The potential of Harry Potter collectibles at auction was demonstrated on September 15 by the sale of a film-used broom prop.
 Harry takes his first flight on the training broom in the 2001 film |
The prop was used in the iconic scene in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, where Harry (played by Daniel Radcliffe) is first taught to fly at Hogwarts. Arguably one of the most memorable moments from the first film of the series, the broom is perhaps the most important prop to have appeared at auction so far.
Made from bundled sticks with a painted resin handle, the broom sold for $11,500 - a 130% increase on its $5,000 high estimate. The broom can be identified as the one used by Radcliffe's character by the handwritten "H" on the handle and "Harry" written under the broom head.
Even stronger results were seen by the Golden Snitch prop, which appears in Harry's first Quidditch match during the same film. The small gold-painted resin and plastic ball sold 1066% above its $600 high estimate for $7,000. Unfortunately, it was sold without the capability to fly and did not contain the Philosopher's Stone.
An identical price was achieved by a Quaffle ball, which was used in the same Quidditch match as the Golden Snitch. The only one of four produced for the film that remains fully intact, the ball achieved a 133.3% increase on its $3,000 high estimate.
The current world record for Harry Potter memorabilia at auction is held by a rare first edition copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, which sold for £19,700 at Christie's in 2007.
Paul Fraser Collectibles is currently offering two fantastic autographed Harry Potter books. The first, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, has been signed by Daniel Radcliffe, while our copy of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban has been signed by both Radcliffe and co-star Emma Watson.
