Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Golden Ticket Prop Heads to Heritage Auctions
A Golden Ticket prop from Warner Bros.’ 2005 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is heading to Heritage Auctions, giving collectors a chance to own one of the most recognizable objects associated with the Willy Wonka story. The original gold-foil ticket measures 3.25 inches by 7 inches and features serrated edges on both sides. Printed details include the date “FEB. 1,” an arrival time of “10 A.M. (SHARP)” and the location “FRONT GATES,” while an embossed stamp remains visible on the front.
The reverse carries a longer message from Willy Wonka addressed to the “Lucky finder of this Golden Ticket.” Heritage describes the Golden Ticket as the signature prop of the film, representing the invitation that grants its holder entry into Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. The ticket shows only very minor production wear and age and will be accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity from Heritage Auctions. Bidding begins at $2,000.
The lot will be offered December 2 as part of Heritage’s November 30 through December 3 Hollywood/Entertainment Signature Auction in Dallas. The 2005 Golden Ticket is not the only Wonka-related ticket in the auction. Heritage is also offering a much larger Golden Ticket from the personal collection of Gene Wilder, who starred as Willy Wonka in the 1971 Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.
That piece measures 10.75 inches by 6.25 inches and is made from gold-foil paper. Wilder signed it in black felt pen near the upper-right corner. Unlike the 2005 movie prop, Heritage identifies this ticket as a personal-use piece from Wilder’s own collection rather than as a production prop used in the film. The Wilder ticket comes directly from his estate and will include Certificates of Authenticity from both the Estate of Gene Wilder and Heritage Auctions. A portion of proceeds from items in the Wilder collection will support charitable causes important to the actor.
That ticket is part of a collection of more than 200 items from Wilder’s personal life and career being offered by his family for the first time. Other highlights include his personal first edition of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, a personal-use Willy Wonka hat, a cast-signed Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory poster, his passport, wallet, piano and original artwork.
Heritage is also offering additional Wonka memorabilia in separate sessions of the auction, including an Inventing Room key and another Golden Ticket prop connected to Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.