The world of cinema is filled with remarkable artifacts that hold not just historical significance but also emotional value for fans. We’re talking about lightsabers used by Jedi masters to the ruby slippers that whisked Dorothy to Oz. With that said, certain props have been sold for thousands and even millions.
Andúril: The Lord of the Rings
Aragorn’s sword, Andúril, used by Viggo Mortensen in The Return of the King, sold for $437,000 at auction. A symbol of courage and leadership in the epic fantasy, this intricately designed prop is a treasured piece of The Lord of the Rings history.
Julie Andrews’ Costumes: The Sound of Music
Several costumes worn by Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music, including her “Do-Re-Mi” dress, were sold as part of a lot for $1.3 million. These outfits became an integral part of the beloved musical’s history, and they are highly valuable to collectors.
Audrey Hepburn’s Dress: My Fair Lady
A black-and-white gown worn by Audrey Hepburn in My Fair Lady became one of the most valuable movie costumes ever. Designed by Cecil Beaton, this dress sold for $4.5 million at a 2011 auction. It showed Hepburn’s lasting influence on fashion and film.
The Cowardly Lion Costume: The Wizard of Oz
The Cowardly Lion costume worn by Bert Lahr in The Wizard of Oz fetched over $3 million at auction. Made from real lion skin and fur, the controversial costume remains a rare and iconic piece of Hollywood history, tied to one of the greatest films ever made.
James Bond’s Aston Martin: Goldfinger
Sean Connery’s personally owned Aston Martin DB5, famously driven in Goldfinger, was auctioned for $2.4 million in 2022. The sleek silver car, known for Bond’s suave image, became an important piece of Bond memorabilia.
Sam’s Piano: Casablanca
Played during the iconic “As Time Goes By” scene, the grand piano featured in Casablanca sold for $3.4 million at auction in 2014. This Steinway piano has a legendary association with one of Hollywood’s greatest love stories.
The Ruby Slippers: The Wizard of Oz
A pair of bright ruby slippers worn by Dorothy (Judy Garland) in the film sold at auction in 2000 for $660,000. The sparkling shoes, central to the film’s plot, remain one of cinema’s most beloved and recognizable costume pieces.
Steve McQueen’s Suit and Helmet: Le Mans
The Gulf racing suit and helmet worn by Steve McQueen in the film Le Mans fetched $336,000 at a 2017 auction. Famously worn during the movie’s high-octane race scenes, this piece of memorabilia attracted significant attention from McQueen’s fans.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’s Flying Car
In the movie Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, a flying car—the only fully drivable version built for the movie—sold for $805,000. Despite selling for less than expected, the colorful and fantastical vehicle remains an unforgettable part of cinematic history.
Luke Skywalker’s Lightsaber: Star Wars: A New Hope
The lightsaber that Mark Hamill used as Luke in two Star Wars films was sold for $450,000. This iconic blue, glowing weapon, featured in several important scenes, holds a special place in the hearts of Star Wars fans everywhere.
David O. Selznick’s Best Picture Oscar: Gone With The Wind
David O. Selznick’s Best Picture Oscar for his acting in Gone With The Wind was sold at auction for $1.54 million in 1999. His award became a highly coveted collectible for its Hollywood significance and association with one of cinema’s most iconic films.
Light Up Dance Floor: Saturday Night Fever
The illuminated dance floor from Saturday Night Fever, where John Travolta performed his iconic disco moves, was sold for $1.2 million in 2017. Its flashing, multicolored floor became an enduring symbol of 1970s pop culture.
X-Wing Model: Star Wars: A New Hope
An original X-Wing model used in Star Wars: A New Hope was sold for $3.1 million in 2023. The detailed miniature played a key role in the film’s space battles, which gave it status as an invaluable piece of special effects history.
Marilyn Monroe’s White Dress: The Seven-Year Itch
Monroe’s white cocktail dress, worn during the unforgettable subway scene in The Seven Year Itch, fetched an astounding $4.6 million at auction in 2011. It has come to symbolize Monroe’s enduring Hollywood legacy.
Darth Vader’s Helmet: The Empire Strikes Back
A prop with immense cultural significance, the helmet worn by Darth Vader in The Empire Strikes Back was sold at auction in 2019 for an impressive $898,420. Worn by actor David Prowse, it’s one of cinema’s most iconic villain reveals.
