The Maltese Falcon statuette from the classic Humphrey Bogart film has sold at auction for nearly $4 million.
The bird statue, which is unveiled as a fake in the film, was originally expected to sell for $1.5 million at the New York auction but went for an astounding $4 million instead.
Director of the Entertainment Memorabilia Department at Bonhams auctioneer, Dr. Catherine Wilson, said, "The spectacular price achieved reflects the statuette's tremendous significance. The Maltese Falcon is arguably the most popular movie prop ever, and is central to the history of cinema."
The Maltese Falcon was released in 1941 and was directed by John Huston.
