Profiles in History’s “Hollywood Auction 40” was held Thursday, Friday and today on-site at the Profiles in History offices in Calabasas Hills, with remote bidding available over the Internet via LiveAuctioneers, as well as direct via mail, fax, and telephone bidding. The first two days alone offered the type of material that is traditional for their regular auction events, including original television and movie props, costumes, and other memorabilia. Today’s Day 3 included the special sale of material limited to the Star Trek franchise.Prior Original Prop Blog coverage on the event – including high resolution photos and video – can be found here:
LiveAuctioneers
With the closure of eBay Live Auctions at the end of 2008, Profiles in History has alternated between the two main third party providers that compete for this business, iCollector and LiveAuctioneers.
The products and services as implemented by both companies have been reviewed in numerous Original Prop Blog articles in the past, and as I understand it, some of the capabilities employed vary from auction to auction and can also be based on the auction house which they host for any given event.
As an example, video services are offered, but the auction house would have to elect to use such a service. The most recent look at various online bidding providers was published in April of this year (see Revisiting Remote Online Bidding Auction Services: Comparing Auction Network, iCollector, LiveAuctioneers, Heritage Live).
My own time spent watching the live video feed for this event was limited, but I did participate as a viewer (logged in as a bidder in order to see the full capabilities on offer) long enough to form some opinions. Below is an example of the bidding window that opens in a separate browser window when accessing the live auction feed:
In comparing the most recent iterations of LiveAuctioneers and iCollector, the latter appears to have much more capability for the remote user. The two most important features that iCollector offers and LiveAuctioneers lacks is:
- a full “lot listing” showing all lots (passed and future) for the entire event (including lot number, lot title, and link to more info) in real time, with prices realized on passed lots, and
- a current bidding list showing bidder name (if online) and/or type (i.e. “floor” or “Internet”) and the respective bid amount
Below is a sample bidding window from Profiles in History’s own “Hollywood Auction 37” last year, using the iCollector service, to allow for a direct comparison:
Given the current state of the two services, it is my opinion that iCollector appears to offer more useful features. Additionally, it is my opinion that the employment of streaming video in future auctions would serve the customers and clients of Profiles in History who participate via remote bidding.
Auction Results
All results for this event can now be found online at LiveAuctioneers.com
Based on a review of the results, it would appear that while there was some reflection of the downturn of the economy in the main Profiles in History events beginning with the December 2008 event, this event may illustrate a sharper change based on values realized in the sale, outside of the remarkable results of some of the top, marque pieces sold. Of course, while there are always stand out pieces that do impress, there were a number of pieces that realized a lower sale price than might be expected, a large number of three and four-figure results, and some passed lots as well.
As the largest and most successful auction house that specializes in original props, costumes, and other production material from film and television, the Profiles events serve as a general barometer of larger trends, so the results of these events are always informative, though any sort of analysis is of course entirely subjective.
“Hollywood Auction 40”
This catalog represents first of the “regular” Profiles sales since “Hollywood Auction 37” back in October 2009, more than 6 months ago (“Hollywood Auction 38” was the “The Pat McInally Collection of Children’s Literature Auction”and “Hollywood Auction 39” was the “Michael H. Epstein & Scott E. Schwimer Glamour Photography Auction”).
Day 1
Day 1 of this catalog, as is tradition, included hundreds of photos, portraits, negatives, title cards, lobby cards, posters, one-sheets, costume sketches, storyboard art, concept art, production art, poster art, scripts, animation, and other memorabilia. In addition to material related to film and television (as well as music) are lots pertaining to historic, public, political figures.
As this is not material that is the primary focus of the OPB, I will not review these results in depth.
Day 2
Day 2 and Day 3 is the content that is of primary interest to the Original Prop Blog – original props, wardrobe, and other assets from film and television.
NOTE: Prices realized as listed below do not reflect the Buyer’s Premium of 15%-18%, which is added to the hammer price.
Marilyn Monroe “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” Gown
The cover-featured item (Lot 832) – the iconic pink gown worn by Marilyn Monroe in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes in the “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend” scene, was the top piece of the auction, selling for $310,000.
Lou Bunin Puppets & Archival Material
Among the many lots opening Day 2, related to Lou Bunin, the highest prices realized (and the only four-figure pieces) were Lot 625 – Cheshire Cat puppet from Alice in Wonderland – which realized $11,000 and Lot 646 – Eddie Cantor puppet from Ziegfeld Follies – which realized $13,000.
“Classic” Television Material
This auction event was highly praised for the inclusion of important pieces from classic television. Below are some of the highlights and prices realized:
- 654. Jay Silverheels “Tonto” leather fringe tunic from The Lone Ranger – Sold for $20,000
- 655. Clayton Moore “The Lone Ranger” iconic mask and gloves and Jay Silverheels “Tonto” headband from The Lone Ranger and the Lost City of Gold – Sold for $12,000
- 656. Patrick Macnee “John Steed” suit worn in The Avengers – Sold for $6,000
- 662. Fess Parker signature “Daniel Boone” coonskin hat from Daniel Boone – Sold for $27,500
- 664. Original Barbara Eden signature first season “Jeannie” bottle from I Dream of Jeannie – Sold for $42,500
- 669. Original hero Jupiter 2 Space Pod filming miniature from Lost in Space – Sold for $85,000
- 673. Angela Cartwright “Penny Robinson” First Season space suit with gloves from Lost in Space – Sold for $20,000
- 674. Original screen used hero “John Robinson” illuminating Laser Rifle from Lost in Space TV series – Sold for $70,000
- 694. Bruce Lee signature “Kato” cap from The Green Hornet – Sold for $27,500
- 704. Hero Colonial Warrior Viper Pilot helmet from Battlestar Galactica – Sold for $12,000
Contemporary Television
In contrast to some of these classic television results, some pieces from contemporary shows did not fare as well. Below are a few examples:
- 736. Kevin Sorbo hero signature “Hercules” leather shirt from Hercules: The Legendary Journeys – Sold for $800
- 745. Kiefer Sutherland “Jack Bauer” hero ID card from 24 – Sold for $850
- 746. James Gandolfini “Tony Soprano” leather jacket, dress shirt and pants from The Sopranos – Sold for $1,200
In addition, many attractive pieces passed with no minimum bids.
King Kong
Included in this sale was some incredible material from King Kong. Most notable, Lot 752 – The Orville Goldner Production Art Archive and Biplane Filming miniature from King Kong. This lot realized $190,000. Included with the art was the Biplane filming miniature from the climatic Empire State Building scene.
Various gallery portraits by Ernest A. Bachrach each realized prices ranging between $2,000-$6,500. One archive of camera negatives (Lot 765) realized $27,500. Lot 766, a collection of ceremonial staffs and native shields, sold for $20,000.
Lot 767, a Willis O’Brien stop-motion articulated Tyrannosaurus Rex head, realized $7,000. This same piece sold at a Bonhams auction in December 2009 for a mere $73 (including buyer’s premium) – see Bonhams Sale 17544, Lot 2134:
Bela Lugosi
One of the top pieces sold yesterday was Lot 783 – Original Bela Lugosi tailcoat and vest from White Zombie (1932) – which realized an impressive $100,000.
The Wizard of Oz
As expected, the lots related to the classic film, Wizard of Oz, did well, particularly the hat worn by the Wicked Witch of the West (Lot 805), which sold for $200,000. The Meinhardt Raade Coroner hat (Lot 804) fetched $30,000 and the Winkie Spear (Lot 706) realized $22,500. The solitary “rehearsal shoe” (Lot 802) sold for $11,000 and the Emerald City Prime Minister gloves (Lot 803) went for $9,500.
Steve McQueen Shotgun from The Magnificent Seven
Lot 853 – the shotgun attributed to use by Steve McQueen in The Magnificent Seven – passed with no bids with its $12,000-$15,000 estimate. The provenance cited for the piece was Ellis Props.
As noted in past Original Prop Blog articles, there have been some questions raised with regards to other pieces sold by Ellis Props in their liquidation sale by Remarketing Associates in June of 2000, such as vintage camera flashes sold as “lightsabers” from Star Wars.
As a point of comparison, a revolver attributed to McQueen and The Magnificent Seven that was part of the “Stembridge Collection”, liquidated by Little John’s Auction Service in 2007 sold for $15,500 (plus buyer’s premium) – see Stembridge Auction Report, Part 5: Prices Realized List (Lot 50 – Colt Single Action Army Revolver, Steve McQueen, Magnificent Seven).
Clint Eastwood Colt Walker from The Outlaw Josey Wales
The .44 Colt Walker attributed to used by Clint Eastwood in western classic The Outlaw Josey Wales (Lot 878) realized $35,000. This piece included a copy of the original Stembridge Gun Rentals rental agreement to Malpaso Productions.
While two separate lots, the results of the piece attributed to The Magnificent Seven with Ellis Props provenance and this example with Stembridge Gun Rentals paperwork may illustrate that the difference in provenance may have had an impact on interest in the pieces. Stembridge rental agreements showing serial numbers matching “real” firearms are widely viewed to be among the most substantive paperwork among collectors, so it is interesting to compare and contrast what are, in the abstract, two very attractive pieces included in this auction, and consider the impact of the provenance on interest and sale results.
Mary Poppins
Another top piece in the auction was the “bottomless carpetbag” (Lot 864) attributed to use by Julie Andrews in her starring role in Mary Poppins (1964). This piece sold for $95,000.
Star Wars
The two filming miniatures from A New Hope, consigned by model builder David M. Jones, were among the top pieces sold. Lot 889 – The Original Production X-Wing Fighter Filming Miniature – realized $95,000. The second piece, Lot 890 – The Original Production Y-Wing Fighter – fetched $40,000. Based on the information made available, more of the Y-Wing model was used and filmed in the production, though it would seem that the fact that the X-Wing is more recognizable and iconic trumped other considerations, and it sold for more than twice as much as the Y-Wing.
Lot 897 – the Stormtrooper blaster from Bapty – sold for $13,000.
There were a number of high profile props from the Star Wars franchise included in the auction catalog, though a majority of them were withdrawn from the auction in the last week or so, prior to the sale.
The following pieces were withdrawn from the auction:
- Lot 891 – Yoda Walking Cane From Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back [Provenance: Gary Kurtz Archive]
- Lot 893 – Carrie Fisher “Princess Leia” Blaster From Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi [Provenance: Gary Kurtz Archive]
- Lot 894 – “Darth Vader” Lightsaber from Star Wars Episode VI – Return of the Jedi [Provenance: Gary Kurtz Archive]
- Lot 895 – Ewan McGregor “Obi-Wan Kenobi” Hero Light Saber From Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones
- Lot 896 – Samuel L. Jackson “Mace Windu” Hero Fighting Saber and Blade From Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith
To my knowledge, no public statement has been made by Profiles in History explaining the reason for the pieces being withdrawn from the auction.
As noted in my on-site preview coverage leading up to the auction, questions and concerns about the provenance and authenticity of the Darth Vader lightsaber were circulating within the collecting community once the catalog was made available (see Profiles in History ‘Hollywood Auction 40′ Video Preview: Darth Vader Lightsaber Prop from ‘Return of the Jedi’).
Alien
Lot 905 – A hero Alien creature head designed and created by H.R. Giger for the original 1979 Ridley Scott film – sold for $60,000. Lot 913 – an Alien head and hands from Alien 3 – sold for $22,500.
However, Lots 901-903 passed with no bids (Sigourney Weaver’s space suit armor from Alien and an arm and hand and a hand from Alien costumes).
Predator
Lot 957 – the full 1:1 animatronic Predator 2 mask and costume from Stan Winston Studios – sold for $80,000, while the stunt bio helmet from the same film (Lot 956) realized $6,500.
Rocky 3
The Rocky 3 boxing gloves worn by Sylvester Stallone (Lot 915) sold for $10,000.
Indiana Jones
Lot 918 – Harrison Ford’s personal, heavily annotated shooting script/screenplay from Raiders of the Lost Ark – was withdrawn from the auction catalog in the last week. This was one of the pieces that attracted a great deal of mainstream media attention (on The Today Show and Fox and Friends).
I’m not aware of any explanation for the removal of the lot from auction, and personally know a few in the field who have examined it and affirm that it is genuine. More, it seems to have sold at public auction previously, as it appears to be the same piece sold by Bonhams in November 2008 for £4,560 (including buyer’s premium) – see Bonhams Sale 15844, Lot 232:
A Chalice (Lot 919) and a Holy Grail (Lot 921), both attributed to Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade, realized $10,000 and $16,000 respectively. A sword with a $20,000-$25,000 estimate passed with no bids.
Edward Scissorhands
The pair of scissorhands from the Tim Burton and Johnny Depp film (Lot 978) sold for $27,500.
Nightmare Before Christmas, Stop Motion
This auction marks somewhat of a turning point for material for this auction, which has historically far surpassed the estimates. A fellow collector put it better than I could, in that he saw it as an “adjustment” for the pricing on these pieces, which have in past auctions been quite extraordinary.
As an example, in “Hollywood Auction 37“, an Oogie Boogie stop-motion puppet (Lot 1044) sold for $40,000 and another (Lot 1045) sold for $55,000, while one in yesterday’s auction (Lot 1016) passed with no bids with a $30,000 opening.
In “Hollywood Auction 35/36“, some of the top pieces included a Reindeer puppet (Lot 1100) for $11,000, the Duck toy (Lot 1101) for $32,500, and the Christmas Town building (Lot 1103) for $25,000.
By comparison, yesterday saw the full-size Zero puppet (Lot 995) selling for just $10,000 with another (Lot 1028) passing with no bids at a $10,000 open, a hero reindeer puppet (Lot 1015) realized just $1,700 and a full-size version (Lot 1025) sold for $12,000, and a Christmas house building (Lot 1006) passing with no bids at a $6,000 opening with another (Lot 1040) selling for $6,000.
However, many pieces still fared well in this sale, with both Dr. Finklestein’s skull device (Lot 1030) as well as the black cat (Lot 1034) both selling for $22,500 each. A Behomoth puppet (Lot 1036) sold for $32,500, the Vomiting Fountainhead (Lot 1038) realized $27,500.
Of course, there was a very, very large amount of this material in the sale, even compared with past sales, so that may account for a general dip in values overall.
With other stop motion material, there were some standout pieces, including the Centipede puppet from James and the Giant Peach (Lot 1054) which sold for $35,000 and the Victor Van Dort puppet from Corpse Bride, which realized $27,500.
Gladiator
Russell Crowe’s Maximus armor from the Academy Award-winning Ridley Scott film (Lot 1098) sold for an impressive $32,500.
Austin Powers
Historically, principal wardrobe from the Austin Powers films have sold for very high amounts, though with this sale, the results appear to have diminished somewhat. A Dr. Evil signature suit (Lot 1116) and matching Mini Me suit (Lot 1117) sold for $8,500 and $4,000 respectively, while in the past it would have been double or more of those results. Two motorized chairs attributed to the same characters (Lots 1118 and 11119) passed with no bids at the $5,000 opening bid amount. A blue velvet suit worn by Mike Myers as Austin Powers also passed with no bids.
Pirates of the Caribbean
The Jack Sparrow jacket from Pirates of the Caribbean (Lot 1124) realized $18,000. However, the Orlando Bloom jacket solicited no interest, passing with a $3,000 minimum.
X-Men
In past Profiles auctions, some of the truly stand out pieces in terms of prices realized at auction have been costumes from principal characters used in the X-Men films. While there was only one example from which to choose in this sale, the Lady Deathstrike costume from X2 (Lot 1135) passed with no bids at the $1,500 asking bid.
The Spirit
As expected, the remarkable costumes from the critically panned The Spirit sold for modest amounts, with only three passing the $1,000 mark. The Gabriel Macht signature Spirit costume itself (Lot 1144) sold for just $1,700.
Notable Passed Lots
- 696. Cesar Romero “Joker” costume From Batman
- 697. Frank Gorshin “Riddler” costume from Batman
- 831. Marilyn Monroe dressing room robe by Travilla
- 859. Frank Sinatra Military Jacket from The Manchurian Candidate
- 875. Robert DeNiro suit from The Godfather: Part II
- 991. Michael Keaton hero Batman costume from Batman Returns
- 979. Arnold Schwarzenegger signature “Terminator T-800” costume from Terminator 2: Judgment Day
- 934. Bruce Boxleitner signature “Tron” costume from Tron
- 994. Jim Carrey “Riddler” unitard and stunt cane from Batman Forever
Day 3
Today, the final day of the sale event was dedicated exclusively to the original props, wardrobe, and other assets from the Star Trek franchise, spanning the many films and television series.
The auction opened with the Balok puppet head, Lot 1241, which is a highly recognizable piece for fans of the classic television series as it appears in the show’s credits. This sold for $70,000., far and away the highest price realized among the Star Trek lots.
Overall, there were very few passed lots, and very many true bargains, with a lot of very impressive material selling in the hundreds of dollars range
There was one model that was withdrawn from the sale prior to the auction, Lot 1487, which was a Jem’Hadar ship that has been a topic of concern by Star Trek collectors on various discussion forums.
Concluding Remarks
Overall, as with the sales of the past two years, the results do appear to be mixed, but impressive none the less. Profiles remains the premiere auction house for realizing benchmark values in the field, as well as securing many important pieces to offer for sale.
As has always been a strong trend, principal pieces from truly important works continue to command top dollar. Though it is an overused word, the Marilyn Monroe gown is truly “iconic”, was arguably the most important piece in the auction, and it realized the highest sale result. As expected, the top pieces marketed leading up to the event did very well – the Wizard of Oz Wicked Witch of the West hat, the lot of material from King Kong that included the plane miniature, the pieces from Lost in Space, etc. Such pieces continue to command top dollar, as well as the attention of not just collectors, but the public at large and the mainstream media.
While some of the lots may have sold for less than might have been expected in years past, it was a huge sale in terms of sheer number of lots, particularly Star Trek. However, it is the first “regular” Profiles sale since last October (the traditional schedule for the auction house tended to be Spring, Summer, Winter), which is a long break between sales compared with tradition, so that should be taken into account as well.
As was the case with recent auctions, given the poor state of the economy and continuing uncertainty, the sale of thousands of pieces of memorabilia for hundreds, thousands, tens of thousands, and even hundreds of thousands of dollars is remarkable. In any event, this sale will serve as another benchmark in the history of the hobby, and it will be interesting to watch the many other auctions taking place this Summer to see how the field of collecting original entertainment memorabilia reflects the global economy and state of affairs.
Jason De Bord