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, Propstore serves a global community of collectors, investors, and institutions who recognize original movie props as a legitimate and increasingly valuable collecting category. Stephen Lane's journey from film fan to auction house founder began with a simple desire to own a piece of the movies he loved. In 1998, Lane began hunting for props and costumes used in the production of his favorite films, and he quickly realized that a market existed for these artifacts if they could be properly authenticated, documented, and presented to collectors. Lane saw an opportunity to bring archival standards to this emerging category, creating what he calls "prop art," a hybrid of fine art and memorabilia collecting that treats screen-used objects as cultural artifacts worthy of serious collecting. Propstore's auction division launched formally in 2014, and the firm has since conducted live auctions that regularly feature some of the most significant entertainment memorabilia treasures in the world. The results have been extraordinary. In one of its most celebrated sales, Propstore achieved $3,654,000 for Darth Vader's Hero Lightsaber from The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, establishing it as the highest-priced Star Wars item ever sold at auction. The sale of Chewbacca's photo-matched Bowcaster realized $768,600, while Anthony Daniels' C-3PO head from Return of the Jedi achieved $843,750. These results demonstrate the remarkable depth of the market for iconic screen-used props. 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. Their specialists are experienced in identifying and authenticating screen-used material, 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: their auction division and their retail gallery. The auction division conducts several major live auctions per year, typically in Los Angeles and London, featuring curated selections of the finest available material. These auctions are theatrical events in their own right, drawing media coverage and generating 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. 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. The firm produces detailed auction catalogs with 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. The firm's specialists are available to answer questions about individual lots and to provide guidance for 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. Propstore's 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. Beyond individual collectors, Propstore serves museums, studios, and corporate clients who acquire screen-used material for exhibitions, displays, and corporate collections. The firm has provided material for museum exhibitions worldwide and has developed close relationships with major studios, giving them access to props and costumes directly from production archives. Propstore has earned significant recognition for its business practices and market leadership. The firm received a prestigious UK business award in 2024, placing it among fewer than 300 businesses in the United Kingdom honored that year. The firm also maintains a 4.6 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot, reflecting the satisfaction of buyers and sellers who have transacted through the platform. For collectors considering entering the movie prop market, Propstore represents the safest and most reputable entry point. Their authentication standards, transparent cataloging, and established buyer base provide the confidence that collectors need when investing in items where provenance is everything. Whether you are looking for an affordable production-used call sheet from a favorite television series or a hero prop wielded by a legendary screen character, Propstore offers the expertise and marketplace to find it. Frequently asked questions about Propstore include whether they can authenticate items not consigned to their auctions (yes, they offer authentication services), whether items come with certificates of authenticity (yes, all items sold through Propstore include authentication documentation), and whether they handle television props in addition to film material (yes, television memorabilia is a growing category in their sales).