The original armature used to film the final, climactic scenes of the 1933 epic King Kong sold today at Christie’s South Kensington for £121,250 / $200,305 / €134,224. Measuring 22 inches in height, the metal armature was used in the film to show the giant ape as he terrorized New York and as he scaled the Empire State Building; some of the most memorable scenes from one of Hollywood’s most famous films. The armature was bought by an anonymous client who was bidding in the room.
Neil Roberts, Head of Popular Memorabilia, Christie’s London: “This King Kong armature was instrumental in filming one of the most recognisable sequences in cinema history, and as such it is an exceptional relic of film memorabilia. We are thrilled to have seen such excitement leading up to the auction and to have been able to exhibit the model to the public for the first time, and we are pleased to have realised a notable price which reflects its importance. The results throughout today’s sale illustrate that collectors continue to be drawn to items which resonate with their passions for popular culture; be it the golden age of cinema, Marilyn Monroe or James Bond.”
The auction realised a total of £519,463 / $858,153 / €575,046.. Other highlights included a very rare original puppet of Father Stanley Unwin from the Gerry Anderson T.V. series The Secret Service which realised £18,750 / $30,975 / €20,756; a black silk evening dress previously owned by Marilyn Monroe which sold for £9,375 / $15,488 / €10,378; and a pair of sunglasses worn by Daniel Craig as James Bond in Quantum of Solace which realised £1,187 / $1,961 / €1,314.