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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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1997 TITANIC J. PETERMAN'S ROSE'S FLYING COAT MOVIE PROP
Mar 12, 11:00 AM EDT
1997 TITANIC J. PETERMAN'S ROSE'S FLYING COAT MOVIE PROP
by Joe R. Pyle Complete Auction & Realty LLC
Est: $9- $9,999
$254 Bids
TITANIC 1997 J. PETERMAN'S KATE WINSLET FLYING VICTORIAN BLUE SHOES
Mar 12, 11:00 AM EDT
TITANIC 1997 J. PETERMAN'S KATE WINSLET FLYING VICTORIAN BLUE SHOES
by Joe R. Pyle Complete Auction & Realty LLC
Est: $9- $9,999
$254 Bids
4 TITANIC PROP WHITE STAR LINED BOOKLETS AND MANIFEST
Mar 12, 11:00 AM EDT
4 TITANIC PROP WHITE STAR LINED BOOKLETS AND MANIFEST
by Joe R. Pyle Complete Auction & Realty LLC
Est: $9- $9,999
$102 Bids
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LOT OF ASSORTED VINTAGE POLITICAL REVOLUTIONARY PLAY FILM POSTERS
Mar 16, 9:00 AM MST
LOT OF ASSORTED VINTAGE POLITICAL REVOLUTIONARY PLAY FILM POSTERS
by Bradford's
Est: $0- $0
$302 Bids
1997 TITANIC PROP J. PETERMAN'S HEART OF THE OCEAN NECKLACE WITH COA
Mar 12, 11:00 AM EDT
1997 TITANIC PROP J. PETERMAN'S HEART OF THE OCEAN NECKLACE WITH COA
by Joe R. Pyle Complete Auction & Realty LLC
Est: $9- $9,999
$102 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
$1001 Bid
2 TITANIC MOVIE PROPS: ONE 3RD CLASS CABINET BLANKET, ONE OLYMPIC WHITE STAR FIRST CLASS DECK CHAIR BLANKET
Mar 12, 11:00 AM EDT
2 TITANIC MOVIE PROPS: ONE 3RD CLASS CABINET BLANKET, ONE OLYMPIC WHITE STAR FIRST CLASS DECK CHAIR BLANKET
by Joe R. Pyle Complete Auction & Realty LLC
Est: $9- $9,999
$51 Bid
MARTY MCFLY'S NIKE MAG SHOE PROPS AND SHOE REPOS FROM BACK TO THE FUTURE MOVIE WITH HOVERBOARD
Mar 12, 11:00 AM EDT
MARTY MCFLY'S NIKE MAG SHOE PROPS AND SHOE REPOS FROM BACK TO THE FUTURE MOVIE WITH HOVERBOARD
by Joe R. Pyle Complete Auction & Realty LLC
Est: $9- $9,999
$51 Bid
LARGE TITANIC PROP MADE OF FIBERGLASS
Mar 12, 11:00 AM EDT
LARGE TITANIC PROP MADE OF FIBERGLASS
by Joe R. Pyle Complete Auction & Realty LLC
Est: $9- $9,999
$50 Bids
THEATRE LIGHT MOVIE PROPS WITH SOME DAMAGE AS SHOWN
Mar 12, 11:00 AM EDT
THEATRE LIGHT MOVIE PROPS WITH SOME DAMAGE AS SHOWN
by Joe R. Pyle Complete Auction & Realty LLC
Est: $9- $9,999
$50 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 1997 TITANIC MOVIE PROPS: 2 SHIP DECK LIGHTS MADE OF METAL WITH COA
Mar 12, 11:00 AM EDT
TWO 1997 TITANIC MOVIE PROPS: 2 SHIP DECK LIGHTS MADE OF METAL WITH COA
by Joe R. Pyle Complete Auction & Realty LLC
Est: $9- $9,999
$50 Bids
TITANIC PROP GRAND STAIRCASE CLOCK WITH ARCHITECTURE CHERUB AND PEDESTAL
Mar 12, 11:00 AM EDT
TITANIC PROP GRAND STAIRCASE CLOCK WITH ARCHITECTURE CHERUB AND PEDESTAL
by Joe R. Pyle Complete Auction & Realty LLC
Est: $9- $9,999
$50 Bids
1966 TITANIC WINDOW MOVIE PROP
Mar 12, 11:00 AM EDT
1966 TITANIC WINDOW MOVIE PROP
by Joe R. Pyle Complete Auction & Realty LLC
Est: $9- $9,999
$50 Bids
TITANIC REPLICA PROP OF HONOR AND GLORY SHOWING SOME DAMAGE
Mar 12, 11:00 AM EDT
TITANIC REPLICA PROP OF HONOR AND GLORY SHOWING SOME DAMAGE
by Joe R. Pyle Complete Auction & Realty LLC
Est: $9- $9,999
$50 Bids

Sellers Who Sell Movie Props