Costumes worn by Adam West and Burt Ward in the 1960s US TV adaptation of Batman have sold for over $500,000 in a Dallas auction.
The iconic costumes were just one of a slew of highlights from golden age US TV shows sold in the Dr Stewart Berkowitz collection at Heritage Auctions last Friday, October 24.
Someone – or two – can now fight crime in the perfect gear from the 1966 – 1968 TV show, which sold for $575,000.
The costume Cesar Romero wore to become The Joker in the 60s Batman series made $212,500.
In total, Batman costumes brought in just under $1 million.
Complete with the raised eyebrows that were perfect for the tone of the 60s Batman show. Image courtesy of Heritage Auctions.
A Wonder Woman costume from the 70s TV show realised $225,000. Also proving popular with collectors was Happy Days, the 50s nostalgia show from the 1970s. Leather jackets worn by Henry Winkler as Fonzie sold for $75,000 and $87,500.
Star Trek costumes also performed well, with a single Captain Kirk (William Shatner) outfit realising $62,500.
“This auction was a love letter to the golden age of television,” Heritage Auctions executive vice president Joe Maddalena said in a statement. “Stewart Berkowitz built this collection out of pure passion for the shows and characters that defined an era.
“To see collectors from around the world respond so enthusiastically — and to watch iconic pieces from Batman, Wonder Woman, Happy Days and Star Trek find new homes — was incredibly rewarding. It reaffirms that the stories and heroes of classic TV continue to inspire generations.”
Some TV shows have major collecting communities. Batman is certainly one. In 2013 the car used in the show, the first Batmobile, made $4.2 million at a 2013 auction.
A phaser and communicator prop from Star Trek sold for a combined $1.7 million in 2024.
