From the moment the first episode of “Start Trek” aired in 1966, it became almost an instant cult classic. Not only was the TV show a huge hit, but several movies were made as well, and actor William Shatner played the beloved Captain Kirk in most of them.
Whether you’re a Trekkie or not, you’re probably familiar with Captain Kirk’s famous chair, which was the embodiment of power. In 2002, the original chair sold for a whopping $305,000 at an auction in Los Angeles.
Citizen Kane (1941) - Rosebud Sled: $233K
The fact that a film from 1941 is still referenced as a cinematic masterpiece so many decades later is a testament to its brilliance. This American drama from famous director Orson Welles tells the story of a publishing mogul’s last words and how they set off a series of scandalous events.
The most prominent prop of the film is Rosebud’s infamous sled, which was won by a boy in New York City back in 1942. Fifty-four years later, in 1996, it sold for $233,500 in a Christie’s auction in Los Angeles.
The “Rosebud” Sled
The famous sled, used in the early part of “Citizen Kane,” was won by a 12-year-old boy in Brooklyn in 1942 named Robert Bauer. The sled was a prize in an RKO Pictures competition, and Bauer kept it for his entire life. His son told the story of how his mother once wanted to turn the sled into a planter, and his father opposed it, saying, “No, preserve it and store it in the closet.”
Director Steven Spielberg owned another of the three sleds that were used in the film, which he bought for over $60,000 in 1982.
Captain Kirk’s Chair
The chair even has a name. It is called 'The Commandor Chair." It was considered the most important position on board the starship, and Captain Kirk was the only one to be seen on it. Although it was the captain's throne, it was quite a simple design.
It had narrow arms colored walnut and black Naugahyde cushioning. The model number was either No. 4449 or No. 2405, and it was made by Madison Furniture Industries. Many people bought the same chair back in the day, not knowing it would become a piece of film history.
Saturday Night Fever (1977) – John Travolta’s Suit: $145K
The famous John Travolta, well-known for his singing, dancing, and acting abilities, skyrocketed to fame in his younger years with films like "Grease" and the legendary disco flick "Saturday Night Fever." One of the most famous props in the disco film was Travolta’s flashy suit.
That iconic white suit with a black shirt and flare pants became world-famous. So famous, in fact, that in 1995 it sold for a hefty $145,500 to a die-hard fan of the film.