The iconic bullwhip used by Harrison Ford in "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" sold for USD 525,000 at the Summer Entertainment Auction held by Heritage Auctions from July 16-18. An anonymous bidder won the whip on July 17. In the film, Ford's character, the adventurous archaeologist Indiana Jones, uses the whip in his quest for the Holy Grail, protected by knights since medieval times and coveted by Hitler.
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The bullwhip from the film sold for USD 525,000. Photo: Heritage Auctions |
The bullwhip from the film sold for USD 525,000. Photo: Heritage Auctions
After the film's 1989 release, Ford gifted the whip to then-Prince Charles at the UK premiere. It was later given to Princess Diana, who subsequently passed it on to an unidentified owner. Heritage Auctions Executive Vice President Joe Maddalena told AP, "This bullwhip represents an iconic character in cinematic history and was the highlight of this auction.".
Trailer for "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade". The film is the third installment in the series, set in 1938. Video: YouTube/ Paramount Movies
The final price includes the buyer's premium, a percentage added to the winning bid paid to the auction house as commission. This fee typically covers administrative and operational costs. While a prominent item, the bullwhip wasn't the most valuable sold. On July 16, the Rosebud sled from "Citizen Kane" (1941) fetched USD 14.75 million, becoming the second most expensive film prop ever sold. Judy Garland's ruby slippers from "The Wizard of Oz" (1939) hold the top spot, selling for USD 32.5 million in December 2024. The buyers of both items remain anonymous.
Other items at the Summer Entertainment Auction included Macaulay Culkin's beanie from "Home Alone", Kurt Russell's revolver from "Tombstone" (1993), Hattori Hanzo's swords from "Kill Bill: Vol 1", and a first edition of the "Harry Potter" series signed by J.K. Rowling.
The "Indiana Jones" series chronicles the adventures of archaeology professor Henry Walton "Indiana" Jones Jr., played by Harrison Ford. Created by George Lucas, the first four films were directed by Steven Spielberg, with James Mangold directing the fifth installment, "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny" (2023). Over 40 years, the five films have grossed over USD 2 billion worldwide, influencing popular culture across generations. According to The Numbers, "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" (2008) is the highest-grossing film in the franchise, earning over USD 785 million globally.
Phuong Thao (AP)
