished/plated more than 20 years after the release of the film. Not enough information has been provided to determine whether the piece is “Original”. My personal definition of the word “Original” is as follows:
An “Original” piece is something:
1) made by or acquired by the production,
2) during the production, and
3) used or intended to be used during the production.
All three of these traits would have to be true to be “Original”.
No statements made by the Harrisons indicate or clarify whether or not the casting was intended to be used in the production, nor any evidence published to prove the piece was indeed made at the time of the production.
While it is characterized as “production made”, a review of the recent article on the term (see Problematic Words in the Hobby: “Production Made”) will illustrate that, depending on certain variables, “production made” does not always mean that the piece is also “Original”.
Therefore, again, taking the Harrison’s existing and known statements at face value, at best, the piece would have to be categorized and classified as “inconclusive” (i.e. neither proven authentic (“Original”) nor inauthentic). And, given the circumstances, it may be impossible to ever make a more affirmative determination other than “inconclusive”.
Having said that, in scrutinizing the piece and related information, a discerning collector may have a less favorable opinion of the status of the prop, with regards to any prospects of its being “Original” or even “inconclusive”.
The following factors would weigh negatively as part of a critical analysis in evaluating claims that the piece is “Original”:
- Number of Pieces in the Marketplace: It would appear that the Harrisons have consigned the one piece to Profiles in History, sold at least two to collectors, and sold two to three or more recently on eBay.
- Timing of Sales into the Marketplace: It would appear that most to all of these 5-6 or more pieces have been released into the marketplace by the Harrisons within the past few years – 20-25 years after the release of the film.
- Prevalence of Replicas: There are many castings and replicas in the marketplace. Presumably, castings of crew gift pieces could be indistinguishable from these Harrison/Norank/Elstree Props pieces.
- Availability of Crew Gifts: Reportedly, many crew gift replicas were produced, made from the original molds, at the time of production. The availability of these original source pieces creates a greater possibility for the manufacture of convincing replicas at a low cost.
- Recent Post-Production Plating: The pieces sold by the Harrisons on eBay in recent weeks were recently plated. This would make it extremely difficult to evaluate the claim that the base casting was produced at the time of production, since they are completely covered in new material. In theory, a newly made replica and an original casting would look identical if plated at the same time and in the same manner.
- Sale Price in Relation to Auction Price: If the Harrisons sold a presumably original “Staff of Ra” headpiece at auction for $60,000, is it reasonable to believe that they would sell other presumably original pieces (even those of lesser status) on eBay for $450-$500?
- Seller/Source: The marketplace history of the seller/source is a factor.
- Anti-Provenance: As discussed in a recent article (see Building on the Original Prop Lexicon: “Anti-Provenance”), anti-provenance is a consequence of the seller and/or prior owners of the piece having been involved in questionable, fraudulent, and/or other activities in the marketplace which are detrimental to the hobby.
- History of Making Unlicensed Replicas from “Originals”: As previously discussed, the Harrisons have a history of selling a presumably “original” piece at auction – such as the Raiders of the Lost Ark “God of Light” prop – and concurrently/subsequently selling unlicensed replicas of the same prop (see Raiders of the Lost Ark “God of Light” Prop Wall Plaque). This activity could lead a discerning hobbyist to question any and all claims of authenticity of props sold as “Original”. It also raises issues related to the legal battle between Lucasfilm and Andrew Ainsworth’s Shepperton Design Studios with his sale of unlicensed Stormtrooper helmets “from the original maker, from the original molds” (see LFL, Ainstworth, Stormtrooper Helmets).
- History of False Authentication: The Harrisons, as Elstree Props, have made false assertions of provenance and authentication with offerings and sales into the marketplace (see Prop Watchlist: Star Wars Imperial Blaster).
- Outstanding Questions About Other “Raiders” Props: As noted in a series of articles earlier this year (see “…Fertility Idols in the Marketplace”), there are outstanding questions with regards to a “Fertility Idol” attributed to Raiders of the Lost Ark and characterized by the current owner as “original” with an Elstree Props/”Danziger Collection” COA.
- Recent “Gold Plated” Marketplace Activity: As noted in a recent article (see “Return to Oz…”), the Harrisons have in recent months sold dozens of gold plated “crew gifts” via the eBay “unisusu” account; coincidentally, these new to market “Staff of Ra” headpiece props (several of which were sold concurrently with the “Oz” pieces) are newly gold plated.
- Outstanding Questions About COAs: As noted in a recent article (see “Who is ‘N. Harrison’?”), there is longstanding confusion among many in the hobby as to the COAs issued by the Harrisons over the years, who has authenticated/certified and signed the documents, and the current status of the “unconditional 100% guarantee” (given the sale of Elstree Props).
In conclusion, it is my personal opinion that it would not be possible with the available information and set of circumstances to authenticate this piece as “Original”. Any new claims and/or evidence presented to make a case for a status of “Original” would need to be extraordinary in order to counter and mitigate the numerous material issues and concerns articulated above.
Additionally, I did have a substantive phone conversation with someone this past week who claims to have original Lucasfilm/Paramount production records which detail:
- How many “Staff of Ra” headpiece props were produced, how many finished, and how many delivered to the production
- How many “Staff of Ra” headpiece prop molds were produced and used, and the status of those molds
- The number of different versions/variations of the headpiece props produced
- The versions/variations used in scenes and post-production reshoots
- Of those finished and delivered, the type of stone used in each (and whether amber, clear, or painted)
- The manner in which the pieces themselves were finished (i.e. gold plated vs. spray painted gold, etc.)
- The type of perimeter chain/coiling employed, as well as the type of and number of chains used with the pieces
- The number of “Staff of Ra” headpiece prop crew gifts produced and which mold was used
- What was produced by Elstree Props, what was produced by ILM, and what was produced by Paramount Studios
This source also claims to have personally examined the original “Staff of Ra” headpiece props currently at the Lucasfilm Archives.
Many of these details have been shared with me, in confidence, but since I have not independently verified this information, I am merely noting this here with hopes that further confirmation of this information will be possible in the future, and perhaps corroboration with a principal from the production, Paramount, ILM, or Lucasfilm.
In closing, I will send out a few inquiries with links to this article in hopes of obtaining more information and insights in support of this research, and will publish a follow-up article with any additional updates should more material information be forthcoming.
Jason DeBord