Kurt Russell's Iconic Hat from the 1982 Film "The Thing" is Available for Bidding at Auction
In the frigid depths of Antarctica, spending months on end with minimal personal freedom, the hat worn by helicopter pilot MacReady (interpreted by Kurt Russell) in John Carpenter's 1982 horror classic, "The Thing," stands out. Its oversized, loose appearance instantaneously conveys MacReady's peculiar personality while subtly hinting that this man, comfortable enough to wear such an unconventional accessory, may possess remarkable courage when faced with unexpected challenges, such as combating an alien that abruptly emerges from the ice.
This distinctive article of clothing is being auctioned by Propstore as part of their latest collection of entertainment memorabilia. For those with a substantial amount of disposable income, there are additional items to tickle their wallets. (Find out how to register and bid here.) Below are ten items that would delight any collector or simply curious onlooker.
MacReady's Hat from "The Thing"
© Propstore
The opening bid for this pièce de résistance is £20,000 (approximately $26,000). According to the Propstore catalog, it originated from a credited team member who received it as a gift from Russell following production. Components include both a brown leather and yellow-gray woven cord hatband, a size 7 1/8 brown leather sweatband, and a brown leather chin strap. While displaying some wear and tear, this hat managed to survive the intense confrontation with the alien creature over four decades ago.
Freddy Krueger's Hat and Sweater
© Propstore
Although these items originated from different films, they both bring to mind horror's infamous antagonist played by Robert Englund. The hat was used in 2003's "Freddy vs. Jason," and the sweater in 1994's "Wes Craven's New Nightmare." For a complete ensemble, you'll need an estimated £10,000 to £20,000 ($13,000 to $26,000) to acquire the hat, and the same amount for the sweater, valued at the same price range.
Shaun's Blood-Splattered Shirt from "Shaun of the Dead"
© Propstore
The blood-stained jeans are noticeably absent, but this screen-matched treasure from Simon Pegg's wardrobe will still set you back an estimated £6,000 to £12,000 ($7,800 to $15,600). Regrettably, it may leave you with insufficient funds to purchase that bouquet for your mother, although you might consider gifting it to your girlfriend instead, without swapping the card first.
Lord Summerisle's Jacket from "The Wicker Man"
© Propstore
Christopher Lee donned this distinctive jacket equipped with suede elbow patches in several scenes of the 1973 horror-folk classic "The Wicker Man." This iconic piece is estimated to sell for £10,000 to £20,000 ($13,000 to $26,000), giving you the opportunity to emulate Lee's impeccable style.
Lament Configuration Puzzle Box from "Hellraiser"
© Propstore
This prop, straight out of Clive Barker's 1987 film, is a surefire method for bringing Cenobites into your dimension. Handled with care, this ornate box can be yours for an estimated £7,000 to £14,000 ($9,100 to $18,000). Be sure not to leave it in the wrong hands.
Pumpkin Mask from "Halloween III: Season of the Witch"
© Propstore
Infused with dark magic, this instantly recognizable pumpkin head mask boasts the power to unleash creepy crawlies into the head of anyone who successfully activates it. This rare treasure is estimated to sell for £3,000 to £6,000 ($3,900 to $7,800). Don't be fooled by its playful appearance, as it holds far more sinister potential.
Chucky Doll from "Cult of Chucky"
© Propstore
Doll collector's dream come true! This replica of the murderous Chucky doll used in the "Cult of Chucky" film will mesmerize you with its terrifying authenticity. Propstore estimates it will sell for £3,000 to £6,000 ($3,900 to $7,800). Just be sure to give it a healthy dose of Safe & Lovely every now and then.
Sure, this guy has an innocent-looking face here. But we all know the darkness hidden beneath! This prop was used in the 2017 seventh installment of the Child’s Play series, which was the last one created by the original creator Don Mancini before Chucky moved to television for his own show. While we're waiting for Chucky part eight (and maybe even casting some dark spells to hasten things), you can acquire this screen-matching Good Guy doll for an estimated £15,000-£30,000 ($19,500-$39,000).
William Shatner Mask (Similar to the One Used in Halloween)
© Propstore
We're all familiar with a white-painted William Shatner mask, serving as the motionless face of Michael Myers, when he began his Haddonfield killing spree in John Carpenter's 1978 Halloween. Have you ever seen the mask before its transformation? A 1975 Don Post Studios Captain Kirk mask would be a cool collectible under any circumstances, but its association with Halloween makes it even more special.
Propstore mentions that "Carpenter used a Captain Kirk mask for both Halloween and Halloween II, changing its design by painting it white, adding synthetic hair at the back of the scalp, and making larger eye holes in the face ...This specific mask was not used in the film and therefore maintains all of its Captain Kirk features, as it has not gone through the alteration process to become a Michael Myers mask." It's been foam-filled for easier display, which means regrettably, you can't actually wear it and scare your neighbors. The estimate for this rarity is £15,000-£30,000.
Ash's Costume and Chainsaw from Ash vs. Evil Dead
© Propstore
You'll need about £8,000-£16,000 ($10,400-$21,000 estimated) to control this full outfit and chainsaw that Bruce Campbell wore in the first season of Ash's TV adventures. Sadly, the chainsaw isn't functional; it's made of resin and metal parts with a cotton string pull cord and an exterior switch that moves. It also has a foam insert where the chainsaw attached to Ash's prosthesis.
The appearance of MacReady's distinctive hat in the auction might spark interest in future movie prop collections, showcasing technology's role in preserving cinema history. With advancements in Io9's reporting, fans can stay updated on the latest in entertainment memorabilia.
The increasing popularity of movie prop auctions and websites like Io9 allow collectors to potentially acquire iconic pieces from their favorite films, like MacReady's hat, in the future. These real-life remnants of cinematic history hold significant cultural value, bringing a sense of nostalgia to fans and investors alike.
