Bonhams has sold the iconic lead statuette of the Maltese Falcon from the classic 1941 film noir of the same name for a record $4,085,000. The statuette was the top lot in Bonhams special sale held on November 25 in conjunction with Turner Classic Movies (TCM), “What Dreams Are Made Of: A Century of Movie Magic At Auction As Curated By Turner Classic Movies.”
“The spectacular price achieved reflects the statuette’s tremendous significance. The Maltese Falcon is arguably the most important movie prop ever, and is central to the history of cinema, ” explained Dr Catherine Williamson, the Director of the Entertainment Memorabilia Department at Bonhams. “The sale totaled just under $6,000,0000 – a superb result for our inaugural sale with our partners, Turner Classic Movies.”
Additional highlights included the 1940 Buick Phaeton automobile from Casablanca which realized $461,000; an Audrey Hepburn Givenchy hat from Funny Face that quadrupled its estimate to reach $87,500; and a Nautilus Diver’s Helmet from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea that sold for $81,250.
For complete auction results, please visit www.bonhams.com/auctions/21427.