Most Iconic props of all time?

[GeneralFROSTY]

This may have been discussed before at some point, but I thought it would be fun to list the most iconic tv/movie props of all time - and why exactly they are so iconic.
Add to the list - no particular order

-Star Trek (original series), communicator
Because the flip-open communication device has inspired the communication devices we take for granted today.
-A New Hope, Luke's Saber hilt
Because it was the first time the world was introduced to the concept of a lightsaber, and the prop's origin as a flash handle makes it an interesting and unique prop.
-Raiders of the Lost Arc, Idol
Because the image of Harrison Ford ready to replace the Idol with a bag of sand is as an iconic moment in cinema history as any.
-Ghostbusters, Proton Pack
Because every kid wants one, for just being a prop it really is an integral part of the movies, and no other prop that looks like the innards of an engine looks as cool as the proton pack.
-Back to the Future II, Marty's Hoverboard
Because no other fictional leasure product has ever been wanted so badly worldwide and people thought they were real.
-Aliens, Pulse Rifle
Because when it comes to fictional weapons from the movies, the Pulse Rifle is the bad-ass that is both believable and fictional at the same time.

 

[clonesix]

Maltese Falcon
Rifleman's Winchester

 

[silverskyes402]

Good list, just ad a PKD from blade runner and your set!

 

[glim999]

Gotta agree about the Maltese Falcon. There would have been no film without it.

 

[Tan Djarka]

Rosebud...

 

[Tan Djarka]

-Aliens, Pulse Rifle
Because when it comes to fictional weapons from the movies, the Pulse Rifle is the bad-ass that is both believable and fictional at the same time.

After seeing ALIENS the first few times I never really gave the Pulse Rifle a second thought. The Smart Gun was where it was at for me.

 

[oblagon]

I'd add the delorean from back to the future; cause if your going to build a time machine why not do it with some style.

 

[Xxblackbird]

After seeing ALIENS the first few times I never really gave the Pulse Rifle a second thought. The Smart Gun was where it was at for me.

I agree with this. I'm surprised there's such a shortage of smart gun props out there.

Grant's Raptor claw from Jurassic Park is very iconic. As is the Barbasol can.
The Joker's playing card from Batman Begins and Dark Knight is as well.

 

[micdavis]

To fans or to the general public?

To fans: Luke's Lightsaber

To the public: Dorothy's Ruby Slippers.

...and Deckard's gun from BR is solely a prop person's thing. I bet most hard core Sci-fi fans who are not into props would barely recognize it. Almost no screen time and in one movie. Sorry, not iconic at all.

 

[glim999]

Dorothy's Ruby Slippers

That's a good one.

 

[Bilbo Baggins]

James Bond Golden Gun :love

 

[Jedi-72]

Dorothy's Ruby Slippers are probably the most iconic prop of all-time, hands down. Instantly identifiable by just about anyone for generations.

It's hard to think of too many others that the average Joe walking the street would recognize instantly. Maybe Indy's bullwhip and fedora. Things like the idol and such are cool to prop geeks like us, but the average citizen couldn't tell you what it is. Lightsabers and such? People know what they are, know the sound, but a non-fan couldn't pick a Graflex out of a line-up of flashlights.

 

[PHArchivist]

This may have been discussed before is

Lots of times.

What always comes up is:
--Dorothy's slippers
--Rosebud
--Indy's paraphenalia
--Luke's saber
--Maltese Falcon
--Vader's helmet

But the true answer in my opinion - at least to what is most valuble - is the Death Star.

What drives value to a prop?

1. The importance of the film
2. The role of the prop in relation to the prop
3. Is the prop handled or otherwised used by a principal character?
4. How much screen time does the prop get?
5. Were there multiples made?
6. Cultural impact or global recognition of the prop

Ask yourself these questions about the any of the props mentioned (or to be mentioned) in this thread, then apply the same questions to the Death Star. Its unbeatable. Even Dorothy's slippers and the Maltese Falcon had more than one made for the respective productions.

 

[Capn_Jack_Savvy]

A fedora!
Excalibur!
Jar of dirt! I should be getting my actual prop REAL soon!

 

[Rusty85]

I would have to say the Ruby Slippers along with the Proton Pack.

 

[PHArchivist]

To illustrate my point:

Rifleman's Winchester

Where would this film land on AFI’s top 100?

Good list, just ad a PKD from blade runner and your set!

Yeah but would your parents recognize it?

I'd add the delorean from back to the future; cause if your going to build a time machine why not do it with some style.

Iconic or recognizable, yeah, probably. And pretty important films. But there were certainly more than one made for the production

After seeing ALIENS the first few times I never really gave the Pulse Rifle a second thought. The Smart Gun was where it was at for me.

Eh… Not a bad pull, but see examples one, two, and three above.

A fedora!
Jar of dirt! I should be getting my actual prop REAL soon!

Fedora? Whip? jacket? No arguing the importance and certainly the recognizability, but there were 20 to 30 of each made for the series. Jack Sparrow's pistols on the other hand may land a new place in the hall of fame. Two original antiques....

To fans or to the general public?
To fans: Luke's Lightsaber
To the public: Dorothy's Ruby Slippers.
...and Deckard's gun from BR is solely a prop person's thing. I bet most hard core Sci-fi fans who are not into props would barely recognize it. Almost no screen time and in one movie. Sorry, not iconic at all.

Rosebud...

Dorothy's Ruby Slippers are probably the most iconic prop of all-time, hands down. Instantly identifiable by just about anyone for generations.

I would have to say the Ruby Slippers

I rest

 

[micdavis]

So we don't distinguish between models and props.

I would never think of the Death Star as a prop. It's a miniature. A model. An effects item.

Props are on set, held or interacting with actors.

Not the same.

 

[PHArchivist]

So we don't distinguish between models and props.

I would never think of the Death Star as a prop. It's a miniature. A model. An effects item.

Props are on set, held or interacting with actors.

Not the same.

:rolleyesOh for the love of god...! :rolleyes

Quitcher belly-aching and rule quoting!

And throw out the ruby slippers then since they were WARDROBE and not PROPS! :angry

 

[Darth Detroit]

:rolleyesOh for the love of god...! :rolleyes

Quitcher belly-aching and rule quoting!

And throw out the ruby slippers then since they were WARDROBE and not PROPS! :angry

:lol

 

[micdavis]

You just want to be the guy to build the best damn replica of the most Iconic prop ever.

(but it's not a prop)

You're right wardrobe.

I'd have to go with the Maltese Falcon.

Adam Savage wins.