A distinctive, illuminated C-3PO head, a prop from the cinematic masterpiece Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back, has fetched an astonishing sum of over $1 million at a recent auction. This iconic piece, integral to the portrayal of the beloved protocol droid in George Lucas’s seminal 1980 science fiction blockbuster, was a standout item in a significant collection of film and television memorabilia. The sale took place during the opening day of the Spring Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction, hosted by the esteemed Propstore auction house in Los Angeles.
The Star Wars franchise, a cultural phenomenon that experienced a notable revival in the 2010s with new installments featuring stars like Daisy Ridley and Adam Driver alongside returning original cast members, has since broadened its horizons with a plethora of spin-off productions and series.
This particular C-3PO head is reportedly the sole known example of the fictional droid’s head to ever surface on the collector’s market. It ultimately sold for a remarkable $1,058,400 (£801,818), significantly exceeding its pre-sale estimate, which ranged from $350,000 to $700,000 (£260,000 to £520,000).
Auction Highlights: More Than Just Droids
The C-3PO head was undoubtedly the star attraction, but the auction presented a treasure trove of cinematic history. The harpoon gun, famously wielded by actor Robert Shaw in the classic thriller Jaws, complete with its original case, also commanded a substantial price, selling for $327,600 (£248,182).
Further cementing the enduring appeal of Steven Spielberg’s 1975 shark attack film, a Fenwick fishing rod with its reel, used by Shaw’s character Quint during his terrifying encounter with the colossal shark, achieved $239,400 (£181,364). Adding to the Jaws collection, which was presented just a year after the film’s landmark 50th anniversary, was the distinctive shark tooth clapperboard used during its production, which brought in $81,900 (£62,045).
A Volleyball and a Legendary Sword
Shifting gears to another beloved film, a Wilson volleyball, famously known as “Wilson” and used by Tom Hanks in the 2000 survival drama Cast Away, sold for an impressive $189,000 (£143,181). This sale also surpassed its pre-sale estimate of $150,000 to $300,000 (£110,000 to £220,000).
The auction also featured a significant piece from the fantasy realm: the “Shards of Narsil,” broken pieces of the legendary sword from The Lord of the Rings film series. This pivotal prop sold for $252,000 (£190,909).
Record-Breaking First Day
The first day of the auction, which saw a diverse array of valuable memorabilia on offer, generated a total of $6.5 million (£4.9 million). Items such as a golden ticket from the beloved 1971 adaptation of Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory were also among the lots available for bidding.
Brandon Alinger, Propstore’s Chief Operating Officer, expressed his satisfaction with the auction’s strong start. “We’ve seen a strong start to the auction, with competitive bidding right from the outset,” he commented. “At Propstore, Star Wars material continues to resonate with collectors, and the C-3PO head from The Empire Strikes Back was a real highlight of the day. The Jaws collection also delivered an impressive overall result, coming just after the film’s 50th anniversary and reflecting its enduring appeal with collectors. With such a diverse line-up of material still to come, we’re excited to see how the rest of the auction unfolds.”
The final day of the auction, scheduled for March 27th, is dedicated to animation, promising over 200 lots that celebrate the rich artistry of animation across film and television.
