Lord of the Rings fans are expected to scramble for the chance to own some of the most iconic props and costumes from Sir Peter Jackson's series as a rare collection of memorabilia goes to auction in the United States.
The items for sale include prosthetic Hobbit feet worn by one of the film's main characters, Sam. Photo: JULIEN'S AUCTIONS
But they will need to have deep pockets, with lots such as the sword of Frodo Baggins expected to go under the hammer in California for up to $NZ250,000.
Other highlights from Middle Earth include a pair of prosthetic hairy hobbit feet worn by Sean Astin in his role as one of the film's main characters, Samwise 'Sam' Gamgee, and a wizard staff belonging to Gandalf.
The exclusive items have been amassed over the past decade by collector Troika Brodsky.
Beverly Hills-based Julien's Auctions is handling the sale and says the collection is the second largest of The Lord of the Rings movie memorabilia, behind only Sir Peter's official archive of props.
Executive director of Julien's Auctions which is handling the sale Martin Nolan says the collection is unique.
"It's very rare to have so many items from the trilogy collection available to the public. So that's really driving the market and is why these prices are going to go for such huge, record amounts of money - there's so little out there."
Mr Nolan says despite this, some items could go for as little as US$60.
Collector Troika Brodsky at an exhibition of Hobbit sets in Beverly Hills, California. Photo: SUPPLIED
