If you're hunting for iconic, screen-used pieces or high-quality replicas online, there are a few places I always check first. For genuine screen-used items and big-ticket auction pieces, Prop Store (London/LA), Profiles in History, Julien's Auctions, Heritage Auctions, Bonhams, and Christie's are the go-to spots — they regularly handle costumes, props, and furniture from films and series like 'Star Wars', 'Blade Runner', and 'The Lord of the Rings'. Those auctions often come with condition reports and provenance info, and you can sometimes bid live or online. For slightly more frequent but still reputable offerings, keep an eye on specialist auction houses and dedicated movie memorabilia dealers; they turn up rare items that don’t hit mainstream marketplaces very often.
If you want licensed, museum-quality replicas or high-end collectible reproductions that are faithful to the originals, shops like Weta Workshop (the Weta Cave), The Noble Collection, EFX Collectibles, Anovos (when active), and Sideshow/Gentle Giant are where I go. They make stunning, officially licensed pieces from properties such as 'Harry Potter', 'Marvel', and 'The Lord of the Rings'. For more widely available retail replicas, Entertainment Earth, BigBadToyStore, and even Amazon can be useful — just be cautious about listings that lack clear licensing or photos. On the more grassroots side, Etsy is a goldmine for custom prop makers and one-off artisan builds (think custom helmets, screen-accurate leatherwork, or weathered props), and eBay still works if you vet sellers carefully and study the photos and history. If you’re into 3D printing, sites like MyMiniFactory, Cults3D, and Shapeways host files or print-on-demand services so you can get fan-made but accurate reproductions quickly.
I’ve learned to treat buying props like a mix of treasure hunting and detective work. Always ask for provenance or a COA for expensive items, request high-resolution photos from multiple angles, and if possible get a condition report. Use PayPal or a credit card for buyer protection on private sales, and insure shipments — many rare items get lost or damaged in transit. Beware of phrases like “screen-used” that lack documentation; there are lots of clever replicas and outright fakes out there. For community advice and authentication help, the Replica Prop Forum (RPF), Reddit communities (like r/moviememorabilia), and specialist Facebook groups are amazing — folks will often point out red flags in seller photos or share serial number databases. Finally, remember taxes, VAT, and customs when ordering internationally: those can add a surprising chunk to the final price.
I love the thrill of spotting a dream piece — whether it’s a licensed replica from Weta or a custom blade from an Etsy smith — and watching it arrive is one of the best feelings. Happy hunting, and may your shelf soon be home to something that makes you grin every time you walk by.