Hollywood auction of “Indiana Jones” whip draws $525,000 after “Citizen Kane” Rosebud sled gets near-record $14.75 million

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Hollywood auction of “Indiana Jones” whip draws 5,000 after “Citizen Kane” Rosebud sled gets near-record .75 million — ap25199118910572.jpg

Beverly Hills, Calif. — A whip wielded by Harrison Ford in “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” that once belonged to Princess Diana has fetched an impressive sum of $525,000 at auction. The sale took place during the Summer Entertainment Auction held by Heritage Auctions, which has proven to be a lucrative event, ranking as the second-highest grossing entertainment auction of all time.

The iconic whip was used by Ford’s character during the Holy Grail trials in the 1989 film. It holds significant value as it was gifted by Ford to Prince Charles at the film’s U.K. premiere, then passed on to Princess Diana, and eventually acquired by the current owner. The buyer of the whip remains anonymous. Joe Maddalena, Heritage’s executive vice president, described the bullwhip as an iconic symbol of cinema history and a highlight of the auction.

Movie Prop Auction — This image shows a whip wielded by Harrison Ford in “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.”
Heritage Auctions via AP

The auction also saw the sale of the Rosebud sled from “Citizen Kane” for an astounding $14.75 million, making it one of the most expensive props in movie history. This sled, with ties to director Orson Welles’ masterpiece, was sold by Joe Dante, known for films like “Gremlins.” The significance of the sled, known for its enigmatic role in the film, has cemented its status as a valuable cinematic artifact.

Other items up for bids in the auction include Macaulay Culkin’s knit snow cap from “Home Alone,” a Kurt Russell revolver from “Wyatt Earp,” prop swords from “Kill Bill Vol. 1,” and a first edition set of Harry Potter novels signed by J.K. Rowling. The auction continues to attract interest and high bids as collectors and enthusiasts seek to own a piece of movie history.

As the auction draws to a close, the success of the event highlights the enduring appeal and value of iconic movie props, captivating audiences and collectors alike with the opportunity to own a piece of Hollywood magic.

Editor’s note: The headline of this story has been updated to correct the sale price of the whip.