Lot 22. DeLorean Time Machine Plutonium Canister with Replica Red Pellet

Sold Stock #186527 | Sold Apr 7 2025

BACK TO THE FUTURE (1985)

Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction: Los Angeles Spring 2025

Lot # 22. DeLorean Time Machine Plutonium Canister with Replica Red Pellet

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Bidding for this lot will end on Wednesday, March 26th. The auction will begin at 10:30AM PDT and lots are sold sequentially via live auctioneer; tune in to the live streaming broadcast on auction day to follow the pace. Note other lots in the auction may close on Thursday, March 27th or Friday, March 28th.

A DeLorean time machine plutonium canister from Robert Zemeckis' Back to the Future with a replica red pellet. "Doc" Emmett Brown (Christopher Lloyd) swindled plutonium cells with red pellets from terrorists in order to generate the 1.21 gigawatts of electricity needed to power the DeLorean time machine.

During the classic parking lot scene where he demonstrated the process for Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox), Doc rotated his canister containing the volatile plutonium pellet, causing it to drop slightly into water at first until disappearing completely into the chamber. Both static canisters and a hero version designed to release the cell into the water were created for the sequence.

This static acrylic canister with holes on both ends for inserting a cell originated from Universal. Also included is an acrylic plutonium cell replica painted red and applied with a warning label reading "Caution Radioactive Material." The canister exhibits cracks on both ends and yellowing and grime along its rims from production use and age. Dimensions: 3" x 3" x 7.25" (7.75 cm x 7.75 cm x 18.5 cm)

Estimate: $5,000 - 10,000

Size

Item size: 3" × 3" × 7" (7.62cm × 7.62cm × 17.78cm)

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