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Movie Props

From costumes to newspapers and wall hangings to cars, the world of movie props and movie memorabilia is about as diverse as the industry itself. The collecting and selling of all things "big screen" is not only enjoyable for a collector wanting to gain a touch of nostalgia, but also a catalyst for good will when production companies and private collectors donate sales proceeds to charitable causes.

The word “prop” is short for “property,” and the first use of theatrical props dates as far back as ancient Greece. The dawn of filmmaking brought on large and tediously constructed film sets as well as costumes, weapons, and other movable items. Highly collectible now, some of the first movie props and movie memorabilia were given away, thrown out, and even buried after completion of filming. Recently, archeologists near Guadalupe, California uncovered a plaster sphinx from the 1923 film "The Ten Commandments." The set had been buried in the dunes.

For practical reasons, many props are created in multiples for movie sets and are untouched by actors themselves, making used props the most sought after. Regardless, many factors play a role in determining values, including a film’s age, popularity of actors, box office resurgence, and notable events.


Quick Facts

  • Marilyn Monroe’s famous white dress from the movie, “The Seven Year Itch,” gathered $4.6 million at a Beverly Hills auction in June 2011
  • A “hero prop” is one personally used by an actor or in a movie. This prop type is highly detailed and functional, and is used in close-up filming
  • In 2005, a pair of ruby slippers from the original “Wizard of Oz” film was stolen from the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. There are only four known pairs in existence, and a $1 million reward exists for the whereabouts of the missing pair
  • Find out how specific Hollywood props and memorabilia become available for sale on Invaluable.

Recommended Items at Auction

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2012 "LINCOLN" MOVIE PROP US ARMY CAVALRY UNIFORM
Feb 15, 11:00 AM EST
2012 "LINCOLN" MOVIE PROP US ARMY CAVALRY UNIFORM
by Centurion Auctions
Est: $200- $400
$1703 Bids
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1970 "PATTON" GEORGE C. SCOTT MOVIE PROP UNIFORM
Feb 15, 11:00 AM EST
1970 "PATTON" GEORGE C. SCOTT MOVIE PROP UNIFORM
by Centurion Auctions
Est: $500- $1,500
$4753 Bids
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INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS MOVIE PROP WWII GERMAN TUNIC
Feb 15, 11:00 AM EST
INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS MOVIE PROP WWII GERMAN TUNIC
by Centurion Auctions
Est: $400- $800
$3001 Bid
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WWI 1917 MOVIE PROP SCOTTISH SOLDIER UNIFORM
Feb 15, 11:00 AM EST
WWI 1917 MOVIE PROP SCOTTISH SOLDIER UNIFORM
by Centurion Auctions
Est: $250- $500
$1901 Bid
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2011 "WAR HORSE" PROP GERMAN 2nd UHLAN UNIFORM
Feb 15, 11:00 AM EST
2011 "WAR HORSE" PROP GERMAN 2nd UHLAN UNIFORM
by Centurion Auctions
Est: $300- $600
$2201 Bid
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19th C. UK HUSSAR, MADRAS INF, & MOVIE PROP TUNICS
Feb 15, 11:00 AM EST
19th C. UK HUSSAR, MADRAS INF, & MOVIE PROP TUNICS
by Centurion Auctions
Est: $150- $300
$1100 Bids
Two Costume Helmets
Feb 13, 10:00 AM CST
Two Costume Helmets
by New Orleans Auction Galleries
Est: $40- $70
$50 Bids
VINTAGE 1960S CHUCK CONNORS MOVIE & TV STAR OWNED FILM PROP BUCKSKIN LEATHER VEST W/ COA
Mar 01, 9:00 AM MST
VINTAGE 1960S CHUCK CONNORS MOVIE & TV STAR OWNED FILM PROP BUCKSKIN LEATHER VEST W/ COA
by Lock Stock & Barrel Auctions
Est: $200- $400
$1000 Bids
Alien Prop Skull Acquired by Clark McClelland for Table Signing and Lectures. Also 2nd Head with Retro Appeal
Feb 27, 10:00 AM PST
Alien Prop Skull Acquired by Clark McClelland for Table Signing and Lectures. Also 2nd Head with Retro Appeal
by Goldberg Coins & Collectibles
Est: $200- $300
$1000 Bids
Two Vintage Spiderman Crew Production Jackets
Feb 11, 10:00 AM PST
Two Vintage Spiderman Crew Production Jackets
by John Moran Auctioneers
Est: $300- $500
$1500 Bids
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MODERN COPY OF WWII US GENERAL & ADMIRAL UNIFORMS
Feb 15, 11:00 AM EST
MODERN COPY OF WWII US GENERAL & ADMIRAL UNIFORMS
by Centurion Auctions
Est: $100- $300
$700 Bids

Sellers Who Sell Movie Props


Centurion Auctions

Centurion Auctions

John Moran Auctioneers

John Moran Auctioneers

New Orleans Auction Galleries

New Orleans Auction Galleries

Goldberg Coins & Collectibles

Goldberg Coins & Collectibles