Release: August 4, 2023
As mindsets and collectibles go, the world changed on September 8, 1966. That’s when the first episode of the TV show Star Trek aired. Prior to that, a few cowboy and secret agent shows had captured the nation’s attention. Then, Star Trek literally went, “…where no man had gone before.”
Ironically, it was borderline. Ratings were mixed. Much of that was due to the time slots NBC stuck it in. Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In drew bigger advertising dollars so it took the better viewing time. As a result, Star Trek lasted only three seasons, until 1969. After that, it went into syndication. Once there, it shot into the stratosphere and “Trekkies” were born....
Trekkies first embraced Star Trek and then most any science fiction TV show or movie. The gathering “Comic Con” was created in 1970 San Diego where fans and collectors dressed up to celebrate all things Star Trek and science fiction.
Over the years, Comic Con has become the epicenter for related collectibles including, of course, Star Wars and extending to “out-there” TV space programs and movies such as Lost In Space; Planet of the Apes; and The Time Machine. (Fans of the TV show The Big Bang Theory know how the cast coveted Comic Con and related collectibles; were once carjacked on the way to it; and even purchased the original time travel machine from the Time Machine movie.)
Now, the public has become fanatic about owning anything that has appeared on popular TV shows or movies. It’s part of our DNA. Though Comic Con 2023 in San Diego concluded just a few short weeks ago, a month from now, Julien’s Auction firm in Los Angeles is offering some amazing items that many collectors can only dream about.
On the science fiction front, the original special effects flying saucer model from the 1951 film, The Day The Earth Stood Still. It’s estimated to bring upwards of $80,000. The uniform tunic worn by William Shatner as Captain Kirk in the film, The Wrath of Khan is slated to sell for between $100,000 and $200,000. From the set of the star ship Enterprise, an inside door from the ship is estimated to bring around $5,000.
Another costume, worn by Charlton Heston in Planet of the Apes, is estimated to go for $10,000 to $20,000. Also offered is an actual four-foot long “egg pod” from the movie Cocoon – one of those seen on the bottom of the swimming pool. That is thought to bring a modest $1,000.
How about the farm mailbox seen in the movie, Men In Black? That too might be had for under $1,000. There are two prop guns used by Harrison Ford in Blade Runner listed for near $30,000. A stained shirt Ford wore in the same movie is expected to bring between $5,000 and $7,000.
There is one of the original hoverboards seen in the movie Back To The Future II. It has an estimate of $60,000. Two ugly ties worn by Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly could bring another $6,000. A glove worn and signed by Jack Nicholson when he played “The Joker” in Batman may sell for $5,000. Even a seven-inch long plastic “hero crystal” used in the 1978 Superman Fortress of Solitude film is estimated to bring $8,000 to $10,000. Understand, it’s just a sliver of plastic resin. It shows how much some will spend to own a slice of Hollywood.
Outside of science fiction, other mementos of Hollywood productions include the briefcase carried by John Goodman in The Flintstones – $600. Or, the photo portrait of Geronimo seen on the back wall of the bar room in Cheers for $20,000. The “Wonderboy” baseball bat swung by Robert Redford in the film The Natural is estimated to exceed $25,000.
Add to that, a prop dinner plate from the film Titanic – $250; a tie worn by Tom Hanks as the FBI agent in Catch Me If You Can – $300; or a prop bottle of Xanax pills prescribed to Tony Soprano on The Sopranos – $800. The list goes on and on.
The sale includes over 1,400 lots. For those who just have to own something from one of their favorite TV shows or films, here you go. It’s also ideal for others who like to wonder “what if?” The auction is now online at: www.julienslive.com. Be you a buyer or browser, have fun dreaming.
For more collecting information and advice, log on to: http://prexford.com/.