50 Years Later: Iconic JAWS Movie Treasures Emerge from Obscurity for Historic Auction!

MEDIA-AND-ENTERTAINMENT
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AuthorIshaan Verma|Published at:
50 Years Later: Iconic JAWS Movie Treasures Emerge from Obscurity for Historic Auction!
Overview

Two legendary props from Steven Spielberg's Jaws, Quint's harpoon rifle and fishing rod, are set to be auctioned by Propstore this spring. These rare, screen-matched items, surviving the film's notoriously difficult production, are appearing publicly for the first time in half a century, coinciding with the film's 50th anniversary. Estimated values range up to $500,000 for the rifle and $150,000 for the rod, presenting a unique opportunity for serious collectors.

A rare glimpse into cinematic history is set to go under the hammer as Propstore announces the auction of two highly significant props from Steven Spielberg's 1975 classic, Jaws. These items, Quint's original harpoon rifle and his fishing rod, are surfacing for public sale for the first time in 50 years, a remarkable coincidence with the film's golden anniversary.

The Iconic Props

  • Quint's Harpoon Rifle: This W.W. Greener Harpoon Rifle Mark, estimated to fetch between $250,000 and $500,000, played a crucial role in the film's climactic hunt. It was used by both Robert Shaw's character Quint and Richard Dreyfuss's Matt Hooper. Identified on screen by its distinct woodgrain, the rifle comes with a matching case and a custom shark dart. Its legitimacy is confirmed through extensive screen and photo matching.
  • Quint's Fishing Rod: The Fenwick 130-pound fishing rod, complete with its production-used Senator 16/0 reel, is also up for grabs. This prop was seen aboard the Orca fishing boat as Quint and Hopper braced for the shark. It is estimated to sell for $75,000 to $150,000 and has also been verified through screen matching.

Rarity and Significance

  • Jaws is celebrated as one of the most successful and beloved blockbusters ever made, yet fully verified props and costumes from the film are exceptionally rare.
  • Brandon Alinger, Propstore's COO, stated that these two pieces are among the most significant Jaws items ever offered at public auction.
  • The harpoon rifle holds particular significance due to its extensive on-screen presence and pivotal role in the film's plot.
  • The reappearance of these artifacts during the film's 50th anniversary year adds an extra layer of remarkability to their discovery.

Surviving the Set

  • The filming of Jaws was notoriously challenging, with many props suffering damage from saltwater, stunts, and the unpredictable mechanical shark.
  • These two items are counted among the few that survived the arduous production process, underscoring their durability and historical value.

Auction Details

  • The props will be available at Propstore's Spring Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction.
  • The auction is scheduled to take place this March.

Impact

  • This auction is expected to generate significant excitement within the film memorabilia collecting community.
  • The rarity and iconic status of these Jaws props will likely drive intense bidding.
  • It sets a benchmark for the value and desirability of verified props from classic blockbuster films.
  • The market for high-end entertainment collectibles will keenly watch the results.

Impact rating: 7/10

Difficult Terms Explained

  • Prop: An object used by an actor on screen in a film or play.
  • Auction: A public sale in which goods or property are sold to the person who makes the highest bid.
  • Screen-matched/Photo-matched: A process of verifying that a specific prop or costume is the exact item used in a particular scene of a film or television show through detailed visual comparison of unique characteristics.
  • Memorabilia: Objects kept or collected because of their association with a famous person, event, or historical significance.
  • Harpoon rifle: A firearm designed to launch a harpoon, a long, barbed spear typically attached to a rope, used for hunting large marine animals.
  • Blockbuster: A film or play that is a great commercial success.
  • Obscurity: The state of being unknown, forgotten, or unimportant.
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