Legendary Hollywood props take the spotlight at Studio Auctions Oct. 7

MANHATTAN BEACH, Calif. — Instantly recognizable icons from Hollywood motion picture and television history come into focus with Studio Auctions’ Hollywood Treasures Part 1 sale on Saturday, October 7. The 66-lot catalog is now available for bidding at LiveAuctioneers.

Adapted from the L. Frank Baum classic series of books, MGM’s The Wizard of Oz has been viewed literally billions of times worldwide since its debut in 1939. The film included a wealth of memorable moments; the transition from black and white to color, the reveal of the Wizard, and Judy Garland’s tremendous performance, to name just a few.

One of the most iconic, due to its terror-inducing visuals, was Dorothy’s house being swept into cyclonic air during a tornado. Long before the era of digital composites, effects technicians would build miniature models to achieve realistic visuals. One of the original “Dorothy houses” survived filming (there were three), and comes with remarkable provenance, including an MGM property tag, making it the top lot in the sale. It is estimated at $100,000-$150,000 and is the first lot of the day.

An original type 2 phaser weapon prop from Star Trek: The Original Series also has impeccable provenance: it comes from the collection of the late Nichelle Nichols, the cast member who played Lt. Uhura. Upon the show’s shutdown in 1969, property master Irv Feinberg gave the prop to Nichols, who kept it for the rest of her life. One of very few known to exist, the phaser has a stunning but fitting estimate of $100,000-$120,000.

The recent success of Top Gun: Maverick has brought renewed focus on the ever-popular 1986 original Top Gun film starring Tom Cruise. The Studio Auctions event has not one but two important props from the movie: Cruise’s original flight suit with all patches intact; and Cruise’s Ray-Ban Aviator sunglasses, both screen-used. The flight suit carries a $80,000-$120,000 estimate, while the Ray-Bans have an estimate of $15,000-$20,000.

For pop culture fans, this is a must-see catalog. At just 66 lots, it’s remarkable how many props are instantly recognizable. View it now at LiveAuctioneers.