Indiana Jones Hat SOLD $630,000 at Auction
A Priceless Piece of Cinematic History
It comes as no surprise that Indiana Jones’s iconic fedora carries an exorbitant price tag, given its status as one of the most recognizable props in movie history. However, even the most ardent admirers might be surprised to learn that the hat worn by Harrison Ford while portraying the daring archaeologist in the 1984 film Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom sold for an astonishing £488,464 ($630,000) at a recent Los Angeles auction. This hat, part of Ford’s stunt double Dean Ferrendini’s personal collection, was used not only in the main film but also in additional photography at George Lucas’ visual effects facilities. Notably, the fedora appears in the film’s famous plane escape scene, solidifying its place in cinematic history.
What Kind of Hat Does Indiana Jones Wear?
The fedora worn by Indiana Jones is no ordinary hat; it is a sable rabbit-felt fedora, a type that has become synonymous with the character. Often referred to as the “Indiana Jones hat,” this headgear is known for its high crown and wide brim, offering both practicality and style. The hat was crafted by the renowned London hatter Herbert Johnson, whose blue crest is featured within the lining. Over the years, the Indiana Jones hat name has become a symbol of adventure and courage, perfectly aligning with the character’s persona.
Indiana Jones Hat Dimensions and Design
The design and dimensions of Indiana Jones’s hat evolved slightly with each film, but the one used in Temple of Doom had some distinctive features. The Sable Rabbit-felt hat used by Ford’s stunt double had a more tapered crown than the one featured in Raiders of the Lost Ark. These subtle changes in the hat’s design, including its dimensions, helped enhance the character’s appearance and ensured that the hat fit securely during the film’s many action-packed scenes.
The Temple of Doom Mine Cart Scene and Beyond
One of the most iconic moments involving the fedora is in the thrilling Temple of Doom mine cart chase scene. Despite the intense action, the hat remains firmly on Indiana Jones’s head, showcasing not just the character’s resilience, but also the hat’s importance as part of his identity. The hat’s role in scenes like this one has made it a legendary piece of film memorabilia, further increasing its value at auction.
Other Notable Auction Items
The recent auction also featured other significant pieces of movie history. An Imperial Scout Trooper helmet from Return of the Jedi sold for $315,000 (£243,000), while a light-up wand used by Daniel Radcliffe in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban fetched $53,550 (£41,400). A suit worn by Daniel Craig in Skyfall went for $35,000 (£27,000). Interestingly, the Temple of Doom fedora fetched more than double the amount of a similar hat auctioned in 2021, underscoring its unique value and significance.
The Legacy of Indiana Jones Films
The Indiana Jones franchise has had a monumental impact on cinema since its inception. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), directed by Steven Spielberg and based on a story by George Lucas and Philip Kaufman, was a massive box office success, earning £301 million. Its first sequel, The Temple of Doom (1984), grossed £256 million, with the third installment, The Last Crusade (1989), raking in £366 million. The fourth film, The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008), shattered records with a £611 million box office haul. The most recent entry, Indiana Jones and The Dial of Destiny (2023), continues the legacy, marking what is likely Harrison Ford’s final appearance as the iconic character.
Conclusion
The sale of Indiana Jones’s fedora for $630,000 at auction highlights not just the value of the hat itself, but also the lasting impact of the Indiana Jones character and the films in which he appears. As fans continue to cherish these cinematic treasures, the legacy of Indiana Jones and his iconic hat remains as strong as ever.
Table: Key Details of Indiana Jones Fedora and Other Auctioned Items
| Item | Film | Sale Price | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana Jones Fedora | Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom | $630,000 | Sable rabbit-felt fedora; tapered crown, featured in plane escape and mine cart scenes |
| Imperial Scout Trooper Helmet | Return of the Jedi | $315,000 | Iconic helmet used by Imperial forces in the Star Wars saga |
| Light-Up Wand (Daniel Radcliffe) | Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban | $53,550 | Used by Daniel Radcliffe; featured in various magical scenes |
| Suit (Daniel Craig) | Skyfall | $35,000 | Worn by Daniel Craig as James Bond in Skyfall |
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