LOS ANGELES: A prototype of the terrifying monster from “Alien,” a mobster’s three-piece suit worn by Al Pacino in “Scarface” and Harry Potter’s wand are among 800 items from classic Hollywood movies up for auction next month in Los Angeles.
The Blockbuster auction’s centerpiece is the life-sized, nightmarish Xenomorph creature from Ridley Scott’s classic 1979 sci-fi horror, expected to fetch up to $60,000.
Designed by Swiss artist Hans Ruedi Giger, the translucent costume was long presumed missing and has never been on sale before, according to Julien’s Auctions executive director Martin Nolan.
Another high-profile item is the pin-striped suit worn by Pacino’s coked-up drugslinger Tony Montana in the bloody climactic gunbattle of 1983’s “Scarface.”
The “very, very rare” costume has a pre-sale estimate of $20,000-$30,000, said Nolan.
“This is Western pop culture. But now these items are known globally,” he added.
Props from various Batman movies will be on offer, from the bodysuit worn by Val Kilmer’s caped crusader and the cloak donned by Michelle Pfieffer’s Catwoman in “Batman Forever”, to the massive rifle wielded by Arnold Schwarzenegger as Mister Freeze in “Batman and Robin.”
The Zippo lighter used by Bruce Willis’ character throughout “Die Hard” can be purchased alongside the ratty “studio distressed” vest he wears in sequel “Die Hard With a Vengeance.”
An original Imperial scout blaster from “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi” is likely to yield $20,000-$30,000, while a pair of original bladed gloves worn by Johnny Depp in “Edward Scissorhands” could draw up to $50,000.
“If you love Harry Potter — and you’re probably at a stage when you’re starting to make money now (if) you grew up with Harry Potter movies — and you want to own something from your youth,” Daniel Radcliffe’s wand is available, added Nolan.
While the boy wizard’s wand is estimated at $8,000-$10,000, Slytherin fans may want to consider one from Professor Snape’s collection, which is a little cheaper at $6,000 to $8,000.
Inkwell And Pen Case Or Davat-I Dawlat
A dagger of an emperor, an ornate pen case and a 17th century necklace of the Nizam. These are among the 400 pieces of ancient Indian treasures and Mughal jewels set to go under the hammer in New York on June 19.
It is a known fact that during the reign of the Mughal dynasty, jewelled pen case and inkwell sets were presented to persons of utmost distinction. This emerald, ruby and diamond-set pen case and inkwell has the engraving of a sacred swan or hamsa under the inkwell. It is dated back to the late 16th century and is said to have originated in the Deccan region.
The Diamond Turban Ornament Or Jigha
The Belle Époque diamond jigha was made in 1907 and remodelled around 1935. The ornament is set with old baguette and pear-shaped diamonds. It is made of white gold. On the reverse is a plume holder. The lower part of the ornament is detachable and can be worn as a brooch, according to the Christie’s website. The total weight of the diamonds in this turban ornament is approximately 152.60 carats.
The Mirror Of Paradise Diamond
The Mirror of Paradise is a D-colour internally flawless diamond of 52.58 carats. The diamond was found in the Golconda region in South India.
Until the 1730s, India was known to be the world’s supplier of diamonds. Many of the world’s famous diamonds — the Koh-i-Noor, the Regent and the Hope diamonds — were found in the riverbeds of the Deccan region.
The Nizam Of Hyderabad Necklace
The Nizam of Hyderabad necklace is a magnificent piece from the late 19th century. It is made of gold with seven large foiled triangular diamonds, each framed in an openwork panel of kundan-set diamond leaves, says Christie’s. At front centre is a triangular diamond pendant surrounded by 12 diamond leaves, mounted on an inner edge with a melon-cut emerald bead.
The Patiala Ruby Choker
This piece of jewellery is a magnificent example of the fusion between the East and the West. The necklace was commissioned by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala. It was created by Cartier in 1931. This ruby, pearl and diamond necklace is just one example of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh’s long relationship with the house of Cartier. It has 292 ruby beads weighing 356.56 carats, interspersed with panels of 132 threaded pearls, caught at each side with clasps of 120 diamonds and rubies set in platinum, each clasp formed of a cluster of six cabochon claw-set rubies. The necklace was restored and restrung by Cartier Tradition in 2012.