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Ellen Ripley's (Sigourney Weaver) practical special effects M240 flamethrower from James Cameron's Aliens. The Colonial Marines carried M240 incinerator units during the base and hive exploration scenes as they searched for survivors with Ripley. Later, Ripley constructed a unique weapon by duct-taping the flamethrower to the M41A pulse rifle after she was rescued by Bishop (Lance Henriksen) en route to the hive.

Working from designs by concept artist Ron Cobb, SFX supervisor John Richardson created several different versions of each weapon for production. Multiple flamethrows were created, including "pilot light only" versions and non-firing versions. This practical flamethrower unit was constructed to shoot large flames, such as when Ripley torched the eggs in the Xenomorph Queen's nest.

Based loosely on existing military hardware, this flamethrower consists of two fiberglass M16 rifle upper and lower receiver shells spliced back together on opposite directions with a front section based on an M203 grenade launcher, a green polyester shoulder strap, a brass coupler affixed to the butt, aluminum and resin detailing, and an embossed Colt Patent Firearms logo. Within the fiberglass body is metal gas plumbing and hardware and a real hose connection to take gas at the back of the unit and a functional squeeze-handle trigger that operated the flame. The thick gas tube that ran into the back of the unit was visible in wide shots of Ripley torching the Queen's nest. It was painted in shades of green, brown, and black. Production intentionally distressed this weapon to appear well-used and aged. On the top of the body are two pieces of friction material intended for use when Ripley struck the flares on top of the flamethrower in the film. Since production, the weapon has been fully deactivated for safety reasons. The flamethrower has undergone sympathetic restoration, replacing the top handle with one from a real M16 after the original was broken off and missing, though the incomplete original handle is also included. The flamethrower should not be carried by the top handle as it is a decorative attachment. This lot exhibits adhesive residue, patina on the grip, chipped paint, and a crack under the body's shell. Dimensions: 32" x 21" x 6" (81.5 cm x 53.5 cm x 15.25 cm)

Estimate: $125,000 - 250,000

View all lots from ALIENS (1986)

View all lots from ALIEN - ALL ITEMS