Often unnoticed to the untrained eye, props function as the glue that holds a movie together. Whether it is a Civil War battle or a futuristic alien invasion, prop masters are charged with the task of making sure every detail on the screen appears historically accurate and realistic.

But what is a prop? It seems like a simple question, but it is not so easy. A prop is anything a character can pick up, be it a magazine, weapon, or lamp. This can include food items and, depending on production, even decals, such as those on the sides of ambulances and police cars.

A prop is not, however, the vehicle itself. It is also not the furniture that the lamp sits on or the uniform that goes with the weapon, although jewelry can be considered a prop. So while Judy Garland’s ruby red slippers from “The Wizard of Oz” pulled quite a prize at auction, they aren’t props. Nor is Orson Welles’ pinstriped shirt from “Citizen Kane,” but the sled called “Rosebud” owned by a young Welles in the movie would be considered a prop, and was bought at auction by Steven Spielberg in 1982 for $60,500...

When it comes to collecting props, there are two types: those that were actually used on a movie set during production, and replicas, which may even be licensed by a studio. Like autographs, it is often extremely difficult to fully authenticate a prop. Studios have even been known to sell props post-production claiming they were used on set, when the piece in question was actually a less collectible re-creation.

Getting your hands on authentic props can be difficult. In older movies, props were often discarded after the film because the studios didn’t have space to store them. In other instances, props were left in the possession of the prop master, which is why such individuals are usually the best sources of authentic props.

Acquiring props from recent movies is no easier. Because studios pay for the props in a film, they often maintain possession of them after production. In recent years, studios have started to hold on to props so they can be used in sequels, potential or planned. In other instances, studios will hire an auctioneer to sell props immediately after filming has ceased in order to recoup some of the movie’s production costs.

The prop collector also needs to keep in mind that many props are not what they appear to be on screen. For example, if a character in a movie that’s set in the 18th century is reading a book, the prop master may use a contemporary book as a base and attach a Photoshopped cover to make it appear both new and from the 18th century. In other cases, props are merely rented from a prop house. Rented props are obviously not going to be for sale after a film has concluded shooting, but prop houses occasionally have sales to clear out their warehouses, which makes them good sources.

For the most part, props from the most memorable movies are the ones most sought by collectors, be it a blaster from the original “Star Wars,” a pair of dice rolled by Marlon Brando in “Guys and Dolls,” or the “Witch Remover” sprayer used by the Cowardly Lion in “The Wizard of Oz.”

About our sources | Got something to add?

▼ Expand to read the full article ▼

Interviews & Articles

If 'Pan Am' Takes a Nosedive, It Won't Be For a Lack of Authentic, Vintage Props

When the 2011 fall television season made its noisy debut in September, two shows stood out for their potential to generate the sa… [more]

'Mad Men' Prop Master Scott Buckwald Explains How He Re-Creates the '60s

I always wanted to work in film, but I didn’t have anybody in my family who worked in the film business. I’ve been a major movie b… [more]

Authentic Vintage Props, the Silent Stars of 'Titanic' and Martin Scorsese's 'The Aviator'

When I was a kid, my mom had an antiques shop in Kansas City and then in Texas, so I was always around antiques and I always colle… [more]

From Ruby Slippers to Kermit the Frog: Pop Culture Artifacts at the Smithsonian

I’ve been at the Smithsonian for 28 years—I never thought I’d stay that long! The first job I had was as a producer and annotator … [more]

Collecting James Bond, Doctor Who, and The Beatles

Ever since I was a child, I wanted to work in the auction business, specifically in the entertainment part. I liked the idea of ha… [more]

▼ Expand this section

Best of the Web (“Hall of Fame”)

Steve McQueen Film Poster Site

Steve McQueen Film Poster Site

If you're a Steve McQueen fan, this site can't be beat. Roger Harris has put together a definitive collection of Mc… [read review or visit site]

Steven Hill's Movie Title Screens Page

Steven Hill's Movie Title Screens Page

If you're the type who likes watching the titles and credits at the beginning of movies, you'll love this site. Ste… [read review or visit site]

Cinema Treasures

Cinema Treasures

This user-contributed database of classic movie theaters currently lists over 17,000 theaters worldwide. Browse by … [read review or visit site]

Warner Bros. Title Card Gallery

Warner Bros. Title Card Gallery

Dave Mackey's filmography and title card gallery for 35 years of Warner Bros. cartoons. Browsable by year or alphab… [read review or visit site]

Steves Disney Collection

Steves Disney Collection

Steve Lee’s large collection of original Disney art: pencil drawings from animated features produced during W… [read review or visit site]



Top eBay Auctions

Showing 60. See all 125 by  highest bidmost watchedcompleted
Life Size Licensed Replicas From Predator & AliensPirates Of The Caribbean - Jack Sparrow Life-size Statue (1,95 M)Rare Beneath The Planet Of The Apes (1970) Mutant Mask Original Film Movie Prop!Judge Dredd Prop Full CostumePredator Mask, Predator Costume, Wearable, Prop, Avp, AlienStar Trek: Deep Space Nine Bajoran Phaser Rifle Movie PropTime Circuits + Keypad Enclosures For Back To The Future Delorean Time Machine1983 Superman 3 Movie Used Newspaper Prop With Coa And Movie Script Signed By 5 Edward Scissorhands Movie Prop Display Bust Johnny Depp 1:1 Tim Burton Mask The Terminator Endoskeleton By Hot Toys Sideshow Exclusive Edition New AwesomeStar Wars Master Replicas Obi Wan Kenobi Aotc Lightsaber Prop Replica #445Efx Star Trek Tng Mark Ix Tricorder Signed Edition Coa Complete PackageSaw Puppet Autographed Danny Glover Prop Dummy Doll Ventriloquist Ooak HalloweenBlade Runner Blaster M2019 Prop ReproductionsStar Wars Master Replicas Rots Clone Trooper Helmet Prop ReplicaJames Darkride Freddy Krueger #2 Silicone MaskMaster Replicas Star Trek First Contact Phaser Prop ReplicaUsed Wolf Predator CostumeMmpr Power Rangers Power Axe Kit Prop RawSuperman 2 Set Used Daily Planet Newspaper Prop With CoaMedicom Life Size Saw Puppet 1:1 Scale Prop ReplicaTerminator 2 T2 Hunter Killer Tank By Hcg Not Sideshow Hot ToysPredator Helmet Mask Prop. Odds And Ends Wearable Kit.Ironman Dvd, New With Free Wearable Ironman Helmet, Movie Replica, Lighted EyesSideshow 40-watt Phased Plasma Rifle Replica 1:1 Terminator 2 - New & RareMichael Mike Myers Rob Zombie Halloween Life-size Animated Prop By GemmyIron Man Suit Costume Mk42 Battle Damaged ReplicaTusken Raider Sniper Rifle Movie Prop Anh Cosplay Starwars Mando Luke SkywalkerPuppet Master Replica TunnelerSideshow Windlass Studios Iron Man Mark Iii Helmet Prop Replica #737/1500 Clean!Sam Trick Or Treat Mask. Horror And Halloween Bust PropPotato Salad Movie Prop: Paper Towels (oney, Stamper, Ricepirate)New Customizable Ghostbusters Costume ( Goes Great W/ Proton Pack , Ghost Trap )Zombie Halloween Mask Horror Collectors Movie Prop Classic Egyptian Xl 6ft CobraStar Wars Prop Replica Efx Sandtrooper Helmet Episode Iv Stormtrooper HelmetJason Takes Manhattan...mask Bust Kane Hodder Frightstuff Hockey Don Post MyersPredator Costume, Feet, Predator Replica, Prop, Gift Costume Prop Suit Sideshow Batman The Dark Knight Return Tdk Rises Mask La2Vintage Pendleton Cowichan Wool Zip Cardigan Men's Sweater L The Big Lebowski German Wwii Mp40 Machine Gun Prop ReplicaJames Bond 007 Skyfall Tom Ford Ft0144/18v Official Sunglasses Wow!Batman 1:1 Dark Knight Rises Tdk Cape Armour Prop Costume,life Size Dc ComicBiker Scout Version 2 Trooper Helmet Star Wars Stormtrooper Armour *new*Zombie Halloween Mask Horror Collectors Movie Prop Classic Egyptian Xl 8ft CobraTerminator T2 Life Size Battle Damaged Arnold Schwarzenegger Mask Don Post MyersBatman 1:1 Dark Knight Tdk Cowl Neck Armour Prop Costume Mask,life Size Dc ComicSpartacus Spartacus Liam Mcintyre Screen Used Office Desk Lamp Ss 3 CoaBack To The Future Ii Hover Board Mattel Sdcc 2013 Zombie Halloween Mask Horror Collectors Movie Prop Classic Serial Killer Tcm3Star Trek Prop - Star Trek V -nimbus 3 Pellet Rifle Prop Replica -j'onn EditionMgc Japanese Vintage Antique Collectors Movie Replica Prop Gun Collectible 1851Potato Salad Movie Prop: The Note (oney, Stamper, Ricepirate)Blue Monster Professional PuppetDarth Vader Fiberglass 1/1 Scale Helmet Prop Star Wars Episode Iv A New HopeLife Size Alien Warrior Head Cosplay 1:1 Bust Costume Mask (unpainted Version)3112 - Immortals Heraklion Soldier Screen Used Movie Props3139 - Immortals God's Sword Movie PropsBabylon 5 Ppg: Phased Plasma Gun *rare* Star Trek? - Terminator? Resin Prototype Movie Weapon Prop Short Circuit?Back To The Future 25th Anniversary Replica Delorean License Plate Outatime Wow

Recent News: Movie Props

Source: Google News

Joliet Public Library announces plans for annual Star Wars Day
Chicago Tribune, May 22nd

The daylong event has been billed as a family festival of galactic proportions, complete with more than 40 costumed Star Wars characters, games, live music, prize drawings, movie prop exhibits, artists and more, according to a library press release...Read more

Star Trek's replicator comes to life thanks to NASA funding
VentureBeat, May 21st

I know it sort of looks like a fraught-with-science version of a Willy Wonka movie prop, but that machine is actually synthesizing chocolate from cartridges containing sugars, complex carbohydrates, protein, and so on. The NASA-funded project comes...Read more

'Star Wars' Actress to Appear At Library Event
Patch.com, May 20th

Public Library as it is transformed into the 4th Annual Star Wars™ Day-a family festival of galactic proportions complete with over 40 costumed Star Wars™ characters, games, live music, prize drawings, movie prop exhibits, Star Wars™ artists and...Read more

Brendan Benson Announces August 2013 Uk Live Dates
Contactmusic.com, May 17th

Last year NME called out Benson as "one of America's greatest songwriters" and "the 21st-century Harry Nilsson", describing his What Kind Of World album, somewhat eloquently, as "glistening radio rock... more hooks than a Saw movie prop department"...Read more

Cashing In On Hollywood
Newscentralga, May 15th

Lowe says, "When I saw it was going to be available, I jumped at the chance to make it a movie prop". They cut off the front… took out the base so it could sit flat... and you can even pull out windows if you need to… "The big advantage of any prop...Read more

Suspicious Vest Bought by New Jersey Thrift Shop Was Movie Prop
NBC New York, May 12th

A suspicious vest with wires and a switch that was found earlier this week among items a northern New Jersey thrift shop purchased from a California storage locker originally belonged to a movie production crew, police confirmed. Authorities said they...Read more

police say vest detonated overnight was likely a movie prop
NJ.com, May 10th

CLIFTON—The wired vest that was detonated by members of the bomb squad early this morning did not contain explosives and was probably a movie prop, authorities said. Police were called to the New 4 You pawn shop on Lakeview Avenue Thursday night...Read more

New York gun control law could ban movie prop guns
GOPUSA, May 2nd

New York state's new ban on assault weapons could force police shows and violent movies to film elsewhere, producers say. Industry experts say that switching to fake guns is not practical, The New York Times reported Wednesday. But the law, which also...Read more