My thanks to David Weber for tipping me off to this
mighty impressive auction, held by Julien Entertainment, Inc, on eBay.
It ended November 15, 2003, and the majority of the pieces came from our favorite Uncle, Forrest J. Ackerman's collection... (although it's sad that no one came forward and offered to properly house Uncle 4E's vast Science Fiction & Horror collection!!)
Now this auction covered over 30 pages of eBay listings, so I only snatched those pieces that I thought were a
combination of fantastic, true film collectibles, never before seen treasures, or just 'that's freaking neat' stuff!!
Some prices were worthy of the pieces being offered for auction, while other prices, I personally feel, were a freaking
STEAL, or "I can't believe it didn't get more than that?!" So sit back and wonder, 'Who has these treasures
now?!"....
I copied the writeup, as well as noted the final price each piece went for...
Variable Traveling Arc for Young Frankenstein - $14k
Elaborate traveling arc with an interior plastic tube surrounded by tiered circular rings. Three vertical metal rods are topped with wooden insulators and brass balls. The unit rests on a transformer base, which is a square wooden box with six turned wooden insulators on top. Appeared in its current form in "Young Frankenstein". Pieces of the Traveling Arc were used in different configurations in various films dating back to the 1930's. A key piece in Strickfaden's traveling science shows. Circular wooden base measures 18 inches in diameter; overall height is 54 inches. The Transformer base measures 17 inches x 17 inches x 13 inches. Condition: No visible flaws. Untested.
Large Copper Electrode used in Frankenstein - $7.5k
Copper ball electrode used in "Frankenstein" (1931), "Bride of Frankenstein" (1935), and numerous other films. The ball hangs from an eyelet affixed to its top and measures 19 inches in diameter. Condition: No visible flaws. Untested.
Dr. Aurandt's Death Ray from Strickfaden Show - $7.5k
A bullet-shaped metal canister with ten faceted blue stones in its face. Topped with two angled wooden insulators, with a connecting spiral aluminum tube. Runs on 110 volt AC. Blue stones glow from an interior light. Believed to have been used in serials dating back to the 1940's. A key piece in Strickfaden's traveling science shows. Measures 36 inches height. Condition: Some abrasions and paint loss. Lights are in working condition.
Digital Disputor from Dracula v. Frankenstein - $14k
A wooden and steel drum with firing electrodes on the face. The back of the drum contains the controls: Motor On/Off switch, motor speed rheostat, On/Off arc switches, remote switches and a bank of fuses. Mounted on a turned glass insulator base. Originally designed as a musical instrument, the Digital Disputor appears in "Dracula Vs, Frankenstein" (1971) and "Young Frankenstein" (1974). A key piece in Strickfaden's traveling science shows. Drum is 21 1/2 inches in diameter, overall height is 35 inches. Condition: Light wear to outer case. Not tested.
Firelscope Flasher for Dracula v Frankenstein - $9.5k
A heavy metal casing with an ampmeter top center, plus numerous front-mounted electrical switches and faceted stones. Mounted on t0p are three turned-wood insulators that hold two 7 inch clear plastic disks, with a white lamp between the discs. Appeared in "Dracula Vs. Frankenstein" (1971). A key piece in Strickfaden's traveling science shows. Measures 24 inches high x 17 inches wide x 6 inches deep. Condition. No visible flaws. Untested.
Hanging Traveling Arc Dracula v Frankenstein - $9.5k
Five large heavy steel rings attached horizontally by three 12 inch glass insulators per level. Believed to have been used in various configurations in films dating back to the 1930's. In it's current configuration the traveling arc appeared in "Just Another Pretty Face", season two of "The Munsters" (1965), and "Dracula Vs. Frankenstein" (1971). The glass insulators are believed to have been used in "House of Frankenstein" (1944). The top and bottom rings each measure 27 inches in diameter; the three center rings each measure 37 inches in diameter. Does not include a power source. Overall height in hanging position is 60 inches. Condition: No visible flaws. Untested.
Involutarium from Young Frankenstein (1974) - $3750
A T-shaped unit with an 11 inch copper ball on top and a 20 inch spinning disc on the bottom. Appears briefly in "Young Frankenstein" (1974). Overall height is 40 inches.
Lightening Screen from Dracula v Frankenstein - $14k
A round glass screen with a metal inside hub and outside rim, which would throw spectacular electrical bolts from the center to the outer rim. The unit is comprised of the glass screen; a wooden base with a back bracket; and a square wooden box containing a transformer, with four turned wooden insulators on top. appears in "Just Another Pretty Face", season two of "The Munsters" (1965), and "Dracula Vs. Frankenstein" (1971). One of Strickfaden's most spectacular displays of high voltage fury, the Lightening Screen measures 43 3/4 inches in diameter. Base measures 14 inches x 14 inches, 45 inches high. Transformer measures 14 inches x 15 inches x 15 1/2 inches. Condition: No visible flaws. Untested.
Martian Beacon from Dracula v Frankenstein - $7.5k
Standing beacon with a metal base , a tapered cylindrical aluminum body, and an 8 inch glass orb on top with a red neon bulb in its center. The glass orb is surrounded by brass fixtures. On/off switch on base, runs on 110 volt AC. Appeared in ³Dracula Vs. Frankenstein² (1971), and believed to have been used in a number of serials. A key piece in Strickfaden's traveling science shows. Overall height is 32 inches. Condition. No visible flaws. In working condition.
Medium Scissor Arc from Bride of Frankenstein- $3250.
A powerful scissor arc used to create intense flashes of white light. Used off screen to simulate lightning flashes and electrical effects. The spectacular laboratory explosions in films such as "The Bride of Frankenstein" (1935) and "Ghost of Frankenstein" (1942) were created using the Medium Scissor Arc and similar unit called the Triple Scissor Arc. The transformer is on a base with the arc mounted above. Overall height is 17 1/4 inches. Condition: No visible flaws. Untested.
Megavolt Sr. From Frankenstein & Terminator - $42.5k
Among his hundreds of mechanical and electrical creations, the Meg Sr. was Kenneth Strickfaden's personal favorite. Built in the late 1930's, the Meg Sr. can throw out up to a million volts of electrical energy in large , powerful lightning-like bolts. Used off-screen for electrical effects appearing in "Son of Frankenstein" (1939), "Frankenstein Meets the Wolfman" (1943), "Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein" (1948), numerous serials, and even "The Terminator" (1984). Meg Sr. makes on-screen appearances in "Son of Frankenstein" (1939), "Frankenstein Meets the Wolfman" (1943), and "Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein" (1948). The Meg Sr. is comprised of: 1) Throw switch attached to a heavy capacitor, mounted on base with 4 inch casters. Switch is copper and Bakelite construction, capacitor and base are metal. A short wire extends from the switch and a 2 inch wire extends from the ballast. Measures 31 inches high x 28 inches wide x 17 1/4 inches deep. 2) Meg Sr. Transformer, measures 16 1/2 inches high x 12 inches wide x 8 inches deep. 3) Meg Sr. Pole 1 3/4 inch diameter pole, fits into above transformer. Measures 69 1/2 inches in length. 4) Meg Sr. Metal cylinder - a large metal cylinder made of tightly coiled copper, which threw large sparks to other objects. Comes in a fiberboard case with a hinged top. Measures 18 inches in diameter and 48 inches high. 5) Meg Sr Rotary Cap - A nine inch diameter vertically mounted rotor disc with electrical screw contacts along the perimeter, powered by a Dumore motor with attached rheostat. Mounted on a 3/4 inch thick plastic base. Base measures 13 inches x 9 inches, overall height is 10 inches. 6) Three pieces of mounting hardware created to suspend Meg Sr. in "Young Frankenstein" (1974). Condition: No visible flaws. Untested.
Megavolt Jr. from The Munsters - $7.5k
A smaller version of Megavolt Sr., designed by Strickfaden for use in his traveling science shows. Appeared in "Just Another Pretty Face", season two of "The Munsters" (1965). Meg Jr is comprised of: a metal tube wrapped in copper wire, 8 inch diameter x 26 1/2 inches high, in a case with a large circular top and a four-wheeled dolley base. The base measures 20 inches x 16 inches; a "Tesla Megavolt Resonator Jr."(marked #46 K-90), a wooden base with a small box of resonator contacts and terminals, base measures 12 inches in length; and a large tube marked #25 contains a 4 3/4 inch diameter tube wrapped with copper coil, 35 ¾ inches long. Condition: No visible flaws. Untested.
Nebularium - $70k
A quintessential piece of laboratory equipment from 'Frankenstein", Universal, 1931. Also appears prominently in "The Mask of Fu Manchu" (1932), and "The Bride of Frankenstein" (1935). The concave mirror of the nebularium could also be used to create dramatic shadow effects. A light bounced off the curved mirror and past an actor would throw a greatly magnified shadow on any surface. The shadow images of the Frankenstein monster in the Universal series were virtually always created with the use of the Nebularium. The Nebularium is comprised of a concave mirrored reflector with a T-configuration of wooden and metal insulators, and a 14 inch insulator with a 5 inch brass ball on top. Mounts on a heavy black base with two 5 inch turned wooden insulators. The reflector measures 25 1/2 inches, the base is 15 inches in diameter and 14 inches high. Condition: Mirrored surface has wear. The 5 inch brass ball has dents and is loosely attached to the end of the insulator.
Main Switchboard from Frankenstein Films - $14k
Strickfaden's master board used to control various pieces of electrical equipment. The board is covered with knife switches, two variac rheostat potentiometers, and two lightning screen controls. Built in 1929 and used on virtually all of the films in which Strickfaden contributed special effects, including "Just Imagine" (1930), "Frankenstein" (1931) "The Mask of Fu Manchu" (1932), "The Bride of Frankenstein" (1935), "Flash Gordon" (1936), "Son of Frankenstein" (1939), and many others. The switchboard made a screen appearance in "Just Another Pretty Face", season two of "The Munsters" (1965). Comes with an assortment of heavy cables. Mounted on a metal frame, measures 59 inches high x 26 inches wide x 24 inches deep. Condition: No visible flaws. Untested.
Vulcan Traveling Arc from Young Frankenstein - $11k
A heavy wooden cabinet topped with bulbs, coils, and a 5 inch diameter clear plastic tube containing a traveling arc. Runs on 110 v. a.c. A key piece in Strickfaden's traveling science shows. The present configuration appeared in "Young Frankenstein" (1974). The cabinet portion is believed to have been used in earlier films. Cabinet measures 14 inches high x 20 inches wide x 13 inches deep, overall height is 26 inches. Condition: No visible flaws. Untested.
Karloff Signed Contract for Frankenstein! - $11k
Original contract between Boris Karloff and Universal Pictures Corporation for Karloff to play "The Monster" in "Frankenstein" (1931). Single page standard Universal Artists contract, dated August 1, 1931, and signed by Boris Karloff and a Universal representative. Stapled to the top of the contract is a rider, with additional provisions regarding retakes, added scenes and trailers. The rider is initialed bottom right by both Karloff and Universal's representative. Contract measures 17 inches x 8 1/2 inches, rider measures 6 inches x 8 1/2 inches. CONDITION: Two horizontal folds. Four holes along top border; the far right hole has minor paper loss. Two small holes along left border through both contract and rider.
Bela Lugosi Stage Worn Dracula Bow Tie - $6000
Bow tie worn by Bela Lugosi in the stage production of "Dracula", circa late 1940's. There is a small faint stain on the back of the left bow. Lugosi claimed to have cut himself shaving -- and the mark to be his blood. Tie fastens in the back of the neck. Presented on a Bela Lugosi mannequin head. Tie measures 4 1/2" in width. FROM THE COLLECTION OF FORREST J ACKERMAN. CONDITION: Fine. Fastener in back is broken.
Van Helsing's Glasses from Dracula - $2100
Eye glasses worn by Edward Van Sloan as Dr. Van Helsing in the stage production of "Dracula", starring Bela Lugosi. Gold wire-rimmed bifocals in very good condition. FROM THE COLLECTION OF FORREST J ACKERMAN. CONDITION: The right lens has some surface scratches and abrasions. Left arm has been replaced.
Lon Chaney Sr. Owned & Used Tackle Box $2250
Tackle box owned and used by Lon Chaney Sr. Chaney was an avid sportsman and his favorite pastime was fishing at his cabin, located in the Angeles National Forest. Following Chaney's death in 1930 the tackle box was passed on to his son, Lon Chaney Jr. Shortly before his death in 1973, Chaney Jr. gave the box to a friend, who gifted it to Forrest J Ackerman. Box is plywood and metal construction, and measures 7 1/2 inches high x 11 inches wide x 7 inches deep. FROM THE COLLECTION OF FORREST J ACKERMAN. CONDITION: Moderate usage wear.
Phantom of the Opera Story Board - 1943 - $700
Original storyboard from "Phantom of the Opera" Universal, 1943. Features Anatole Garron (Nelson Edy) hanging from a catwalk high above the opera stage. In the finished film, this scene was modified to show Garron hanging from a rope. Charcoal and pencil on board, mounted on a larger board with production notes. Artwork measures 13 inches x 17 inches; overall size is 20 1/4 inches x 23 3/4". CONDITION: No visible flaws. NOTES: Academy Award winner for Best Art Direction-Interior Decoration, Color and Best Cinematography, Color.
Brontosaurus Model Used In King Kong (1933) - $32.5k
This brontosaurus model was used in the 1933 classic "King Kong". It appears in the sequence featuring Denham and his crew, on a raft, attacked by a dinosaur. Four animation models were used in this sequence; two mechanical models for the water scenes, and two fully armatured models for the land sequences. This mechanical model appears in the first scenes of the brontosaurus surfacing and disappearing under water, and in the shot of the dinosaur capsizing the raft (the model is rear-projected into the shot with the live-action actors). The body is constructed from two large pieces of carved wood, with a hinge on the upper back (to allow the dinosaur to "arch" its back as it dives underwater). The neck is composed of eight sections of wood, with a heavy spring running through the center to allow movement. A cable runs out underneath the torso; when pulled the head and neck rises. The head is made of wood, metal and composition material. Sculpted by Marcel Delgado for effects supervisor Willis O'Brien. Mounted on a flat base; measures 27" in length and 11" in height. FROM THE COLLECTION OF FORREST J ACKERMAN. CONDITION: Skin and foam covering almost entirely gone; everything else intact. Springs and cable intact but fragile. Head has good detail; jaw detached from top of head and held in place with wire.
Gas Bomb used in King Kong - 1933 - $7250
Gas bomb used in "King Kong", RKO, 1933. This is one of the gas grenades used by Carl Denham on Skull Island to subdue Kong. Carved wood with silver painted finish and applied metal pin. Measures 8 inches in height. CONDITION: Minor wood loss on upper rim and minor wear of painted finish. NOTES: A similar piece sold at auction in 2002 for $8000
Rare King Kong Figure by Marcel Delgado 1968 - $7300
Figure of "King Kong" created by Don Post Studios, 1968. This figure was created as a prototype for a twelve foot Kong statue, commissioned for a Canadian exhibition. The original figure was sculpted by Marcel Delgado, who created the original animation models used in "King Kong" (1933). A mold and several castings were made of the Delgado sculpture, this is one of the few believed to have survived. Rubber composition with applied hair and glass eyes, figure measures 20 inches tall x 19 1/2 inches wide. FROM THE COLLECTION OF FORREST J ACKERMAN. CONDITION: Minor cracking and wear on exposed rubber surfaces. Portion of small finger on right hand missing.
King Kong 1930's Large Theater Standee $6500
"King Kong", hand-painted theatrical standee, 1930's. Two pieces, overall size is 76 in. x 39 in. CONDITION: Numerous small scuffs, abrasions and tack holes. Light surface dirt, wear on edges, paint loss lower right corner. Light water stains along bottom border and right side. No support brace on the reverse. Excellent color. FROM THE COLLECTION OF FORREST J ACKERMAN.
Brandon Lee Leather Outfit from The Crow - $10k
From the movie that served as a tragic paradox to the life and death of its young emerging star, presented here is an original complete outfit worn by Brandon Lee in his final haunting role as "The Crow". Consisting of black leather pants, a black long sleeved lycra shirt, and a full length black leather trenchcoat, this very outfit was used and worn by Lee during various scenes within the film. Designed with the intent to stay intact during the film's many action sequences, the shirt features a customized fabric stirrup designed to keep it tucked during filming. Also, two small ankle stirrups have been stiched at the base of the pants to prevent them from hiking up. Lastly, the leather trenchcoat features appropriate distressing throughout, including tears and bullet holes, giving the outfit the necessary effect for filming. Besides the intended distress, this outfit stands in overall fine condition and has been professionally stored since being used during production. This outfit represents a superb opportunity to own a prominently worn costume from one of the greatest cult classics in Hollywood history!
Tales From The Crypt Sigourney Weaver Artwork - $250
Beautiful animated artwork from the HBO television series Tales From The Crypt. The series featured different guest stars every week such as Sigourney Weaver, who so happens to be the subject of this work. Two signatures including Richard Ory, whose autograph we obtained in person. Each episode began with one of these animated artwork images, and now you can have one!
Minority Report Tom Cruise Eyedenti Spider - $750
Direct from the film wardrobe of Tom Cruise, presented here is a prop eyedenti-scanner spider module that was attached to Cruise's hip during the early scenes of the film. Approximately 3 x 2.5 and composed of a metal-alloy material, this spider sits in a specially designed clip casing and was designed for use during the film. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from 20th Century Fox Films and in excellent condition.
Nostromo Refinery Tower from Alien - 1979 - $1.5k
Large section from the miniature "Nostromo" refinery tower used in "Alien" (1979). Constructed by Martin Bower and a team of model makers under the supervision of Nick Allder and director Ridley Scott. Highly detailed, plastic and fiberglass construction, measures 45 inches high x 25 inches wide x 20 inches deep. CONDITION: Numerous small pieces are loose.
Prop Face Hugger from Alien (1979) - $2k
This prop is from the movie "Alien". It is a space creature that resembles a massive hand with a long spine-like tail. It has eight finger-like limbs that also act as legs that enable it to crawl. At the end of each limb is a fingernail (3 are missing). In the movie this creature would grab the victims head and cover the entire face. This prop is in good condition, but has lost some foam exposing some of the wire used in the limbs. There is a 3 inch split in the foam on the tail. It measures 47" long x 17" wide. This lot comes with a certificate of authenticity.
Ghostbusters II Prop Proton Pack From Film - $1600
Proton pack used in "Ghostbusters II", Columbia, 1989. Believed to be one of the backpacks hanging in the background at Ghostbusters headquarters. The highly detailed unit includes a hand-held firing mechanism. Attached on the reverse are shoulder and belt straps. Plastic and metal composition, pack measures 26 1/2 inches in height. FROM THE COLLECTION OF FORREST J ACKERMAN. CONDITION: Several large cracks have been re-glued. Extensive body repairs to lower left section of pack (gray areas in photograph). Small chips to body and some small applied pieces are missing. White cables in upper pack area and wire from hand mechanism complete but unattached. Wired with a 110 a.c. adapter to internal lights, which apparently do not work.
Fertility Idol Prop Raiders of the Lost Ark - $7500
Golden Fertility Idol created for "Raiders of the Lost Ark" (1980). Appears in the opening sequence of Indiana Jones raiding the Hovitos Temple. Several identical idols were created for use in this sequence, it is not known if this one was actually screen-used. Resin-type composition with a gold finish, measures 8 inches in height. FROM THE COLLECTION OF FORREST J ACKERMAN. CONDITION: Minor wear to finish.
Bram Stoker's Dracula Prop Impaled Body - $290
Known as "Vlad The Impaler" before his transformation into Dracula, this interesting background prop silhouette was used to represent an impaled body amongst the killing fields of a battle during the early scenes of the 1992 film. Consisting of a 70" black stake with a black matte board cut-out (approximately 36 inches), this piece stands in fine condition.
Star Trek Klingon Captains Chair $1400
Klingon Captain's chair believed to have been used in the series "Star Trek; the Next Generation". Military-style chair with rust finish and black leather seat and back cushions. Wood composition with added detail. Good Condition but shows it's use.
Star Trek Photon Torpedo -$1.1k
Photon torpedo believed to have been used in Star Trek: Generations (1994). Outer marking reads Mark VI , which is the same designation that appears on Spock¹s coffin in Star Trek II and Star Trek III. Hollow plastic construction with recessed panels and painted finish. Measures 82 inches long x 31 inches wide x 14 inches deep. CONDITION: Significant paint wear and chipping.
War of the Worlds Martian Warship Model (1953) - $750
Model after the Martian Warship in "War of the Worlds", Paramount, 1953. Handmade model, maker unknown, appears to be of fiberglass construction with green resin applied wing tips. Comes in a handmade Plexiglas case. Wingspan measures 12 inches, case is 16 inches deep x 16 inches wide x 11 1/2 inches high. FROM THE COLLECTION OF FORREST J ACKERMAN. CONDITION: Martian eye in headpiece has been repaired. Small chips in resin wing tips. Case has moderate wear. Ships body is excellent.
War of the Worlds Original Blueprints 1953 - $410
Two original blueprints of the Martian war machine from "War of the Worlds", Paramount, 1953. The first blueprint is for the full-size miniature heat ray gun/scanner arm. The second is a detail of the Martian eye, dated 1/11/52. Each is folded and measures 33 inches x 42 1/2 inches. FROM THE COLLECTION OF FORREST J ACKERMAN. CONDITION: Blueprint #1 is cut, missing a small section along the right side. Some yellowing of paper. Blueprint #2 has light yellowing of paper.
Happy Modeling - Buc :)