This lot will be auctioned on Thursday, November 3rd. The auction will begin at 3:00PM GMT 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 Friday, November 4th; Saturday, November 5th; or Sunday, November 6th.

Tang Lung's (Bruce Lee) double nunchaku from Lee's martial arts movie The Way of the Dragon. Tang Lung used his nunchaku to defeat Ho's (Wei Ping-Ou) thugs in the alley behind the restaurant.

The Way of the Dragon is the most personal of all Bruce Lee's films, as it is the only complete movie to showcase Lee as the star, director, producer and writer. It is also notable for being the only film to feature "The Little Dragon's" breathtaking skill with the deadly double nunchaku - a discipline that requires remarkable timing, reflexes and impeccable spatial awareness.

Handmade to Lee's exact specifications, each pair of nunchaku from this unique double set is crafted from durable lightweight wood, wrapped in mesh strips, and then covered in a protective rubberised coating, with a metal chain and eye-hooks linking the two batons. Each pair was the perfect length and weight for Lee, and the bespoke covering delivered enhanced grip - a feature that was invaluable when filming in the exceptionally hot and humid climate of Hong Kong.

Lee typically used two types of nunchaku in his films: one with a strong but lightweight construction, and another even lighter design with exterior padding to protect actors from impact injuries. This set of nunchaku (one of only two) comes from the former category, and Lee used them to execute sections of the mesmerising double-nunchaku battle filmed at Golden Harvest Studios. Unlike its sister set, which has two parallel indentations running around the entire circumference of one of the four batons, this double set is entirely uniform in its design.

Time has oxidised the outer rubber coating, which now presents a lighter shade compared with its original appearance in 1972. However, the original colour is still apparent on the tips. Oxidation of the internal adhesive has also pulled the exterior rubber closer to the mesh strips wrapped around the wood, giving the nunchaku a more ribbed appearance. The lot is accompanied by a letter of authenticity from the family of Lee's close friend and training partner George Lee, which expands upon its history. Dimensions (each): 95 cm x 3.5 cm x 3.5 cm (37 1/2" x 1 1/2" x 1 1/2")

Ownership of this weapon may be restricted. Please enquire for further details. It is solely the buyer's responsibility to check, prior to ordering, the legal status of this prop within their own country and its importation therein.

Estimate: £30,000 - 50,000 †

View all lots from WAY OF THE DRAGON, THE (1972)