This is the actual Black Scorpion (HERO PROP) from the Willis O'Brien classic. It was originally discovered by Jimmy Harmon and David Allen (both recently deceased) in a shed behind Mrs. Willis O'Brien's home after her famous husband had passed away. It remained in the collection of Mr. Harmon until passing into the collection of film producer Russell Kern. On September 2, 2000 the scorpion passed to my collection. Thanks Rusty!
According to Chris Endicott, who was told this by David Allen: This scorpion model was found in a trunk owned by Pete Peterson which was left at the home of one of his friends in the film business, a fellow grip. Later the trunk was discovered in the backyard of the grip's widow by Jim Danforth, David Allen, Bill Hedge and Dennis Muren. The trunk contained, among other things: The Black Scorpion, one or two small scorpions, The Giant Behemoth model, 10 Beetle Man puppets, a larva worm creature (built for Kong, it shows up in "The Black Scorpion"), a war eagle, the Las Vegas Monster, two Oso Si-Papu creatures, and a spider puppet (also built for Kong?). Click here to see more photos of this prop.
Bela Lugosi's cummerbund that he wore on The Black Camel 1931.
Here is one of the Mantis used in The Deadly Mantis (1957). It was used during the flying scenes. I am often asked by other collectors "Where can I buy movie props?" Vintage props like this one don't surface very often except in big auctions where they sell for a lot of money. The Mantis used to be part of The Clark Wilkinson Movie Museum in Baraboo, WI. Since Mr. Wilkinson didn't have any children to leave his wonderful collection to so he decided to sell his incredible collection. This Mantis plus a few other props in my collection went to a movie theater lobby in Milwaukee, WI where they were displayed for many years. The theater owner couldn't renew his lease so he moved to a theater with a smaller lobby and sold the items to me (SOLD).
Movie Props and Masks made by my friend Harry Thomas
Masks from Frankenstein's Daughter and The Unearthly.
The last remaining pieces of The Neanderthal Man plus a photo of Harry at work.
The Alien Leader's Eyes from Killers From Space plus a photo of Harry wearing the eyes.
Two pair of hands used in the Classic TV series The Outer Limits. Both of these were once stored next to Harry's make up table. William Shatner wore the first pair in the episode "Cold Hands, Warm Heart". The green hands were screen worn in the Outer Limits episode The Chameleon. They were purchased by my friend Eric Levin when he interviewed makeup man Harry Thomas for Filmfax magazine. Harry Thomas kept them in his makeup room of his home. Harry is pictured on the set of The Outer Limits in the book The Outer Limits Companion. I also have a photo of Harry with the hands from later in his life. Both pairs of hands have been SOLD.
Last remaining pieces from The She Freak's make up. Plus a mask Harry created based on his work in The Navy vs. The Night Monsters.
Click Here to
visit The Harry Thomas Web Page
Piece of the Bridge from Ray Harryhausen's It
Came From Beneath The Sea.
Promotional item for 1931's
Dracula and Frankenstein and The Invisible Man (1933). This packet of Wolf's Bane was given to people too
scared to sleep. The card was left on doorsteps with the movie theater's
phone number to promote
Frankenstein. The mask from The Invisible Man could have been worn to the
theater to receive a discount. SOLD
Vintage 11x14 inch sepia-tone photo from Bela Lugosi's personal photo collection. It was taken around the time he filmed The 13th Chair.
Scrapbook once owned by Bela Lugosi of his 1931-1933 films.
Piece of one of the King Kong (1933) dinosaurs. Thanks David!!
Photo once owned by actor Bela Lugosi (Dracula 1931). Gift from writer and Lugosi expert Gary Don Rhodes.
One of the last photos autographed by Bela Lugosi. Near the end of his life, Bela Lugosi was visited by a young fan named Richard Sheffield. Richard ran errands for the aging actor. Attempting to revive Lugosi's career, Richard started a Bela Lugosi fan club. The fan club fee included an autographed photo of Lugosi. On days when Bela was feeling ok, Richard had him autograph photos "To , Best Wishes Bela Lugosi." As people joined the fan club, a name would be added in the endearment. Sadly Lugosi passed away before adding a name. The autograph is faded but is still a wonderful item once owned by Bela Dracula Lugosi.
Vintage microphone used in many old Sci Fi movies. SOLD
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