C-3PO (Anthony Daniels) Prototype Injection Molded Helmet | STAR WARS: THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK (1980)

Sold Stock #133323 | Sold Jul 19 2021

STAR WARS: THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK (1980)

Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction - Los Angeles - 2021

C-3PO (Anthony Daniels) Prototype Injection Molded Helmet

Sell One Like This Now

See results

Interested in something like this?

Our expert's notes

This lot will be auctioned on Tuesday, June 29th. The auction will begin at 9:00am 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 June 30th or July 1st.

An injection-molded prototype C-3PO (Anthony Daniels) helmet from Irvin Kershner's Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. Following the success of Star Wars and after feedback from actor Daniels, the decision was taken to overhaul the C-3PO costumes for The Empire Strikes Back. As part of the upgrade, the helmet was crafted from injection-molded plastic, making it more comfortable than the previous fiberglass design. However, when the helmets arrived after manufacture, the plastic was found to have shrunk just enough to be uncomfortable for Daniels, and they therefore were not used. In a well-known behind-the-scenes shot for The Empire Strikes Back, a number of these injection-molded helmets are seen together on shelves in the Elstree Studios art department.

This plastic helmet is a clamshell design with a face plate that rests inside the edge of the backplate, and would have secured together with machined fasteners (not included.) Marked inside in blue marker on both components is the number '14'. The helmet was never vacuum-metalized to give the gold finish.

A set of brass replica eye components is included for display. There are some cracks on the backplate that have been professionally repaired, and minor wear from age, but the helmet is in overall good condition. Dimensions: 9.5'' x 8.75" x 13'' (24 cm x 22 cm x 33 cm)

Estimate: $20,000 - 30,000

This item comes with a Propstore Certificate of Authenticity

This item is located in London.

This item is located in Los Angeles.