We previewed this week’s Julien’s auction here at borg.com last month.  It could go down as the best auction of The Lord of the Rings props and costumes ever sold at auction simply from four of its offerings and it may be the only chance this decade to get your hands on props from the Academy Award winning films. Called “The Trilogy Collection–Props and Costumes from Middle-Earth,” Julien’s is offering several items on the auction block this Thursday, December 5, 2013.

The key items being auctioned belong to a group of screen-used props that were given away as part of a Hasbro Toys/New Line Cinema contest to promote the release of the third LOTR installment, the 2003 Academy Award winning best picture The Return of the King.   Described as “one of eight main character props used heavily in The Lord of the Rings,” look for Aragorn’s sword, Frodo’s “Sting” sword, Eowyn’s sword, and Gimli’s battle axe, each expected to fetch prices ranging from $30,000 to $70,000, with Frodo’s sword expected to sell between $100,000 and $150,000.

Other items auctioned include (see catalog at Julien’s website for details): a Gimli helmet (expected to sell for $40,000 to $60,000), a High Elven Warrior Helmet ($15,000-$25,000), a King Elendil helmet ($10,000-$15,000), a “Shards of Narsil” prop ($25,000-$50,000), a Saruman wizard staff ($40,000-$60,000), a Boromir sword and scabbard ($15,000-$25,000), a King Théoden sword ($8,000-$12,000), a Witchking crown ($12,000-$20,000), a Ringwraith Nazgul sword ($20,000-$40,000), a Faramir helmet ($10,000-$15,000), a Faramir sword ($15,000-$25,000), a Gandalf the White wizard staff ($50,000-$70,000), a Witchking warmask ($30,000-$50,000), a Sauron helmet ($40,000-$60,000), and a Sauron gauntlet ($25,000-$50,000).

Several Hobbit ears and prosthetic feet worn by the main cast will be auctioned, and some Weta-designed, life-sized displays that incorporate stunt and hero costume elements.  Look for filming miniatures, minor weaponry, and nine prototypes of “the One Ring”–including the final design master that is expected to sell between $50,000 and $80,000, with the rest of the rings estimated at $10,000 to $20,000.More details are available at the Julien’s website. The catalog is available for $60 including shipping and an online flipbook version is available at the auction house website.

C.J. Bunce
Editor
borg.com