Bidding for this lot will end on Wednesday, August 26th. The auction will begin at 9:30 AM (PDT) / 12:30 PM (EDT) / 5:30 PM (GMT) and lots are sold sequentially via live auctioneer; tune in to the live streaming broadcast on auction day to follow the pace. Note other lots in the auction may close on Thursday, August 27th or Friday, August 28th or Saturday, August 29th.

A Flying Unit clapperboard from the production of Richard Donner's Superman. Among the most beloved and influential films of all time, Superman required extensive second unit photography to bring its titular superhero's (Christopher Reeve) Kryptonian superpowers to life, including a specific Flying Unit for shots in which he flew through the skies above Metropolis.

This rare wooden clapperboard with a metal hinge was recovered from a private collection, having been abandoned sometime after production. It is labeled for Dominic Fulford, who served as first assistant director on the film's Flying Unit, as well as Denys Coop, who served as creative director of process photography and was responsible for photographing the flight sequences. Coop ultimately received a Special Achievement Oscar for his groundbreaking visual effects work, while Fulford went on to head up second units on such classics as Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, Krull, and Supergirl.

The clapperboard is applied with tape strips hand-marked for slate "K," dated "17th Nov. '77," and numbered for shot "E.K.5247." It shows evidence of wear consistent with use, handling, and age, including chalk residue on front and fading to the stenciled labels. Dimensions: 15" x 14" x 0.75" (38.25 cm x 35.75 cm x 2 cm)