Propstore

About Propstore

Propstore is the world's leading auction house and dealer specializing in original movie props, costumes, production materials, and entertainment memorabilia. Founded in 1998 by Stephen Lane, a lifelong movie enthusiast, the company has grown from a passionate collector's side project into the definitive marketplace for screen-used film and television artifacts, with offices in London and Los Angeles serving a global community of collectors, investors, and institutions.

History

In 1998 Lane began hunting for props and costumes used in his favorite films and realized a market existed for these artifacts if properly authenticated, documented, and presented to collectors, an approach he calls "prop art." Propstore's auction division launched formally in 2014. The firm received a prestigious UK business award in 2024, placing it among fewer than 300 businesses in the United Kingdom honored that year, and it maintains a 4.6 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot.

Landmark sales

Propstore achieved $3,654,000 for Darth Vader's Hero Lightsaber from The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, the highest price ever paid for a Star Wars item at auction. Chewbacca's photo-matched Bowcaster realized $768,600, and Anthony Daniels' C-3PO head from Return of the Jedi achieved $843,750.

Specialist departments

The firm's expertise spans every genre and era of filmmaking. Propstore handles props and costumes from science fiction blockbusters, classic Hollywood dramas, horror films, superhero franchises, animated features, and television series, with specialists experienced in identifying and authenticating screen-used material and distinguishing genuine production-used items from replicas, promotional materials, and fan-made reproductions. This authentication expertise is critical in a market where provenance and documentation can mean the difference between a valuable artifact and a worthless imitation.

Propstore operates through two complementary channels: its auction division and its retail gallery. The auction division conducts several major live auctions a year, typically in Los Angeles and London, featuring curated selections of the finest available material and drawing media coverage and excitement among collectors worldwide. The retail division operates through Propstore's website, offering a constantly updated inventory of authenticated props, costumes, and production materials available for immediate purchase. Beyond individual collectors, Propstore serves museums, studios, and corporate clients who acquire screen-used material for exhibitions, displays, and corporate collections, and it has developed close relationships with major studios, giving it access to props and costumes directly from production archives.

Buying and selling

The buying process at Propstore's auctions is accessible and well organized. Bidding is available in person at the saleroom, by telephone, and through the firm's online bidding platform, with detailed auction catalogs featuring extensive photography, provenance documentation, and condition reports for every lot. Preview exhibitions are held before major sales, allowing potential buyers to examine items in person, and specialists are available to answer questions about individual lots and guide new collectors.

Propstore's buyer's premium is currently 26% of the hammer price for all auctions. For sellers, the firm offers consignment services with commission rates negotiated based on the significance and estimated value of the material, and its authentication and cataloging team works closely with consignors to document provenance, obtain studio verification where possible, and present each item in its best light. The firm also offers private sales for clients who prefer a discreet, off-market transaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Propstore authenticate items not consigned to their auctions?

Yes, they offer authentication services.

Do items sold through Propstore come with certificates of authenticity?

Yes, all items include authentication documentation.

Does Propstore handle television props as well as film material?

Yes, television memorabilia is a growing category in their sales.