The silver-plated trophy presented to Orson Welles in Citizen Kane sold with brilliant results yesterday (June 28).
 One of just three important props from the film |
The film, which Welles both starred in and directed, is widely considered the greatest movie ever made, despite only winning one Academy Award. Released in 1941, Citzen Kane was made in an era when very few studios retained their props, making this a very exciting opportunity for collectors.
The trophy, along with the "Rosebud" sleds and the famous snow globe stand as the three most important props from the film, though the snow globe has never been brought to auction and is thought to have been lost shortly after filming. This is the trophy presented to Welles' character, Charles Foster Kane, in the critical scene when he returns home from Europe.
Inscribed: "Welcome home Mr Kane from 467 employees of the New York Inquirer", the magnificent item sold for $275,544, after 23 bids from eager collectors.
The same auction house has also previously sold the Academy Award presented to Welles for Best Original Screenplay, which made $861,542 in late 2011.
Also featuring in the sale was the Oscar awarded to Lennie Hayton for his score to the 1949 musical "On the Town" - starring Frank Sinatra and Gene Kelly - which sold for $128,540. The award is one of the latest-dated statuettes to appear at auction, following a 1950 agreement to prevent their sale.
Items from Hollywood's Golden Age are always met with enthusiasm and generous bids when they appear at auction. Paul Fraser Collectibles has just sourced this fantastic pair of jodhpurs worn by Casablanca star, Humphrey Bogart, which are available now at a superb price.
