Propstore Auction Sees Christopher Reeve Superman Costume Sell for $233,100

A screen-worn Superman costume featuring pieces worn by Christopher Reeve in two of his appearances as the Man of Steel has sold for $233,100 during Propstore’s Summer Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction in Los Angeles.

The costume, offered as Lot 387 during the first day of the auction, combines a blue tunic and tights worn by Reeve in 1987’s "Superman IV: The Quest for Peace" with a cape and belt from 1983’s "Superman III". The tunic was screen- and photo-matched through distinctive details surrounding the iconic red-and-yellow “S” shield, while the ensemble was completed with replica boots. The final $233,100 sale price included the buyer’s premium.

Among the costume’s more distinctive elements is its darker red cape, associated with the corrupted version of Superman portrayed by Reeve in "Superman III". The surviving pieces have also retained much of the vibrant red, blue and yellow coloring associated with Reeve’s portrayal, despite the decades that have passed since the films were produced.

The Superman costume was among several high-profile pieces of Hollywood history offered during the auction. Other notable Day 1 sales included the screen-matched mosquito-in-amber prop from Jurassic Park, which brought $403,200; a Starfleet Type-2 phaser from "Star Trek: The Original Series", which sold for $315,000; and John Travolta’s white dancing suit from "Saturday Night Fever", which realized $277,200.

Reeve’s Superman costumes have remained highly sought-after pieces of movie memorabilia decades after his final performance as the character. The actor first donned the cape in 1978’s "Superman: The Movie" before returning for "Superman II", "Superman III" and "Superman IV: The Quest for Peace", establishing a portrayal that continues to hold a prominent place in the character’s cinematic history.