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Lot #27 - ALIENS (1986) - Practical Special Effects Colonial Marine Flamethrower Unit

Currency:USD Category:Memorabilia / Movie - Props Start Price:15,000.00 USD Estimated At:30,000.00 - 50,000.00 USD
Lot #27 - ALIENS (1986) - Practical Special Effects Colonial Marine Flamethrower Unit
This lot will be sold on Wednesday August 26th (day 1 of the auction.) Lots 1-433 will be sold on day 1 (lots 434-870 will be sold on day 2). The auction will begin at 10:00AM PDT. Lots are sold sequentially so there is no preset ending time. A live streaming broadcast of the auction will be available on auction days.

A practical special effects Colonial Marine flamethrower unit from the production of James Cameron's sci-fi horror sequel Aliens. After Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) used one to flee the Nostromo in Ridley Scott's Alien, the flamethrower became one of the franchise's signature weapons. In Aliens, Colonial Marines Frost (Ricco Ross), Apone (Al Matthews), Dietrich (Cynthia Dale Scott), and Drake (Mark Rolston) all carried M240 incinerator units during the base and hive exploration scenes. Ripley also used a Pulse Rifle/flamethrower combination she constructed aboard Dropship 2, after being rescued by Bishop (Lance Henriksen).

Working from designs by concept artist Ron Cobb, SFX supervisor John Richardson created several different versions of each weapon for production. This practical steel and aluminum alloy   flamethrower unit was constructed for close-up shots requiring a pilot light and assembled by special effects technician Nick Finlayson. Its design is loosely based on existing military hardware, consisting of two M16 rifles spliced together in opposite directions with a front section based on an M203 grenade launcher, a green polyester shoulder strap, a brass coupler affixed to the butt, and a Colt Patent Firearms logo embossed.

To simulate full functionality, this unit emitted a steady pilot flame operated via a gas canister concealed in the frame and regulated with an on-off flow valve. It was used specifically for pilot light shots with the small flame. Since production, the weapon has been fully deactivated for safety reasons. The flamethrower is painted green with brown, black, and silvertone details, and exhibits nicks, stains, and chipped paint from production use and age. It remains in good overall condition. Dimensions: 32" x 21" x 6" (81.5 cm x 53.5 cm x 15.25 cm)

Estimate: $30,000 - 50,000