Indiana Jones’ Whip Fetches $880,000 in Exciting Auction Event

## The Auction of Iconic Props

A distinctive whip, famously used by Harrison Ford in *Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade*, has recently been auctioned for a staggering US$525,000 (NZ$881,475). Intriguingly, this whip has a royal connection, as it once belonged to Princess Diana.

### Record-Breaking Sales

This auction took place just a day after another remarkable item, the Rosebud sled from *Citizen Kane*, was sold for an impressive US$14.75 million (NZ$24.7 million). This sale positions it among the most valuable props in cinematic history.

The auction was part of Heritage Auctions’ Summer Entertainment Auction, which has been ongoing for a week. Heritage has noted that this event has become the second-highest grossing entertainment auction to date, with one more day left for bids.

### Notable Items Still Up for Bidding

Several other notable items remain available, including:

– Macaulay Culkin’s knitted cap from *Home Alone*
– A revolver used by Kurt Russell in *Wyatt Earp*
– A pair of Hattori Hanzo prop swords from *Kill Bill Vol. 1*
– A first edition set of *Harry Potter* novels signed by JK Rowling

## The Story Behind the Whip

The bullwhip sold at auction was used by Ford during the climactic Holy Grail trials in the 1989 film. Initially gifted to then-Prince Charles at the UK premiere, it eventually found its way to Princess Diana before being handed down to the current owner, whose identity remains undisclosed.

“The bullwhip symbolizes an iconic character in cinema history, Indiana Jones,” stated Joe Maddalena, Heritage’s executive vice president, underscoring its significance in this auction.

### Understanding the Price

The total sale price of US$525,000 (NZ$881,475) includes the buyers premium that all auction items incur. This highlights not just the whip’s value but its cultural resonance.

### Comparing with Other High-Value Items

Heritage Auctions indicated that the nearly US$15 million bid for the Rosebud sled makes it the second-most expensive prop sold, following Judy Garland’s ruby slippers from *The Wizard of Oz*, which fetched US$32.5 million (NZ$54.5 million) in December. Interestingly, neither buyer for these items has been publicly identified.

#### The Rosebud Sled

The sled, sold by Joe Dante—known for directing *Gremlins*—was once considered lost. It became famous as “Rosebud,” the last word spoken by the main character in *Citizen Kane*. This prop is one of only three known to have survived, and Dante preserved it quietly for decades, often incorporating it as an Easter egg in his own films.

Dante’s friend Steven Spielberg once paid US$60,500 (NZ$101,590) for another sled in 1982, while an anonymous buyer purchased the third sled for US$233,000 (NZ$391,260) in 1996.

What are your thoughts on these iconic memorabilia sales? Would you consider bidding on a piece of film history?