Just as we’ve all seen a 50 cent comic book from bygone days sell for millions, 2021 saw a spectacular parade of genre props, art, costumes, and literature achieve monumental prices at Heritage Auctions. Titles that might have been dismissed in the past as merely whimsical, sensational, or light fiction, reared up their mythical dragon heads, rose from the grave, and launched into space (where no fan has gone before), to make a decisive claw print on the world of collecting. Vintage and contemporary Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror faire were a most definite sweet spot last year – and the trend doesn’t appear to be subsiding in 2022. Here are just a few highlights of the fireworks at Heritage last year:
A One-of-a-kind William Shatner Phaser Rifle from his debut appearance as “Capt. James Kirk” In Star Trek: The Original Series Second Pilot “Where No Man Has Gone Before” (Paramount TV, 1966-1969) sold for $615,000 in our Nov. Hollywood & Entertainment Signature Auction featuring the John Azarian Collection.
Original Boris Karloff as “The Ghoul” Cover Art for Famous Monsters of Filmland #110 by Basil Gogos (1974) realized a hefty $84,375 while the Monsters & Friends: Featuring The Kevin Burns Collection auction made over $1,000,000 including a Complete Vintage Set of (20) Aurora Monster Model Kits and Accessories in Original Boxes and Shrink Wrap (1962-1965) that brought a whopping $48,750!
J. K. Rowling. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. [London]: Bloomsbury, [1997]. The First edition in hardcover summoned a magical $471,000 in a bidding war as fierce as any wizard’s duel. This book achieved the world record for the highest price paid for any Harry Potter book as well as the record for the most expensive commercially published 20th Century work of fiction ever sold!
If this new year bears any resemblance to the last, we’re in for a lot more fun and fulfillment for both buyers and sellers. We already have plans to top last year’s offerings with countless items that tick all the desired boxes, many which have never been to market before. It’s been almost as much fun handling these gems as it must be owning them! Well, almost. Next up, our February 22nd Star Trek Auction! Here’s your chance to beam up some iconic costumes, props and artwork from the legendary original series, and more!
Happy Bidding!
Joe Moe