‘Game of Thrones’ dragon-forged Iron Throne fetches big bucks at auction

"Game of Thrones" fans came out in droves to bid on hundreds of costumes, props and other items from the series in an auction that raked in more than US$21 million (approximately J$3.3 billion).

From Thursday through Saturday, the Heritage Auctions event in Dallas featured over 900 lots including suits of armour, swords and weapons, jewellery and several other items of significance from the HBO series.

The top-dollar item was the very thing the characters in the series vied for throughout its eight-season run: the Iron Throne. After a six-minute bidding war, the throne sold for US$1.49 million (approximately J$235.6 million).

The replica was made of plastic and moulded from the original screen-used version, then finished off with metallic paint and jewel embellishments. In the series, the throne was forged with dragon breath that melted the swords of a thousand vanquished challengers and became a symbol of the struggle for power throughout the show's run.

Heritage Auctions said in a statement Sunday that the event brought in $21.1 million from more than 4,500 bidders. The auction marked Heritage's second-best entertainment event, just shy of the record set by a Debbie Reynolds sale it held in 2011.

Heritage Executive Vice President Joe Maddalena said in a statement he knew the auction would resonate.

"These are extraordinary treasures made by Emmy-winning costume designers and prop makers, who worked tirelessly to adapt George R.R. Martin's wonderful novels," Maddalena said. "People wanted a piece of that 'Game of Thrones' magic."

Beyond the coveted Iron Throne, over 30 other lots commanded six-figure price tags.

Jon Snow's signature sword, Longclaw, wielded on-screen by Kit Harington, sold for US$400,000 (approximately J$63.2 million) and his night's watch ensemble, featuring a heavy cape, went for US$337,500 (approximately J$53.4 million). Both items kicked off prolonged bidding wars.

Suits of armour also proved popular, especially when they included sought-after weapons. Jaime Lannister's black-leather armour ensemble fetched US$275,000 (approximately J$43.5 million) and his Kingsguard armour -- including his iconic Oathkeeper longsword -- went for US$212,500 (approximately J$33.6 million).