Television has gifted us countless iconic moments, often defined by the memorable props that become synonymous with the shows themselves. These items, ranging from vehicles and furniture to costumes and unique artifacts, hold a special place in the hearts of fans. Over the years, many of these props have fetched astonishing prices at auctions, highlighting their cultural significance and the enduring appeal of the shows they come from. Here, we explore 15 of the most iconic TV show props that sold for a fortune, delving into their unique histories and the reasons behind their high value.
The Batmobile from the 1960s “Batman” TV Series
The original Batmobile, designed by George Barris, was a modified 1955 Lincoln Futura concept car. This iconic vehicle featured in the 1960s “Batman” TV series and became one of the most recognizable cars in television history. In 2013, the Batmobile sold at auction for a staggering $4.62 million. The car’s unique design, complete with bat-shaped fins and a jet engine replica, captured the imagination of fans worldwide, making it a prized collector’s item.
KITT from “Knight Rider”
The 1982 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am known as KITT (Knight Industries Two Thousand) from “Knight Rider” was more than just a car; it was a character in its own right. Equipped with advanced artificial intelligence, KITT was the ultimate crime-fighting machine. The original KITT car sold for $300,000 at auction, reflecting its cultural significance and the lasting impact of the series.
The Maltese Falcon from “The Maltese Falcon”
While primarily known as a movie prop, the Maltese Falcon statuette appeared in several TV adaptations of the classic film. The iconic black bird statuette, made of lead, is a symbol of intrigue and mystery. It fetched $4.1 million at a 2013 auction, demonstrating its enduring allure and the fascination it holds for collectors.
The “Cheers” Bar
The entire bar set from the beloved sitcom “Cheers” was sold at auction in 2013 for $675,000. The set included the iconic bar, stools, and other memorabilia from the show. “Cheers” was known for its memorable characters and setting, making this prop a piece of television history that fans were eager to own.
The “I Dream of Jeannie” Bottle
The ornate, genie bottle from “I Dream of Jeannie” is one of the most recognizable props in television history. Originally a Jim Beam whiskey decanter, the bottle was painted and embellished to create the magical home of Jeannie. It sold for $34,375 at auction, highlighting its cultural significance and nostalgic value.
The “Star Trek” Captain Kirk’s Chair
Captain Kirk’s command chair from the original “Star Trek” series is an iconic symbol of science fiction television. The chair, which featured prominently on the bridge of the USS Enterprise, sold for $304,750 at auction in 2002. Its futuristic design and association with one of TV’s most beloved characters made it a highly sought-after collectible.
The “Seinfeld” Puffy Shirt
The infamous puffy shirt from “Seinfeld” became a pop culture phenomenon after its appearance in the episode “The Puffy Shirt.” The shirt, worn by Jerry Seinfeld, was later sold at auction for $10,000. Its quirky design and association with one of television’s most successful sitcoms contributed to its high value.
The “Friends” Central Perk Couch
The orange couch from Central Perk, the coffee shop where the “Friends” gang frequently gathered, is an iconic piece of television history. The couch was sold at auction for $14,000, reflecting its importance in the series and its sentimental value to fans of the show.
The “Game of Thrones” Iron Throne
A replica of the Iron Throne from “Game of Thrones” sold for over $30,000. The throne, made famous by the fantasy series, is a symbol of power and ambition. Its intricate design and the show’s immense popularity made it a highly desirable item for collectors.
The “Lost” Dharma Initiative Van
The blue Volkswagen van used by the Dharma Initiative in “Lost” became a memorable symbol of the series’ mysterious island setting. The van sold for $47,500 at auction, showcasing the show’s impact and the lasting appeal of its props among fans.
The “Breaking Bad” RV
The iconic RV used by Walter White and Jesse Pinkman as their mobile meth lab in “Breaking Bad” is a significant prop from the series. The RV sold for $80,000 at auction, reflecting the show’s cultural impact and the enduring fascination with its storyline and characters.
The “Doctor Who” TARDIS
The TARDIS, a time-traveling spaceship that looks like a British police box, is one of the most recognizable props from “Doctor Who.” Various versions of the TARDIS have been sold over the years, with one fetching $40,000 at auction. Its association with the long-running sci-fi series and its unique design make it a prized collectible.
The “X-Files” I Want to Believe Poster
The “I Want to Believe” poster from “The X-Files” is an iconic prop associated with Fox Mulder’s quest for the truth. The original poster sold for $10,000, underscoring its significance in the series and its popularity among fans of the show.
The “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” Scythe
The scythe used by Buffy Summers in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” is a notable prop from the series. The weapon, which played a crucial role in the show’s final season, sold for $10,000 at auction. Its unique design and significance in the series make it a cherished collectible.
The “MAS*H” Signpost
The signpost from the “MAS*H” TV series, pointing to various cities around the world, is an iconic symbol of the show. The original signpost sold for $25,000, reflecting its importance to the series and its lasting impact on television history.
This article originally appeared on Rarest.org.
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