Winslet in Titanic. It
recently sold at a
Profiles in History
auction.
America's love affair with the movie Titanic continues to exert a strong influence on auction prices, if this recent sale is any indication.
On Oct. 19, 2014, Profiles in History held an auction of a variety of movie memorabilia. Included in the sale was this crocheted purse carried by Kate Winslet in her role as "Rose DeWitt Bukater."
The auction catalog describes the purse as:
Kate Winslet “Rose DeWitt Bukater” screen-used handbag from Titanic. (TCF, 1997) Winslet’s fictitious character is an invention of great wealth and breeding and appears throughout the film in examples of the eras’ finest fashion and accessories. Here is a screen-used, vintage handbag, particularly visible on the third day of the doomed voyage when Winslet and her party are above deck. Consisting of white cotton crocheted 6 x 5 in. handbag with German silver, ornate Art Nouveau frame and snap closure. A crocheted grape leaf and cluster motif graces the face of the bag, ending in three dangling, knotted tassels at the bottom. With delicate, braided fabric handle. Retaining the costumer’s tags marked, “Rose” and “Kate Winslet”. In vintage, production used, very good condition.
When the hammer fell, this purse sold for $2,500 plus $575 buyer's premium for a final price of $3,075. Without the movie provenance, you'd be lucky to get someone to buy this purse for $100.
Any item with a strong Hollywood provenance, pumps up prices. That amount increases even more if the item is used on-screen. How could a costume or accessory be made and not be used on screen? Well, it is common practice for costume designers to create multiples of certain outfits or accessories. Sometimes variations are made to provide the director or performer a choice for one that fits or looks better in a scene. Sometimes a more detailed version is used for closeups while a simpler version is used for faraway shots or during stunts.
movie "Titanic."
Consider Dorthy's ruby slippers from the 1939 class "The Wizard Of Oz." It's believed that 6-7 pairs were made, four are known to exist today. The accounted for variations include one pair a half-size bigger to accommodate Garland's swollen feet after a hard day filming. Another variation was detailed for the climactic heel tapping scene. There was a prototype version created that looked more like an Arabian slipper. It never saw screen time in the movie. The list goes on and on.
Anyone have a purse that was featured in a Hollywood movie? We'd love to have a picture to include it in the Members' Museum. You can send us a picture using this form.
(Purse photo and Titanic still shot courtesy of Profiles in History Auction catalog. )