Cashing In On The Classics
Lights, camera, cash register! From enchanted slippers to intergalactic helmets, some movie props don't just bask in cinematic immortality—they fetch eye-popping sums at auction. Whether you're a trivia nerd or just curious how much treasure your favorite film artifacts can fetch, here's a whirlwind tour of legendary prop sales.
Dorothy’s Ruby Red Slippers
The magical ruby slippers that Dorothy (Judy Garland) clicked together in The Wizard of Oz (1939) are legendary—and not just for their storybook charm. Adapted from silver shoes in the L Frank Baum novel, the dazzling red sequined pair became a Technicolor icon designed by Gilbert Adrian for MGM.
'Wizard of Oz' ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland sold for $28 million at auction, FOX 32 Chicago
Dorothy’s Ruby Red Slippers–Cashing In
These magical sequined pumps sold for a jaw-dropping $32.5 million at a December 2024 Heritage Auctions event—making it the most valuable movie memorabilia ever sold.
'Wizard of Oz' ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland sold for $28 million at auction, FOX 32 Chicago
The Maltese Falcon
Released in 1941, The Maltese Falcon follows Humphrey Bogart’s Sam Spade on the trail of a jewel-encrusted bird statue. The jet-black prop, believed to be one of only two made, bears a dent screen-matched to a fall during filming and was later discovered in the possession of an oral surgeon in Los Angeles. Though it toured the world as part of a Warner Bros. retrospective, a Vanity Fair report later questioned whether it was the genuine article or one of several identical falcons.
Bird in the Box: A Maltese Falcon Unboxing, Scott Meyer
The Maltese Falcon–Cashing In
Despite the authenticity debate, the bird fetched a sky-high $4 million at auction in 2013. For collectors, this Maltese Falcon remains one of the most valuable movie props ever sold—real or replica, it’s still the stuff that dreams (and deep pockets) are made of.
Forbidden Planet’s Robby The Robot
Before AI assistants and chatbots, there was Robby the Robot, the charming mechanical co-star of Forbidden Planet (1956). Standing seven feet tall with blinking lights and spinning gadgets, Robby served as the loyal companion to Walter Pidgeon’s Dr. Morbius. Over the decades, he became a pop culture icon, appearing in films like Gremlins and Looney Tunes: Back in Action.
Forbidden Planet’s Robby The Robot–Cashing In
In 2017, Robby sold for $5.3 million, making him the most expensive movie prop at the time. Not bad for a robot who’s been working steadily since the ’50s.
Photojunkie, Wikimedia Commons
Star Wars X-Wing Model
Description: The original X-Wing model used in the climactic Death Star battle of Star Wars (1977) was once thought lost to time. This hand-crafted miniature helped bring George Lucas’s space opera to life in one of cinema’s most famous dogfights. It eventually turned up in model maker Greg Jein’s garage—tucked away in a cardboard box like some forgotten piece of space junk.
Original X-Wing Model from Star Wars: Episode IV!, Adam Savage’s Tested
Star Wars X-Wing Model–Cashing In
In 2023, it sold for $3.135 million, becoming the most expensive Star Wars-themed prop ever sold at auction. The Force was definitely with that final bid.
Original X-Wing Model from Star Wars: Episode IV!, Adam Savage’s Tested
Indiana Jones’ Iconic Fedora
Indiana Jones’s fedora is as much a part of his identity as his whip and leather jacket. The Temple of Doom (1984) version, worn during the daring escape from a crashing plane with Willie Scott and Short Round, was originally owned by stunt double Dean Ferrandini. Unlike the hat from Raiders of the Lost Ark, this one featured a slightly more tapered crown—subtle, but enough to make prop collectors swoon.
Indiana Jones' (Harrison Ford) Fedora - INDIANA JONES AND THE TEMPLE OF DOOM (1984), thepropstore
Indiana Jones’ Iconic Fedora – Cashing In
In summer 2024, the hat sold for $630,000 at auction, proving that fortune and glory can sometimes fit neatly on your head.
Hollywood Legends | Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) Signed Test Fedora, Julien's Auctions
The Lord Of The Rings Aragorn’s Sword
Aragorn’s sword, Andúril, is more than just a weapon—it’s a symbol of his destiny as the King of Gondor. Forged from the shards of Narsil, it played a central role in The Return of the King (2003), which swept the Oscars with 11 wins. Viggo Mortensen’s performance and the sword’s gleaming presence turned it into one of the most recognizable pieces of fantasy weaponry in film history.
Warner Bros. Discovery, Lord Of The Rings (2001)
The Lord Of The Rings Aragorn’s Sword–Cashing In
At a Bonhams auction, it sold for $437,000, proving that Middle-earth’s treasures are just as valuable in the real world.
Warner Bros. Discovery, Lord Of The Rings (2001)
Titanic’s Floating Door
Few props have inspired as much debate as the floating door from Titanic (1997). Crafted from balsa wood, it served as Rose’s makeshift raft in the freezing Atlantic after the ship’s tragic sinking. Fans have argued for decades over whether Jack could have fit on it too—making it one of the most talked-about set pieces in movie history.
Paramount Pictures, Titanic (1997)
Titanic’s Floating Door–Cashing In
The door sold for $718,750, showing that a little romance, a lot of tragedy, and a pinch of controversy can be a recipe for auction success.
Paramount Pictures, Titanic (1997)
The Empire Strikes Back Darth Vader’s Helmet
Darth Vader’s glossy black helmet is the ultimate symbol of cinematic villainy. Worn by David Prowse in The Empire Strikes Back (1980), it loomed large in the film’s tense final act. Every curve, vent, and shadow of the helmet is burned into the minds of generations of fans.
Unboxing screen accurate Darth Vader Helmet from Empire Strikes Back, Cosplay Vicar
The Empire Strikes Back Darth Vader’s Helmet–Cashing In
In 2019, it sold for nearly $900,000, proving that the Dark Side has plenty of pull at the auction house.
Unboxing screen accurate Darth Vader Helmet from Empire Strikes Back, Cosplay Vicar
Le Mans Steve McQueen’s Racing Suit
In Le Mans (1971), Steve McQueen blurred the line between Hollywood actor and professional racer. His off-white racing suit, adorned with patriotic stripes, was a key part of his gritty, authentic performance. For car enthusiasts and film fans alike, it’s the ultimate combination of speed and style.
Paramount Home Entertainment, Le Mans (1971)
Le Mans Steve McQueen’s Racing Suit–Cashing In
The suit sold for $425,000, showing that McQueen’s legendary cool never goes out of fashion.
Paramount Home Entertainment, Le Mans (1971)
Casablanca’s Piano
In Casablanca (1942), Sam’s piano isn’t just an instrument—it’s the emotional heart of the film. From “As Time Goes By” to romantic exchanges between Rick and Ilsa, it was part of the magic that helped the movie win Best Picture. Its cream-colored frame and storied history make it one of the most recognizable pieces of movie set décor.
Casablanca’s Piano–Cashing In
It sold for $3.4 million, giving a whole new meaning to the phrase “a grand piano”.
Movie Magic: Casablanca Piano for Sale, ABC News
The Seven Year Itch’s White Dress
Marilyn Monroe’s white halter dress from The Seven Year Itch (1955) might just be the most famous garment in movie history. The subway grate scene where it billows up became an instant cultural icon. Decades later, the dress still symbolizes Monroe’s charm, allure, and timeless glamour.
Associated Press, Wikimedia Commons
The Seven Year Itch’s White Dress–Cashing In
In 2011, it sold for $4.6 million, proving that some moments—and outfits—are truly priceless.
Iconic Marilyn Monroe dress sold for $4.6M, CBS
Final Curtain Call
From Ruby Slippers that cost more than your house to hats and jackets that tell a story all their own, these props show that cinematic history can be worth its weight in gold...or sequins, or leather. Next time you watch a classic film, remember: that piece of screen-used magic might just be waiting to cash in—and deliver a bidding drama worthy of its own movie.
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