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Forrest Ackerman memorabilia, including Dracula's cape, to be sold
Many of the costumes, props, books and other sci-fi and horror memorabilia once owned by the late Forrest J Ackerman will be auctioned off by Profiles in History the last week of April.
The items include Bela Lugosi's Dracula ring and cape, along with Lugosi's costume from The Raven; a signed first edition of Bram Stoker's Dracula, signed by Stoker and Lugosi, among others; and Fritz Lang's monocle from Metropolis.
Bids can be placed in person; via mail, phone or fax; or live on the internet via Live Auctioneers.com.
Forrest Ackerman was an American collector of science fiction books and movie memorabilia and a science fiction fan. Ackerman, known as "Forry" or "The Ackermonster" or "4e" or "4SJ" or "Forjak," was influential in the formation, organization and popularization of science fiction fandom in its early years, and he served as a key figure in the wider cultural perception of science fiction as a literary, art and film genre. Ackerman is also remembered as the editor-writer of the magazine Famous Monsters of Filmland, as well as for being an occasional author, actor, producer (Vampirella) and literary agent.
Ackerman was noted for having amassed an extremely large and complete collection of science fiction, fantasy and horror film memorabilia, which was, until 2002, maintained in a remarkable 18-room home/museum known as the "Ackermansion" in the Los Feliz district of Los Angeles, filled with 300,000 books and pieces of movie memorabilia.
He was credited with nurturing and even inspiring the careers of several early contemporaries, such as Ray Bradbury, Ray Harryhausen, Charles Beaumont, Marion Zimmer Bradley and L. Ron Hubbard.
The list of items, along with estimated sale prices:
♦Dracula ring worn by Lugosi as Count Dracula. ($20,000-$30,000).
♦Lugosi's robe from The Raven. ($15,000-$20,000)
♦Cape made for Lugosi in 1932 and used many times for his stage portrayal of Dracula. Lugosi also wore the costume in Plan 9 from Outer Space. ($15,000-$20,000).
♦A first edition of Dracula, signed by Bram Stoker and inscribed by Bela Lugosi to Forry Ackerman (also signed by a host of other Dracula-related personalities). ($6,000-8,000).
♦Lang's monocle, which he wore when he directed Metropolis. This was given to Forry by Lang. ($3,000-$5,000)
By KelDez at 11:05 AM ON 02/05/09
This is just wrong, in my opinion. All these items should be donated to something like the Science Fiction Museum. The family could use the tax deduction to get a huge amount from the government, if that's what they're looking for.
By Icarusflu at 12:06 PM ON 02/05/09
From what I understand it comes down to lots of bills (esp medical) that the estate has and the fact he had no children or family to leave it too
By PurpleRanger at 1:54 PM ON 02/05/09
I do hope that the Science Fiction Museum is able to acquire some of the most notable pieces. Forry's collection deserves to remain as intact as possible.
By dennishenley at 3:00 PM ON 02/09/09
This is so wrong in so many ways. Forry collected for a lifetime and his treasures are unique. He inspired so many people in the film industry who have since become successful. Wouldn't it have been nice if they could have returned the favor by grabbing up his stuff and then donating to a museum? Live alone, die alone, I suppose.
By bmj2k at 4:16 PM ON 02/10/09
I will only bid on the Dracula cape Lugosi was buried in.
By Al at 12:44 AM ON 06/11/09
From what I understood, most of these items were in the care of Forry's dear friend "Joe Moe." It would be hard to beleive that someone so close to Forry, could just sell everything off for a quick buck? If this is in fact what's happening, may everyone involved find a well deserved end!
Al
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Al:
From what I understood, most of these items were in the care of Forry's dear friend "Joe Moe." It would be hard to ...More »