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An M56 Smartgun from James Cameron's sci-fi horror sequel Aliens. USCM privates Vasquez (Jenette Goldstein) and Drake (Mark Rolston) wielded their signature M56 Smartguns against the xenomorphs.

This is one of two live-fire Smartguns built for the production by U.K. film armorers Bapty & Co, from whom this piece was initially obtained. Due to its unwieldy weight and length, the actors used Steadicam rigs, designed to help camera operators support the weight of motion-picture cameras on their body, to make the props more manageable. This innovation was practical for the actors and provided an interesting visual on screen.

The Smartgun props were the brainchild of director James Cameron, and were developed by Bapty and the film's lead armorer Simon Atherton. Similar to the Pulse Rifles, the Smartguns were based on an existing real-world gun that could fire blanks on set: an MG42 belt-fed machine gun. They were dressed up with prop components to appear more futuristic, including elements from a motorcycle and other custom-made components.

The MG42 element of this Smartgun was deactivated after filming, and some of the original dressing components were removed as is typical with rental firearms. The original dressing components that remain are the custom-machined flash suppressor, the linkage under the body that connects the rear squeeze-grip to the trigger mechanism, and the white lettering that was painted on the side of the gun. Remnants of the original lettering for both "Adios" (seen on Vasquez's Smartgun) and "My Bitch" (seen on Drake's version) indicate this was likely used by both actors at some point during production.

The dressing elements that were stripped off after filming have been recreated from the same real-world parts used on the prop originally: the trapezoid-shaped Kawasaki motorcycle footrests on either side of the barrel, the Kawasaki motorcycle grip and selector switches in front of the ammo drum, and the Kawasaki GT motorcycle brake level trigger and squeeze mechanism are replica components added for display.

Also included are a deactivation certificate from the London Proof House and a color photograph of Drake inscribed "Protect my bitch!" and autographed by Ralston. The Smartgun still exhibits signs of handling and extensive production use throughout, including scratches, scuffing, and exposed silver-color metal beneath the black paint. Dimensions: 51" x 11" x 7" (129.5 cm x 28 cm x 18 cm)

Estimate: $100,000 - 150,000

View all lots from ALIENS (1986)

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