Holy haul, Batman! Iconic TV costumes sell at auction for over $3 million

By Dean Murray

One of the most important private collections of iconic TV show costumes has achieved $3.2m (£2.4m) in sales.

The highlight of Dr. Stewart Berkowitz’s legendary collection saw the original Adam West "Batman" and Burt Ward "Robin" costume ensembles together fetch a remarkable $575k (£436k).

Heritage Auctions offered more than 300 pieces from the New Jersey-based oncologist and pop-culture collector's treasure trove of screen-used television costumes, props and vehicles from the 1950s through the 1970s.

Other notable sales included Lynda Carter’s Wonder Woman costume at $225k (£171k), Cesar Romero’s Joker outfit from Batman at $212k (£161k), and the Batscanner receiver prop, which sold for $150k (£114k).

Accessories and costumes from beloved series also featured prominently, with Yvonne Craig’s Batgirl costume and Henry Winkler’s "Fonzie" jacket from Happy Days each reaching $87.5k (£67k).

Further notable results included Julie Newmar’s Catwoman costume at $68.75k (£53k) and William Shatner’s Captain Kirk Starfleet uniform at $62.5k (£48k).

Joe Maddalena, Executive Vice President at Heritage Auctions, said: "As one of the most comprehensive and passionately assembled collections of vintage television memorabilia ever brought to market, this auction represented a lifetime of love for these shows."

Dr Stewart Berkowitz passed away in March 2024 at age 64, leaving behind a collection treasured by fans and fellow collectors alike.

Sale highlights:

Adam West "Batman" and Burt Ward "Robin" costume ensembles: US$575k (£436k)

Lynda Carter’s Wonder Woman costume: US$225k (£171k)

Cesar Romero’s Joker outfit from Batman: US$212k (£161k)

Batscanner receiver prop: US$150k (£114k)

Yvonne Craig’s Batgirl costume: US$87.5k (£67k)

Henry Winkler’s "Fonzie" jacket from Happy Days: US$87.5k (£67k)

Julie Newmar’s Catwoman costume: US$68.75k (£53k)

William Shatner’s Captain Kirk Starfleet uniform: US$62.5k (£48k)