Hollywood Props Giant on Auction Block

NORTH HOLLYWOOD: After four decades of serving Hollywood, 20th Century Props is going out of business, putting more than 93,000 items, from the rattan furniture used on The Golden Girls to Howard Hughes’ desk from The Aviator, on the auction block next week.

The North Hollywood outfit was unable to stay in business, as more and more production has left California for cheaper destinations, while the networks have scaled back on drama series in favor of more cost-effective unscripted options. 20th Century Props’ some 93,752 pieces, insured for about $8 million, will be offered through an auction that runs July 28 to August 1, beginning each day at 9:30 a.m. PST. The pieces will be auctioned by Great American Group from 20th Century Props’ 118,000 square-foot warehouse and live via webcast at www.greatamerican.com with simultaneous bidding.

"This is a time to honor and recognize 20th Century Props led by Mr. Harvey Schwartz," said Mark Weitz of Great American Group. "We expect interest from around the world as this is an historic collection of Hollywood memorabilia."