A Historic Piece of Film: E.T. Model Up for Auction at Sotheby’s
A significant artifact from cinematic history is set to be auctioned by Sotheby’s: an original, screen-used model of E.T. from Steven Spielberg’s 1982 classic, E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial.
About the Auction
This collectible, crafted by the renowned special effects and makeup artist Carlo Rambaldi, will be a part of a larger collection featuring various other fascinating items from his illustrious career. Rambaldi’s contributions to films such as King Kong, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Alien, and Dune further bolster the model’s significance in film history.
The E.T. Model’s Details
The E.T. model, measuring just over three feet, was specifically designed and developed in 1981 and was famously featured in the iconic closet scene where E.T. tries to blend in with stuffed toys. This one-of-a-kind piece is expected to fetch between $600,000 and $900,000 as part of the auction lot titled “There Are Such Things: 20th Century Horror, Science Fiction and Fantasy on Screen.” Bidding will commence on March 21 and will be open until April 3.
More Treasures from Rambaldi’s Collection
Alongside the beloved E.T. model, the auction will showcase an array of unique items from Rambaldi’s rich collection, including:
- Never-before-seen sketches for E.T.
- An animatronic study of one of E.T.’s eyes
- Two screen-used sandworm models from Dune (estimated at $15,000-20,000)
- A dinosaur egg (estimated at $6,000-9,000) and a baby dinosaur animatronic from the 1993 film Rex: A Dinosaur’s Story (estimated at $8,000-12,000).
The collection also includes artifacts from cinematic classics like Blade Runner, Total Recall, Labyrinth, and Jurassic Park.
Courtesy of Sotheby’s
Reflections on the Legacy of Carlo Rambaldi
Daniela Rambaldi, the artist’s daughter and vice president of the Fondazione Culturale Carlo Rambaldi, expressed her gratitude for this auction opportunity, stating, “We are truly honored to collaborate with Sotheby’s… These iconic pieces not only carry priceless memories for our family but also have the potential to inspire future generations.”
Cassandra Hatton, Sotheby’s vice chairman of science and natural history, added, “Carlo Rambaldi’s genius redefined animatronics and special effects in filmmaking, bringing some of cinema’s most enduring creatures to life. His dedication to craftsmanship in the pre-CGI era underscores the magic of practical effects. This model is not just a beautiful artifact; it is a nostalgic representation of a vibrant period in Hollywood’s storytelling.”
Don’t miss this chance to own a piece of Hollywood magic on display at Sotheby’s upcoming auction. For further details, visit the [Sotheby’s auction page](https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2025/there-are-such-things-20th-century-horror-science-fiction-and-fantasy-on-screen).