February 2014 Auction Ends Thursday, February 27th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/27/2014
Charlton Heston's screen-used ''Planet of the Apes'' prop rifle. Heston stars in the science fiction classic as astronaut George Taylor, who arrives on a fourth millennium planet Earth where the human population has suffered a hostile takeover by apes. Heston, famous for his advocacy of firearm rights, wields the rifle in the film's thrilling climax at the cave in the Forbidden Zone. Prop gun is made of a black stained wood shell which originally housed the real World War II M1 carbine shot in the film. The force of the firing destroyed the wooden shells routinely, leading to a change in weapon design for the sequel, and making this one of, if not the, last ''Planet of the Apes'' rifle casings. Metal braces attach the prop gun to a black leather shoulder strap. Plastic internal M1 carbine receiver, trigger and muzzle cast from a real M1 have been added. Gun measures 34'' from butt to barrel, 5.5'' at its tallest and 1.75'' at its thickest. Superficial scratching and chipping to finish. A 4'' horizontal crack runs along the forestock, likely from screen use. Chipping to wood at the lowermost point. In good condition overall. Provenance from Profiles in History's Hollywood Auction No. 18, held 31 March 2004, lot 303.
Charlton Heston's Screen-Used Hero Prop Rifle From ''Planet of the Apes'' -- The Ultimate Charlton Heston Piece & Likely Last Surviving Prop Gun From the Film -- A Coveted Sci-Fi Weapon
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