This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 6/25/2015.
Kirk Douglas screen-used Roman sword and scabbard prop from the 1960 thriller “Spartacus”. Douglas plays the rebellious Thracian Spartacus who was born and raised a slave and sold to Batiatus, a Gladiator trainer. Spartacus turns on Batiatus and leads the other slaves into rebellion. As they trek to southern Italy, their numbers swell with other escaped slaves and they will not quit until they return to their homes. The metal sword has a beautifully crafted wooden handle and is accompanied by an ornate red scabbard with Roman attributes in brass. The original leather strap features brass buttons and has been severed. This prop was used by Douglas in several key scenes including the gladiator take-over sequence. The costume designers Valles and Bill Thomas won an Academy Award for Best Costume design and the film won three other Academy Awards including Best Art Direction, Set Decoration and Best Supporting Actor. The sword was originally sourced from set personnel. Accompanied by Profiles in History documentation.