Maltese Falcon statuette sold at auction

Nov. 26 (UPI) -- The Maltese Falcon statue made famous in the film of the same name was sold for a record $4 million at auction Monday as part of a sale of famous movie props.

Along with the Buick from Casablanca, costumes worn by Viven Leigh, Clark Gable, Bette Davis and Cary Grant, the sale pulled in more than $6 million.

But it was the lead statue, chased by Humphrey Bogart's Sam Spade in the 1941 classic, got the most attention, selling for $4,085,000.

"The spectacular price achieved reflects the statuette's tremendous significance," said Dr. Catherine Williamson, director of entertainment memorabilia for Bonhams New York. "The Maltese Falcon is arguably the most important movie prop ever, and is central to the history of cinema."

The auction was the inaugural sale of a partnership between Bonhams and Turner Classic Movies.

[Bonhams]