YORK, Pa. (ACNI) – A Captain America “hero-prop” shield screen-used by Chris Evans in Marvel Studios 2019 blockbuster Avengers: Endgame has sold at auction for $259,540. The marquee item in Hake’s Nov. 2-3 online auction of entertainment and historical memorabilia, the star-emblazoned shield opened at $20,000 and attracted 17 bids before selling to its new owner, Wilmot “Wil” Creasy. A commercial analyst with Creasy Group, a Western Australia business focused on mining and metals exploration and investment, Wil Creasy now adds iconic aluminum to his burgeoning pop-culture portfolio, which also reportedly includes extremely rare Pokemon cards.
The shield was constructed for Endgame by Marvel Studios senior prop master Russell Bobbitt and appeared in the film’s all-important close-up scenes. Other Captain America prop shields were created for use in long shots and action sequences but lasted for only a few scenes before sustaining damage associated with stunt work. The near-pristine shield auctioned by Hake’s was handled with care on-set so it could be featured in multiple close-up scenes throughout the film’s production.
Bidder confidence was bolstered in no small way by the shield’s impeccable provenance. Previously, it was gifted to youth empowerment nonprofit Sand Sisters Los Angeles Inc., by Marvel Studios’ Executive Vice President Victoria Alonso. In February 2020, it was the top prize in a raffle hosted by Sand Sisters (now known as “Girl Powerful”), and raised $155,801.
After the November 3 auction session concluded, Hake’s President Alex Winter remarked: “This was one of those rare times when we did not assign a pre-auction estimate. We knew the collectors would have the final say and wanted to cast no expectation. But we also knew the potential for something special was there. And that is what happened, a new auction house record for any Marvel movie prop. And well deserved, this was one of the most amazing items Hake’s has offered in its 45-year history, and that is saying something considering the millions of items we have handled.’
“From the moment we had the shield in-hand, we promoted it everywhere, culminating in its in-person appearance at the Baltimore Comic Con, where it was the star of the show,” Winter continued. “And from the day it went online, the bids started coming in, but it was the final day that saw it jump some $150,000 before closing at the record price. The term ‘museum quality’ is sometimes overused, but in this case, it is well deserved.”
The shield was authenticated by Russell Bobbitt and accompanied in Hake’s sale by a custom-crafted plaque and Letter of Authenticity, both signed by Bobbitt.
The November 2-3, 2021 auction total was $3.3 million, catapulting Hake’s 2021 gross sales to more than $10 million. All prices quoted in this report are inclusive of an 18% buyer’s premium. A full postsale report with additional highlights from Hake’s November 2-3 auction will appear soon on Auction Central News.
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By Catherine Saunders-Watson
Auction Central News International