A RECORD SALE: You don’t tug on Superman’s cape. You pay six figures for it…
Unclear whether this is the same cape or one used in another scene.
Hey, remember how in November we told you that Christopher Reeve’s Superman cape from the 1978 movie was going up for auction? (Click here to catch up!)
Anyway, that glorious piece of red-and-yellow cloth sold at auction on Monday for a superheroic $193,750, according to Julien’s Auctions in Los Angeles.
“One of the most recognized superhero costume pieces of all time — an original cape worn by Christopher Reeve in his iconic role as the Man of Steel in Superman (Warner Bros., 1978) — soared at today’s auction, selling for $193,750 and setting a new world record as the most expensive superhero cape sold at auction,” Julien’s said in a statement. “The famous cape made its only second auction appearance today after 40 years and was part of a world-wide contest to promote the movie’s release in 1979 with the grand prize being one of the six original capes made for and used in the film. The item’s provenance included a letter from DC Comics’ President as well as the Editor and Publisher and a copy of a photo of Christopher Reeve choosing the winner and more.”
The sale hit the cape’s pre-sale estimate of $100,000 to $200,000.
In November’s story, I pointed out that William Shatner’s Wrath of Khan jacket was also in the auction. It was unclear Monday night how it fared, but I’ll update this once I know.
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MORE
— 13 QUICK THOUGHTS: Why CHRISTOPHER REEVE Was the Greatest SUPERMAN Ever. Click here.
— RICHARD DONNER Talks SUPERMAN’s Legacy. Click here.
December 16, 2019
WOW! And to think I my mom spent just a few bucks to buy me a red towel when I was a kid.
December 16, 2019
Totally awesome story Dan! I can recall actually entering the contest myself to win the cape during the big movie promo. I did a report on the making of the film and all of the fantastic things that were done to make us actually believe that a man could fly.
For instance, Clark Kent always wore parted hair opposite that of Superman. A host of other small tidbits that veiwers never noticed too.
December 17, 2019
I seem to recall seeing an episode of Pawn Stars in which someone had brought in a full costume of Reeve’s. Unfortunately, I cannot recall how much it sold for.
December 17, 2019
It’s a pretty awesome cape indeed.
December 17, 2019
Yes Sir! Mr Gipson. I can tell you are a gentleman of “SUPER” tastes! I found out also that young actor Jeff
(teenage Clark)
East’s voice was completely dubbed with Christopher Reeve’s. The real story [CAPED WONDER STUNS CITY] was written just for the superfans. You can read it on the superman website.