Top picks from Prop Store's live auction of film and TV memorabilia...

By now you should know I'm a huge fan of seeing original movie and television costumes, props and paraphenalia on display. I'm always asked if I own all the costumes and props I feature on this blog, but sadly no I'm not a collector, although looking through Prop Store's latest catalogue from their upcoming live auction on September 23, 2015, there are many items I would snap up in a heartbeat if funds allowed. The auction will feature memorabilia from the worlds of Star Wars, Star Trek, James Bond, Doctor Who, Battlestar Galactica, Lord of the Rings, Indiana Jones, Batman, Pirates of the Caribbean and more besides, but here's some of the fantastic pieces that really caught my eye whilst browsing the extensive auction catalogue.

Commodus arena costume worn by Joaquin Phoenix in Gladiator

First up is the unique arena costume worn by Joaquin Phoenix as 'Commodus' in Ridley Scott's 2000 Roman Empire epic Gladiator.

Janty Yates was the Oscar-winning Costume Designer on the film and if you're a fan of the movie, be sure to also check out another Commodus costume, his throne and more Gladiator costumes photographed on display at Universal Studios Hollywood here at Hollywood Movie Costumes and Props.

This show-stopping ceremonial Roman Emperor costume is expected to sell for between £15,000-£20,000.

Original Fizzgig puppet from The Dark Crystal

Next up is the actual 'Fizzgig' puppet used in Frank Oz and Jim Henson's 1982 fantasy movie The Dark Crystal, one of my favourite guilty pleasures.

Fizzgig is the loyal companion of the film's Gelfling heroine 'Kira' and joins her and fellow Gelfling, 'Jen', on their quest to find the missing shard of the magical crystal.

This wonderful ball of fur was designed by Brian Froud, who also worked on Jim Henson's equally spellbinding Labyrinth film, and this screen-used puppet can be yours for £8,000-£10,000.

Guenevere gown worn by Cherie Lunghi in Excalibur

Back in May 2011, I was able to check out some of Terry English's armour from 1981 Arthurian Medieval fantasy Excalibur at the London Film Museum, so this original gown worn by Cherie Lunghi as 'Guenevere' in the movie certainly caught my eye browsing the catalogue.

The legendary Bob Ringwood (Batman, Dune, Troy) was Costume Designer on the movie and this dress could be yours for £2,000-£3,000.

Uhura and Spock Starfleet costumes

from TV's Star Trek: The Original Series

Meanwhile fans of Star Trek will no doubt go crazy for these next two costumes, worn by Nichelle Nichols as 'Uhura' and Leonard Nimoy as 'Spock' in the iconic original 1960s star-spanning series.

Up for grabs are Uhura's red female communications officer miniskirt dress and Spock's blue science officer Starfleet uniform, designed by William Ware Theiss, plus more Star Trek memorabilia from the various TV shows and movies.

Uhura's classic costume is expected to sell for £20,000-£30,000, whilst Spock's uniform for £50,000-£70,000, especially following Leonard Nimoy's passing in February earlier this year.

Costume worn by Louise Jameson as Leela in Doctor Who

Next up is a real gem for all Whovians out there, the savage alien warrior costume worn by Fourth Doctor (Tom Baker) Companion, 'Leela', from the classic 1978 'The Invasion of Time' episodes.

Louise Jameson's leather outfit was considered skimpy at the time, but kept the dads watching, and I believe was designed by John Bloomfield.

One thing I wish they'd do in the new era of Doctor Who is to introduce an alien Companion or two for the time-traveler.

This original leather mini-dress costume, complete with replica knife and scabbard, could join your Doctor Who collection for £12,500-£15,000.

The auction also features other pieces from the 50-year-old British science fiction show, and if you're a fellow Whovian, be sure to also enjoy all these costumes, props, monsters and aliens on display at the Doctor Who Experience exhibition.

Superman film costume worn by Christopher Reeve

Next up is an instantly recognizable costume which needs little introduction. This superheroic tunic was apparently worn by Christopher Reeve in Richard Donner's 1978 classic Superman for underwater scenes when 'Lex Luther' drops the hero into a pool wearing a Kryptonite necklace.

The film's Costume Designer was Yvonne Blake, obviously inspired by the DC Comics character created by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster in 1933.

To own this piece of cinematic history will cost you £25,000-£30,000.

Thing prosthetic head appliance

worn by Michael Chiklis from Fantastic Four

And finally from my favourites, lots of people moan and groan about the 2005's big screen adaptation of the Fantastic Four, but I still enjoyed seeing Marvel's first family being brought to life in their debut cinematic outing (that was released, that is).

This head appliance worn by Michael Chiklis as the ever lovin' blue-eyed 'Thing' looks eerily life-like and personally I much preferred this movie look to the new CGI version in Josh Trank's horrible Fantastic 4 reboot.

This prosthetic makeup head is a steal for FF fans at £600-£800.

If you like this collection of costumes, props and prosthetics, be sure to check out even more amazing items up for sale in Prop Store's live auction online catalogue and for all the details of when, where and how you can buy these TV and movie treasures.

Original Terry English armour from Excalibur on display...

The 1981 fantasy movie Excalibur set in the British Dark Ages, tells the legend of King Arthur and his knights of the Round Table.

Original Terry English designed armour from Excalibur

To mark its 30th anniversary, the film was released on Bluray in March 2011 and fortunately whilst visiting the U.K. on January 25 this year, I photographed this fantastic exhibit of original armour and props from Excalibur on display at the London Film Museum.

Original King Arthur black suit of armour and

Merlin costume from Excalibur

John Boorman's movie was filled to the rafters with notable British and Irish thespians of stage and screen, the likes of Patrick Stewart, Liam Neeson, Gabriel Byrne and Helen Mirren to name but a few.

Nigel Terry played the legendary 'King Arthur' and wore this black suit of armour, whilst Nicol Williamson wore the robes, cloak and helmet of the mythical 'Merlin'.

Actual helmet worn by Merlin in Excalibur

In addition to Terry English's armour designs, Bob Ringwood was credited with Costume Design on the Medieval fantasy.

Excalibur movie poster

Patrick Stewart stars as 'Leondegrance', father of 'Guenevere' and prominent supporter of a young Arthur.

Silver suit of armour worn by Patrick Stewart

as Sir Leondegrance in Excalibur

Two suits of armour worn by the future Star Trek Enterprise captain were on display, a silver and black version, plus Nicholas Clay's 'Lancelot' armour.

Black Leondegrance suit of armour and Sir Lancelot armour

worn by Nicholas Clay in Excalibur

Also included in the costume exhibit was the golden adult and child armour of the evil 'Mordred'.

Adult Mordred armour worn by Robert Addie and

Duke of Cornwall costume from Excalibur

Robert Addie played the adult Mordred, whilst Corin Redgrave wore the 'Duke of Cornwall' armour.

Boy Mordred armour worn by Charley Boorman in Excalibur

Helen Mirren stars as the scheming 'Morgana' and this is her battle armour worn in the movie.

Masks and Morgana battle armour on display

In addition to these wonderful pieces of armour, Terry English's spectacular work can also be seen in films like Aliens, Jabberwocky, Highlander II, Gladiator, Batman & Robin and King Arthur.

Excalibur movie poster

Discovering the delights of the London Film Museum...

Imagine my delight on a recent trip back to the U.K. when I discovered the cinematic treasure trove that is the London Film Museum.

Whether you're a tourist or a local, if you're a movie fan and enjoy seeing original costumes, props and vehicles on display you'll love this amazing place in County Hall, near Westminster Bridge and the London Eye.

Not only do they have some fantastic permanent displays, but they also have some temporary visiting exhibitions, like original costumes from Batman Begins and Superman Returns on loan from Warner Bros. Studios.

Brandon Routh's Superman Returns costume

Plus when I visited on January 25, 2011 they had a wonderful Myths & Legends exhibit featuring the work of stop-motion animation legend Ray Harryhausen, from films such as The 7th Voyage of Sinbad and Jason and the Argonauts.

Christian Bale's Bat-Suit from Batman Begins

Apparently I recently missed an Aliens movie exhibition, but they still have amazing first edition replicas of the original alien and the Alien Queen from the sequel on display for you to see up close.

Alien Queen from James Cameron's Aliens

They really do have movie memorabilia from all genres, from horror to sci-fi, espionage to family films, plus other infamous items like this gong featured before all the movies of the British entertainment company, Rank Organisation.

Rank Gong on display at the London Film Museum

In fact there's something inherently

British a

bout the museum, with lots of items from

British

produced movies (like

Zulu, 007, Mr. Bean, Excalibur and Dr. Who & The Daleks

to name but a few), as well as those originating in

Hollywoodland

.

Original costume armour from Excalibur

designed by Terry English

Dinosaur prop from Night at the Museum 2

In addition to props and costumes there are also some impressive movie vehicles like the autogyro used in Sean Connery's 'James Bond' movie, You Only Live Twice, plus a TARDIS and a Thunderbird 4 sub

mersible from the 2004 live-action Thunderbirds movie.

007's Little Nellie autogyro from You Only Live Twice

The London Film Museum really is a great way to spend a few hours and is open seven days a week. It's also expanding to open another venue in the Covent Garden area, so keep you eyes peeled for details of that in 2011.

In the meantime, if you do get a chance to pop along to this museum you won't be disappointed, as it's always fun to see authentic movie costumes and props in person up close.