LOS ANGELES – A monumental collection of cinematic artifacts valued at approximately $9 million is set for auction next month, featuring iconic props from legendary films including “Jaws,” “Star Wars,” and “The Terminator.
The three-day auction event, organized by Propstore and commencing March 25 at the Petersen Automotive Museum, will showcase approximately 1,550 pieces of film and television history. A special preview exhibition will be held at The Maybourne Beverly Hills hotel on March 11.
Among the most anticipated items is the original fibreglass C-3PO head worn by Anthony Daniels in “The Empire Strikes Back” (1980), carrying a pre-sale estimate of $350,000–$700,000. The piece features illuminated eyes, original wiring, and a distinctive forehead antenna.
Equally significant is the legendary “Skywalker” lightsaber hilt from “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” (2015), valued at up to $100,000. Used by both Mark Hamill’s Luke Skywalker and Daisy Ridley’s Rey, Propstore’s UK consignments manager Ibrahim Faraj described it as “arguably one of the most important pieces in ‘Star Wars’ history.”
From the depths of cinematic terror comes the harpoon gun wielded by Quint (Robert Shaw) and Matt Hooper (Richard Dreyfuss) in Steven Spielberg’s 1975 classic “Jaws.” The prop, expected to fetch up to $500,000, is offered alongside Quint’s Fenwick fishing rod and reel (estimated at $150,000), which Propstore has branded “the most significant artifacts to ever surface from the movie.”
The auction also features the leather jacket worn by Arnold Schwarzenegger’s T-800 cyborg in “The Terminator” (1984), complete with stage blood, rips, and mock bullet holes ($75,000–$150,000). Additional highlights include Russell Crowe’s helmet and mask from “Gladiator” (up to $250,000) and the Marauder’s Map from the “Harry Potter” franchise (up to $80,000).
Faraj noted the growing global interest in film memorabilia, stating, “We’re seeing 20 to 30 percent more engagement, more registration, more people bidding. It’s growing bigger and it’s the new, modern thing people are collecting now.”