19 May 2023 , 23:35
621
0
A rare sealed Hogwarts acceptance letter used in the first Harry Potter film has been put up for sale for £12,000.
The prop features in an iconic scene where the Dursleys' house is bombarded by owls dropping white envelopes down the chimney.
Most of the envelopes that flew out of the fireplace did not have the red wax Hogwarts seal on the back that this one does, making it very rare.
One of the film's producers donated it to a charity auction in 2002, where it was bought by the current vendor.
The unnamed Potter fan has now decided to sell the letter and sealed envelope with London-based Chiswick Auctions.
Hogwarts Legacy introduces trans character but fans quickly spot issue with name
The seven-inch envelope is made with marbelised paper and addressed in green ink to 'Mr H Potter, the Cupboard under the Stairs, 4, Privet Drive, Little Whinging, Surrey'.
The back of the letter features a wax seal (ChiswickAuctions/BNPS)On the back is a red wax seal with the letter H for Hogwarts.
Inside it is the untouched letter of introduction and list of requirements from Professor McGonagall.
The item is being sold with a separate copy of the letter so the buyer can keep the seal intact.
The sale also includes a letter of provenance, on Harry Potter Productions letterhead, confirming it is one of a limited number of props given out by the studios for charity.
It was donated by Mark Radcliffe, a producer and partner of 1492 Pictures, which produced the first three films in the franchise, to an infant school in Dorking, Surrey.
The prized item is being sold with a separate copy of the letter so the buyer can keep the seal intact (ChiswickAuctions/BNPS)In the film Harry's uncle, Vernon Dursley, played by the late Richard Griffiths, destroys multiple letters that arrive from Hogwarts for the young wizard - ripping some up and throwing others on the fire.
Hundreds then arrive all at once through the chimney and swirl around the living room in a memorable scene.
Valentina Borghi, a specialist at Chiswick Auctions, said: "Harry Potter ephemera this good doesn't come on the market very often.
"As a general rule, the props used in the eight films have tended to stay with the studios.
Savvy dad who spent years collecting Pokemon cards for kids set to make £250,000
"Envelopes with an unopened seal are very rare. It's a must have for any Potter fan and is sure to get a lot of interest from across the world."
The letter will be sold on June 22.
READ MORE: