Among other things, the man was a collector. “Forry Ackerman’s massive horror and Sci-Fi collection, highlighted by Bela Lugosi’s Dracula ring and cape, along with Lugosi’s costume from The Raven; a signed first edition of Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” signed by Stoker and Lugosi among others, and Fritz Lang’s monocle from Metropolis are among the first confirmed items available at Profiles in History’s 36th auction of Hollywood memorabilia, taking place the last week of April… Forrest J Ackerman was an American collector of science fiction books and movie memorabilia and a science fiction fan. Ackerman, known as “Forry” or “The Ackermonster” or “4e” or “4SJ” or “Forjak” was influential in the formation, organization, and spread of science fiction fandom in its early years, and served as a key figure in the wider cultural perception of science fiction as a literary, art and film genre. Ackerman is also remembered as the editor-writer of the magazine Famous Monsters of Filmland, as well as for being an occasional author, actor, producer (Vampirella), and literary agent.
Ackerman was noted for having amassed an extremely large and complete collection of science fiction, fantasy and horror film memorabilia, which was, until 2002, maintained in a remarkable home/museum known as the 18-room “Ackermansion” in the Los Feliz district of Los Angeles, filled with 300,000 books and pieces of movie memorabilia. He was credited with nurturing and even inspiring the careers of several early contemporaries like Ray Bradbury, Ray Harryhausen, Charles Beaumont, Marion Zimmer Bradley and L. Ron Hubbard. He was Ed Wood’s “illiterary” agent and represented over 200 authors of science fiction and fantasy. [More details and images at the jump. Photo credit: Profiles in History.]

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Through his magazine, Famous Monsters of Filmland (1958-1983), Ackerman introduced the history of the science fiction, fantasy and horror film genres to a generation of young readers. At a time when most movie-related publications glorified the stars in front of the camera, “Uncle Forry”, as he was referred to by many of his fans, promoted the behind-the-scenes artists involved in the magic of movies. In this way Ackerman provided inspiration to many who would later become successful artists, including Peter Jackson, Steven Spielberg, Tim Burton, Stephen King, Penn & Teller, Billy Bob Thornton, Gene Simmons (of the band Kiss), Rick Baker, George Lucas, Danny Elfman, Frank Darabont, John Landis and countless other writers, directors, artists and craftsmen.
A life-long fan of science fiction “B-movies”, Ackerman had cameos in over 210 films, including bit parts in many monster movies including The Howling, Innocent Blood, Return of the Living Dead Part II, Amazon Women on the Moon, as well as an appearance in Michael Jackson’s Thriller video.
Details of Highlighted items along with estimated sale prices:
· Dracula ring worn by Bela Lugosi as Count Dracula. It’s the single most important Lugosi / Dracula screen worn piece to EVER come to auction. ($20,000-$30,000).
· Bela Lugosi’s robe from The Raven is the most important 1930’s horror costume to EVER come to auction. ($15,000-$20,000)
· A cape made for Bela Lugosi in 1932 and used many times for his stage portrayal of Dracula. Lugosi then wore the costume in Plan 9 from Outer Space. ($15,000-$20,000).
· A first edition of the book, Dracula signed by Bram Stoker and inscribed by Bela Lugosi to Forry Ackerman (also signed by a host of other Dracula-related personalities). ($6,000-8,000).
· Fritz Lang’s monocle, which he wore when he directed Metropolis. This was given to Forry by Lang: ($3,000-$5,000)
Photos of all items are available upon request.
Prior Profiles in History Hollywood auctions highlights include the “Cowardly Lion” costume from The Wizard of Oz ($805,000); A full-scale model T-800 Endoskeleton from Terminator 2: Judgment Day ($488,750); a King Kong six-sheet movie poster ($345,000); the Command Chair from the “U.S.S. Enterprise” ($304,750); the original “Robot” from Lost in Space ($264,500); the Black Beauty car from The Green Hornet ($192,000); George Reeves’ Superman costume from The Adventures of Superman ($126,500); the H.R. Giger designed Alien creature suit from Alien ($126,500); a full-scale T-Rex head from Jurassic Park ($126,500), the Leaping Alien Warrior figure from Aliens ($126,500), a Christopher Reeve’s ‘Superman’ costume from Superman: The Movie ($115,000), The Wizard of Oz ‘Winkie’ Guard Costume ($115,000); a “Ming the Merciless” cape from Flash Gordon ($115,000) and the Hydraulic screen-used Velociraptor from The Lost World: Jurassic Park II. ($115,000).
About Profiles in History:
Founded in 1985 by Joseph Maddalena, Profiles in History is the nation’s leading dealer in guaranteed-authentic original historical autographs, letters, documents, vintage signed photographs and manuscripts. Profiles in History has held some of the most prestigious and successful auctions of Hollywood memorabilia. Their auctions include costumes, props and set pieces from both vintage and contemporary film, television, and rock ‘n roll. Profiles in History’s location in Calabasas Hills, CA- virtually a stone’s throw away from every major Hollywood studio – ensures a constant flow of fantastic and rare collectibles. With an extensive network of dealers, collectors, and institutions, they are proud to play an important role in the preservation of motion picture history. For more information about Profiles in History, please visit HYPERLINK “http://www.profilesinhistory.com” www.profilesinhistory.com.