15 Famous Movie Props That Were Lost, Stolen, or Destroyed

Movie props are more than just objects—they bring stories to life and become icons in their own right. From lightsabers to ruby slippers, these items hold a special place in fans’ hearts, but not all of them survive the test of time. Some get stolen, others are lost in storage, and a few are destroyed, leaving behind only memories and mysteries.

Hollywood’s history is full of tales about missing or ruined props that were once central to blockbuster films. Whether due to theft, carelessness, or accidents, these 15 famous props have vanished or been destroyed, sparking fascination and sometimes even decades-long searches. Here’s a look at some of the most iconic movie props that met unfortunate fates.

Ruby Slippers (‘The Wizard of Oz’, 1939)

One of the most famous props in movie history, Dorothy’s ruby slippers from ‘The Wizard of Oz’ became a target for thieves. In 2005, a pair was stolen from the Judy Garland Museum in Minnesota, leaving just a single sequin behind. Valued at $1 million, these slippers with 2,300 sequins each were missing for over a decade until the FBI recovered them in 2018. The thief, Jerry Hal Saliterman, faced charges for hiding them for 13 years.

Another pair of these iconic slippers nearly met a worse fate. After filming, some were almost thrown out, but a collector saved them from a dumpster. With only four or five pairs surviving, their cultural value is immense, and their loss or near-destruction highlights how even the most treasured props can slip through the cracks.

Aston Martin DB5 (‘Goldfinger’, 1964)

The silver Aston Martin DB5 from ‘Goldfinger’ is one of the most iconic cars in film history, complete with fake machine guns and an ejector seat. Bought for $275,000 at a 1986 auction, it was stored in a Florida hangar until 1997, when thieves stole it in a heist straight out of a Bond movie. They likely dragged it out by its axles and loaded it onto a cargo plane.

In 2022, investigators from Art Recovery International traced the car to a private collection in the Middle East, but its exact location remains unclear. The current owner may not know it’s stolen, and recovery efforts continue. This car’s disappearance remains one of Hollywood’s biggest unsolved mysteries.

Luke Skywalker’s Lightsaber (‘Star Wars: A New Hope’, 1977)

The lightsaber used by Mark Hamill in ‘Star Wars: A New Hope’ is a legendary piece of sci-fi history, built from a Graflex camera flash handle. After filming wrapped in 1976, several lightsabers went missing, either stolen or misplaced in storage. George Lucas later confirmed that many original props were lost due to poor handling during production.

Despite searches by collectors and fans, the original lightsaber remains unrecovered. Its value could reach millions at auction, given its role as a symbol of the Jedi. The loss of this prop is a painful reminder of how carelessly some studios treated early movie memorabilia.

Golden Idol (‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’, 1981)

The golden idol from the opening scene of ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ is one of Indiana Jones’ most memorable treasures. Several were made for different shots, but the main prop vanished after filming. It was likely misplaced during storage or stolen, as no clear record of its fate exists.

Its disappearance adds to the prop’s mystique, fitting the film’s theme of chasing lost artifacts. While replicas exist, the original idol’s whereabouts remain unknown, leaving fans and collectors hoping it might one day resurface in a forgotten warehouse or auction.

Maltese Falcon (‘The Maltese Falcon’, 1941)

The titular statue from ‘The Maltese Falcon’ is a film noir icon, representing greed and obsession. One of the lead versions was stolen from actor Sydney Greenstreet’s home in 1952 and has never been recovered. Only a few statues were made due to their weight and fragility, making the loss significant.

Another falcon was damaged on set when dropped, and a surviving one sold for over $4 million in 2013. The stolen original, however, remains a mystery, mirroring the film’s plot where the falcon itself is elusive and coveted.

Heart of the Ocean Necklace (‘Titanic’, 1997)

The ‘Heart of the Ocean’ necklace from ‘Titanic’ symbolized the film’s tragic love story. Though not made of real diamonds, its cultural value made it priceless. After filming, it was nearly discarded, but a crew member saved it from being thrown out.

Despite its rescue, one of the original necklaces went missing during a move between exhibitions. Efforts to locate it have failed, and its loss is a blow to fans who see it as a key piece of the film’s legacy.

Captain America’s Chopper (‘Easy Rider’, 1969)

Four custom motorcycles were built for ‘Easy Rider,’ including the iconic Captain America chopper ridden by Peter Fonda. Three were stolen from a storage unit before the film’s release, reportedly at gunpoint by armed thieves. The bikes were likely stripped for parts and sold, as their value wasn’t yet clear.

The fourth bike, partially destroyed in the film’s finale, was rebuilt and sold for $1.35 million in 2014. The stolen choppers’ fate remains unknown, adding a gritty chapter to the film’s rebellious legacy.

Wilson the Volleyball (‘Cast Away’, 2000)

Wilson, the volleyball companion to Tom Hanks’ character in ‘Cast Away,’ became an unexpected pop culture icon. One of the original volleyballs was auctioned for charity after filming but went missing during transit between exhibitions. Despite searches, it has never been found.

The loss of Wilson stings fans who connected with its emotional role in the film. Its simple design—a volleyball with a painted face—makes its disappearance all the more ironic, as it was likely overlooked as ordinary.

Golden Gun (‘The Man with the Golden Gun’, 1974)

The golden gun used by Christopher Lee’s villain in ‘The Man with the Golden Gun’ was a sleek, deadly prop that could be assembled from a pen, lighter, and cigarette case. Stolen from Elstree Studios in 2008, it was one of three made for the film. Despite investigations, it remains missing.

Its theft is bold, given its status as a Bond villain’s signature weapon. Replicas exist, but the original’s disappearance adds a layer of intrigue to the prop’s already sinister reputation.

Death Star Model (‘Star Wars: A New Hope’, 1977)

The Death Star model from ‘Star Wars: A New Hope’ was a detailed prop used for the film’s iconic space station. After filming, it was sent to a storage facility, but when the studio stopped paying rent, it was nearly thrown out. A storage unit employee saved it and displayed it in a Missouri antique shop.

Later, the shop sold it to a short-lived musical show called Star World, which closed in 1993. The model’s current whereabouts are unclear, and its near-destruction reflects the early disregard for ‘Star Wars’ props.

Leg Lamp (‘A Christmas Story’, 1983)

The leg lamp from ‘A Christmas Story’ is a quirky symbol of the film’s humor, coveted by Ralphie’s father. All the lamps used in filming were destroyed or thrown away in the 1990s, as they weren’t seen as valuable at the time.

Peter Jones, former owner of the ‘A Christmas Story House’ in Cleveland, tried to find an original but learned they were all gone. The loss of these fragile props is a shame for fans who adore the film’s nostalgic charm.

Red Ryder BB Gun (‘A Christmas Story’, 1983)

The Red Ryder BB gun from ‘A Christmas Story’ was Ralphie’s ultimate dream. Six were made for the film, but only a few survived. One belonged to actor Peter Billingsley, another to Daisy’s museum, and a third was sold by a prop master for $10,000.

Others were lost or destroyed over time, likely due to neglect. The hunt for these remaining guns mirrors Ralphie’s own quest, making their scarcity a bittersweet part of the film’s legacy.

Maschinenmensch Model (‘Metropolis’, 1927)

The Maschinenmensch, or Maria, from ‘Metropolis’ was a groundbreaking robot prop that influenced sci-fi design. Its fate is uncertain, with some claiming it was destroyed during filming, while others believe it perished in a Berlin museum fire.

As one of the earliest iconic movie props, its loss is a blow to film history. Its influence lives on in works like ‘Star Wars’ and music by artists like Janelle Monáe, but the original remains gone.

Ark of the Covenant (‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’, 1981)

The Ark of the Covenant from ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ was a central prop, symbolizing ultimate power. One of the originals went missing during a move between storage locations and was never recovered, despite searches when it was needed for an exhibition.

A surviving Ark is housed at the Lucasfilm Archives, but the lost one adds to the prop’s mythic status. Its disappearance feels fitting, given the film’s theme of treasures slipping away.

Iron Man Suit (‘Iron Man’, 2008)

The original red and gold Iron Man suit from the 2008 film, valued at $325,000, vanished from a prop storage warehouse in 2018. Worn by Robert Downey Jr., it marked Tony Stark’s transformation into a superhero and launched the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The LAPD investigated, but no leads surfaced, and the suit remains missing. Its loss is a major blow to Marvel fans, as it represents a pivotal moment in modern superhero cinema.

Which of these lost, stolen, or destroyed movie props would you most want to see recovered? Share your thoughts in the comments below!