The recent auction held at Heritage Auctions in Dallas showcased an impressive collection of items curated and crafted by the renowned Hollywood model-maker Greg Jein, who sadly passed away at the age of 76 last year.
Amongst the remarkable treasures available for bidding, one particular highlight was the miniature X-wing Starfighter, famously featured in a beloved “Star Wars” film, which fetched an astounding price of over $3 million.
The event attracted an array of attendees, ranging from fellow model-makers to passionate collectors and devoted science-fiction enthusiasts, resulting in the auction house experiencing its most well-attended gathering in years.
Joe Maddalena, Heritage’s esteemed executive vice president and a close friend of Jein’s, expressed in a news release on Monday that the auction served as a profound testament to the late artist’s immense talent as a visual-effects maestro and his exceptional prowess as a collector of extraordinary pieces.
Jein’s illustrious career spanned over five decades, during which he not only achieved Oscar and Emmy nominations but also garnered immense recognition for his exceptional talent in crafting intricate miniature models.
His dedication and expertise in this field were unparalleled, making him a sought-after artist in the industry. However, Jein’s passion for the world of entertainment extended far beyond his professional achievements.
Throughout his lifetime, he diligently amassed an awe-inspiring collection of costumes, props, scripts, artwork, photographs, and models from the very shows that had captured his heart.
This extensive assortment served as a testament to his unwavering love for the art of storytelling and his profound appreciation for the craftsmanship that brought these narratives to life.
Jein’s collection became a treasure trove of nostalgia, preserving the essence and magic of the shows that had left an indelible mark on his soul.
Each item within his collection held a story of its own, representing a cherished memory or a pivotal moment in the history of television and film.
Jein’s dedication to preserving these artifacts not only showcased his deep reverence for the medium but also served as a testament to his unwavering commitment to the preservation of cultural heritage.
His passion for both creating and preserving the world of entertainment will forever be remembered as a testament to his remarkable talent and unwavering dedication.
The auction house recently witnessed an exhilarating bidding duel between two passionate collectors, resulting in the sale of the iconic Red Leader X-wing Starfighter used in the legendary 1977 film “Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope” for an astounding price of approximately $3.1 million.
This remarkable feat not only demonstrates the enduring popularity and cultural significance of the Star Wars franchise but also highlights the immense value collectors place on owning a piece of cinematic history.
Furthermore, another remarkable sale that captured the attention of enthusiasts and onlookers alike was a “Star Wars” Stormtrooper costume, which fetched an eye-popping amount of $645,000.
These extraordinary prices paid for these iconic memorabilia items serve as a testament to the deep-rooted fascination and admiration that fans have for the Star Wars universe and its rich tapestry of characters and vehicles.
It is a testament to the enduring legacy of this beloved franchise that continues to captivate audiences across generations.
The recent sale of a rare surviving spacesuit from Stanley Kubrick’s groundbreaking 1968 film “2001: A Space Odyssey” has garnered significant attention and excitement among film enthusiasts and collectors alike.
The remarkable spacesuit, which served as a key visual element in the film’s iconic space travel sequences, fetched an impressive price of $447,000 at auction.
This significant figure not only reflects the enduring popularity and cultural impact of Kubrick’s masterpiece, but also highlights the enduring fascination surrounding the film’s visionary depiction of space exploration.
As one of the most influential science fiction films of all time, “2001: A Space Odyssey” continues to captivate audiences with its stunning visuals and thought-provoking narrative, making the acquisition of this rare piece of cinematic history a highly coveted and valuable addition to any collection.
Jein, a passionate enthusiast of the iconic television series “Star Trek,” had long been a devoted fan before he embarked on his journey of contributing to the franchise.
His extensive collection of memorabilia proved to be highly sought-after at the recent auction. Among the remarkable items that garnered significant attention was a filming model of the renowned “SS Botany Bay” vessel from the original 1960s series, which fetched an impressive $200,000.
Additionally, prop devices from the same series, such as a hero phaser, were sold for a staggering $187,500, while a tricorder commanded a remarkable price of $175,000.
Although Jein’s passion for science fiction was deeply rooted in his childhood in Los Angeles, his career truly began to flourish when he assumed the role of leading the team responsible for creating the awe-inspiring mothership featured in Steven Spielberg’s 1977 masterpiece, “Close Encounters of the Third Kind.”
This monumental model, which appeared colossal on the silver screen, measures just over 5 feet (1.5 meters) in length and currently resides in the esteemed collection at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C.
Moreover, a smaller preliminary model, measuring around 5 inches (12 centimeters) in length, fetched an impressive sum of $55,000 at the auction, further exemplifying the enduring allure and value of Jein’s contributions to the world of science fiction.
Lou Zutavern, the shop supervisor and longtime friend of Jein, recently shared his fond memories of working alongside Jein. Zutavern spoke highly of Jein, describing him as a great friend and a joy to work with.
According to Zutavern, he and Jein always had a great time working together, and he fondly remembered the many laughs and good times they shared.
In particular, Zutavern recalled a touching gesture that Jein made when Zutavern was recovering from knee surgery. Jein brought a box filled with model kits to keep Zutavern entertained during his recovery, a thoughtful and kind gesture that Zutavern appreciated greatly.
Overall, Zutavern’s recollections of Jein paint a picture of a talented and caring individual who was deeply valued by those who knew him.
It is with great pleasure that I expound upon the topic of a gentleman by the name of Zutavern and his friend’s love for Hollywood history and collecting items related to it.
The passion that this individual possesses for seeking out rare and unique pieces is truly remarkable and speaks to the depth of his interest in this field.
It is clear that his dedication to this pursuit is not merely a passing fancy, but rather a lifelong pursuit that has been nurtured and developed over time.
Such a commitment to the preservation of Hollywood’s rich history is a testament to the value that this industry holds in our collective consciousness, and the importance of keeping its legacy alive for generations to come.
It is my sincere hope that this individual’s enthusiasm and dedication will inspire others to take up the mantle of preserving Hollywood’s history and contribute to the ongoing legacy of this great industry.
According to Zutavern, the individual in question possessed a profound affection for the process of searching, as well as the act of discovering objects and subsequently engaging in trades.
This particular individual derived immense pleasure from the very act of seeking out items, relishing in the thrill of the chase.
For him, the joy lay not only in the final outcome of finding what he was looking for, but also in the journey itself. This sentiment was deeply ingrained in his nature, as he found great delight in the entire process, from the initial quest to the ultimate exchange.
It can be inferred that he considered the search and the subsequent trade as integral components of the overall experience, contributing to the excitement and gratification he derived from the endeavor.