Bombshells to Blasters, An Auction You Can't Refuse Pt. 2

Lot #96:

Indiana Jones Rocket Launcher from Raiders

The Indiana Jones franchise is one born of George Lucas and Steven Spielberg's love of exotic Hollywood adventure and good old American heroism. When these maestros of filmmaking set out to throw "Indy's" fedora into the ring, it was with the sense of wonder and death-defying feats the two had encountered in great 20th-Century serials like Buck Rogers and Zorro! The international resonance of their landmark series has made any relic from production a "Holy Grail" (pun kinda intended) collectible in our culture. Offered here is one of those rare gems. This is a screen used and matched, heavy, hero RPG Launcher prop constructed of metal, wood, and mixed-media components. Expertly assembled, painted, and finished to appear as an authentic weapon of destruction. Highly visible in the critical scene when "Indiana Jones" (Harrison Ford) aims the shoulder-fired anti-tank weapon at the "Ark of the Covenant" while the mysterious holy relic of the film's title is being transported by the sinister "Belloq" (Paul Freeman) and his Nazis. Unfortunately, "Indy" never gets the chance to fire the weapon as the villains hold his love interest, "Marion Ravenwood" (Karen Allen) hostage and "Belloq" appeals to the archeologist's premium on preserving history. This realistic weapon prop was made-to-order for production by the movie's legendary armorer, Simon Atherton, who has related that the prop is actually modeled as a Chinese Type 56 copy of the Soviet RPG-2, modified to resemble a WWII-era German anti-tank weapon. The launcher also features a shoulder grip similar to that of an M9 Bazooka. While the Germans historically had no rocket launchers in 1936, as both the Panzerschreck and Panzerfaust were developed later during the war, this weapon prop can be explained by the franchise's decidedly whimsical mix of history and fiction, which is a hallmark of the always exciting Indiana Jones universe. This is a rare opportunity to own a prop from the very first episode of the groundbreaking, multi-generational game changer. A prop that is a bona fide piece of moviemaking history and one that deserves a place of pride in any collection. Measuring 51 x 15 x 3.25 in. and exhibiting expected age and production wear. In very good condition.