Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (Paramount, 1989), Harrison Ford "Indiana Jones" Screen Matched Signature Bullwhip ...

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Screen Matched "Indiana Jones" Bullwhip Presented to HRH Prince Charles by Harrison Ford and the Film's Producers at the Royal Charity Premiere of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade on June 27, 1989.

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (Paramount, 1989), Harrison Ford "Indiana Jones" Screen Matched Signature Bullwhip Presented to HRH Prince Charles at the Royal Premiere. A vintage, iconic bullwhip used in the production of the third film of the blockbuster action-adventure franchise. This bullwhip was originally presented to then-Prince Charles by Harrison Ford and the film's producers on June 27th 1989, at the Royal Charity Premiere of the film in London England, and is accompanied by a Lucasfilm Ltd. letter, address to St. James Palace, with postmarked transmittal envelope from San Rafael, California, stating:

"Dear Sirs:
This letter will certify the authenticity of the bullwhip presented to HRH The Prince of Wales at the premiere of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade on the 27th of June, 1989.
The bullwhip was one used in the production of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and was forwarded to the producer, Mr. Robert Watts, from the Lucasfilm Ltd. Archive in California for that presentation.
Sincerely yours,
[Signed] Deborah Fine
Director of Research and Archives
Lucasfilm Ltd."

This David Morgan 450 series bullwhip was handcrafted from finely braided 12 plait, kangaroo leather, featuring two plaited bellies and built over on an 8" steel handle foundation with wrist loop affixed to the pommel and features a whitehide leather fall and twisted, black nylon popper.

We consulted noted Indiana Jones whip expert, Daniel Borton, who writes of this whip: "I do have a previous familiarity with this particular bullwhip and remember its presentation to then-Prince Charles at charity film premier in 1989, taking place at the Empire Cinema in Leicester Square WC2, London England. The construction details here are consistent with David Morgan's methods and materials used in the late 1980's when this whip would have been made and sent to production, and matches similarly to the other bullwhips supplied for Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, including one in the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. It appears good condition, showing typical signs of set use and wear, including some abrasion and scuffing consistent with other Last Crusade film bullwhips.

With each whip being handmade, no two are identical. Subtle details, including plaiting patterns, handle lengths, shape and knots make identification possible. Slight changes made to the design since the company first began making and supplying these bullwhips, as well as weathering done by the studio and onset wear during the film's production can also help to establish identifying characteristics.

This bullwhip was carried by Harrison Ford in the climactic final of the film appearing during the sequences inside the Grail Temple as Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) is about to face three lethal challenges protecting the Holy Grail, and as he enters the Grail Knight's (Robert Eddison) chambers, with details including the shape and curvature of the knots and handle matching closely. This bullwhip is seen again in a closeup insert of Indy kneeling down using the Grail cup to heal his father, Henry Jones (Sean Connery), where the upper handle of the bullwhip is visible, showing the same alignment of the checkerboard 'over one, under one' plaiting pattern in the leather. Additionally, the specific curve and placement of the 5" x 4" two-pass turkshead knot tied on at the transition of the bullwhip (located between the lash and handle) matches, as well as the position of the end of the leather strand used to tie that knot protruding out from under it."

Total length of whip measures, 12' 3" (uncoiled) from pommel to popper. Plaited section measures 9' 8". Exhibits expected age and production wear. Includes a letter of authenticity from Lucasfilm Ltd/Lucas Film archive. Provenance: Following Harrison Ford and the film's producers presenting this Indy bullwhip to then-Prince Charles at the June 27, 1989 Royal Premiere, Diana, Princess of Wales gifted the bullwhip and by further descent to the present owner. Comes with a COA from Heritage Auctions.