‘Superman’ and superstar memorabilia worth 11 million pounds up for auction

LONDON, Oct 4 (Reuters) – Star Wars villain Darth Vader’s gloves will likely be among the many well-known and acquainted gadgets from movies, tv and the world of music up for grabs in British memorabilia firm Propstore’s annual dwell public sale subsequent month.

Returning to an in-person occasion following a pandemic pause, this yr’s public sale boasts an prolonged catalogue of over 1,500 tons with an estimated whole value of 11 million kilos ($12.3 million).

“This yr is bigger than ever earlier than. We have added about 500 tons plus one other day. It is a large step up for us, which makes it that rather more of an thrilling occasion,” Propstore Chief Government Stephen Lane instructed Reuters.

Highlights embrace the whole Superman costume worn by actor Christopher Reeve within the 1978-1987 “Superman” franchise, Vader’s black gloves from the primary “Star Wars” film in 1977 and a Bible that hid a rock hammer in 1994’s “Shawshank Redemption”.

There may be additionally a first-edition hardback copy of “Harry Potter and the Thinker’s Stone” from 2001 and the Little Nellie pilot helmet worn by Sean Connery within the 1967 James Bond movie “You Solely Stay Twice”.

Music memorabilia is being launched as a brand new class this yr, getting its personal devoted day.

Lane singled out Noel Gallagher’s Gibson Les Paul Silver Sparkle Florentine guitar from the “Be Right here Now” album and tour, estimated at 300,000 to 500,000 kilos, as a key lot.

Music lovers also can bid for David Bowie’s Main Tom spacesuit from the “Ashes to Ashes” music video, Elvis Presley’s signed gun license utility, George Harrison’s Dallas ‘E’ banjolele and Dave Grohl’s handwritten set listing from Nirvana’s “Nevermind” tour.

Lane, who has been accumulating props and costumes for over 30 years, stated the present financial local weather was boosting gross sales.

Propstore’s June public sale in Los Angeles was a record-breaker with 2,000 tons promoting for over $10 million, he stated.

“It’s totally fascinating, we have seen this equally in 2007 and 2008 once we had the large monetary crash, that truly the place there’s volatility within the markets, folks search for mounted property and gadgets like these to speculate their cash into,” he stated.

“They take it out of the foreign money markets and truly put it in one thing that is extra tangible. So, we’re seeing nice success with our film props and costume auctions.”

Propstore’s leisure memorabilia dwell public sale will likely be held on the BAFTA headquarters in central London, with bidding additionally out there on-line or through phone, Nov. 3-6.

Reporting by Hanna Rantala; enhancing by Jonathan Oatis

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