Original E.T. model could sell for almost €1 million at auction

An original model of E.T. used in Steven Spielberg's classic film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is set to appear at Sotheby's New York auction house later this month.

"This model embodies the artistry of an era before CGI took hold, a nostalgic and iconic piece of Hollywood history as captivating as the stories themselves," said Sotheby's vice-chair Cassandra Hatton.

From the collection of the late Oscar-winning practical effect artist Carlo Rambaldi, the model has been valued between $600,000 (roughly €553,000) and $900,000 (roughly €829,000), but could be sold for up to $1 million (about €922,000).

Known as Hollywood's "Creature King", Rambaldi worked on the special effects and designs for E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Alien, David Lynch's Dune, Close Encounters of Third Kind, 1976's King Kong and more.

"We are truly honoured to collaborate with Sotheby's and deeply grateful for this opportunity to bring my father's work to auction," said Daniela Rambaldi, Carlo's daughter.

“We hope that the artefacts being offered will bring immense joy to those who will cherish them in the years to come, just as they have brought great emotions to my family and shaped the magic of my childhood," she added.

The model will be sold as part of Sotheby's upcoming auction, There Are Such Things: 20th Century Horror, Science Fiction, and Fantasy on Screen.

The auction, which will begin on March 21 and run until April 3, will feature a host of other film memorabilia, including design work for E.T., screen-used sandworm models from David Lynch's Dune, props seen in the 1986 film Labyrinth and more.