Debbie Reynolds Auction

The first Debbie Reynolds Profiles in History auction takes place on June 18, 2011 (There will be a series of auctions because the collection is truly massive).  Here are some highlights that readers of this blog might enjoy.

Francis X. Bushman's Messala helmet from Ben-Hur (1925) starting price $20,000

Claudette Colbert's signature Cleopatra gown from Cleopatra (1934) starting price $20,000

Stephen Boyd's Messala armour from Ben-Hur (1959) starting price $20,000

Duncan Lamont's Marius armour from Ben-Hur (1959) starting price $8,000

Elizabeth Taylor's Cleopatra headdress from Cleopatra (1963) starting price $30,000

Richard Burton's Mark Antony armour from Cleopatra (1963) starting price $20,000

The auction also includes a lot of set dressing (statues, banners, etc.) from Cleopatra (1963) and also several large concept paintings from that film.  It's worth taking a look at the whole catalogue.

I could be wrong, but I think a lot of the starting prices are too high and the items will probably be passed over but there are many lots that are very reasonably-priced.  It'll be interesting to see how it plays out!  If nothing else, this auction gives us a rare close look at some iconic pieces of Hollywood history.

Profiles in History Hollywood Auction 44

Profiles in History is gearing up for their 44th Hollywood Auction which takes place May 14-15, 2011.  There are several items in the auction which might be of interest to readers of this blog.

First, lot 1278 is a sword used by Brad Pitt as Achilles in Troy.  This is a unique prop because it features a retractable blade for action scenes.

Next, there are several wonderful and rare items from Cleopatra which seem to be in wonderful shape given their age.  There is a statue of a golden calf from the elaborate sets, one of Richard Burton's original Mark Antony costumes and a stunning piece of poster art by Howard Terpning.  

There's also a very neat miniature ship from Antony's fleet.  

The tragic loss of Elizabeth Taylor earlier this year will likely cause a spike in the prices realized for Cleopatra-related items.