Duane Beckett
Propstore’s Los Angeles Entertainment Memorabilia auction, which is set for March 25-27, 2026, is getting collectors excited globally. With 1,550 movie and TV lots up for grabs, expect huge attention, especially as the pre-sale estimate for all those lots is around $9 million.
There are some spectacular items up for grabs, including iconic pieces from movies like Jaws, including the screen-matched harpoon gun used by Quint in Steven Spielberg’s 1975 classic Jaws.
Other items range across major franchises, including Star Wars, The Terminator, and Gladiator, to name just a few.
As someone who often bids on memorabilia at auction, when Propstore runs a sale, it’s added to the calendar as a must-watch. I’m not alone in marking this sale as important, most collectors seeking unique pieces with provenance will be bidding too.
The Express Tribune found Propstore has seen stronger engagement and registrations, a clear sign that movie and TV collecting is still expanding.
For those interested, this spring sale supports global online, absentee, and telephone bidding across all three days.
What should collectors watch first?
One of the standout pieces is a light-up C-3PO head from The Empire Strikes Back, which Collector’s Hype notes is estimated at $350,000 to $700,000.
Quint’s harpoon gun, mentioned earlier, is estimated at $250,000 to $500,000. Another Jaws item is Quint’s fishing rod, which is estimated at $75,000 to $150,000.
Another big-ticket item is Tom Hanks’ screen-matched Wilson volleyball from Cast Away, estimated at $150,000 to $300,000.
Those are not casual buys. However, prices aren’t all five figures. Some of the lots I’m watching include:
- A Mandrake Maquette from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, with an estimate of $5,000 to $10,000.
- A chest from the National Treasure movie, starring Nicolas Cage. This has an estimate of $800 to $1,600.
- A police badge in the name of John McClane from Die Hard 2. This has an estimate of $1,000 to $2,000.
With so many lots at varying prices, many of which start well below $1,000, there should be something for everyone on offer.
Bid smart, stay calm
If you intend to bid, know that the catalog is already open for bidding. So, we recommend the following:
- Explore the sale items and don’t just assume you are getting a good deal. Where suitable, look online for comparable items for sale (if they exist).
- With any comparison, always factor in provenance, screen-matching details, condition notes, and any restoration history. Consider writing out your top targets and why, so that you know why you’re bidding if and when you take that step.
- Before bidding, always set a hard ceiling that includes the buyer’s premium, shipping, insurance, and possible taxes. These extra costs can mount up fast.
- I personally keep a second list of items I like, and which may be an option if the bid is low on them. I do this to try and bag below estimated items.
For collectors who want an in-person look, the first day includes in-room bidding at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. Plus, you can check items out at The Maybourne Beverly Hills on March 11.