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The Kurgan's (Clancy Brown) hero battle armour and screen-matched helmet from Russell Mulcahy's fantasy adventure Highlander. The immortal barbarian known only as The Kurgan wore his armour while in battle with a group of Scottish warriors including Connor MacLeod (Christopher Lambert) in 1536.

This lot is the only complete hero armour set for The Kurgan known to exist, and it took the consignor more than 15 years to piece it together. The armour was designed by three-time Academy Award-winning costume designer James Acheson, whose other credits include Dangerous Liaisons, The Last Emperor, Restoration and Sam Raimi's Spider-Man trilogy. Further examination of the Kurgan helmet has achieved a screen-match through the placement of the hand-drilled holes on the right side of the head. These holes were drilled into either side of the helmet in a random pattern around the ear areas to allow Clancy Brown easier hearing on set.

Interestingly, the helmet in its existing state has two additional teeth on either side of the bottom row. The construction and finish of these teeth are different from the rest of the helmet, indicating that these were added later. One possibility is that the helmet sustained damage and was incorrectly restored based on an old design or that they were added for a scene that didn't make the final cut of the film.

The costume comprises a breastplate, a leather undershirt, a pair of leather trousers, a pair of pauldrons, a pair of elbow pieces, a belt, a right-handed bracer, a right-legged greave and thigh-armour piece, a helmet and a pair of leather boots. The inside of the breastplate's collar and armpits are lined with faux animal hair, chain mail is attached to the biceps, and faux snakeskin decorates the arm pieces.

The armour is made from fibreglass and bronze powder to give it a metallic look, and is styled to resemble animal bones. The breastplate has a hole in the front from the stab wound inflicted by Ramirez (Sean Connery) during the fight at Connor MacLeod's (Christopher Lambert) home. The reverse side of the hole contains the remains of a blood pack.

The armour has been intentionally distressed to appear well worn and battle-scarred. The costume is mounted on a custom mannequin display. Dimensions (displayed): 202 cm x 78 cm x 43 cm (79.5" x 30.75" x 17")

Special shipping required; see special shipping notice in the Buyer's Guide.

Estimate: £50,000 - 100,000 M

View all lots from HIGHLANDER (1986)