“Ben Hur” chariot race costume used in the original production of the 1959 cinematic drama Ben-Hur. Epic drama about an aristocratic Jew living in Judaea who incurs the wrath of a childhood friend, now a Roman tribune. Although forced into slavery on a galley and compelled to witness the cruel persecution of his family, he survives, harboring dreams of vengeance. This elaborate costume was worn by actor Charlton Heston in the million dollar chariot race scene filmed in Rome Italy at Cinecitta Studios.
This vintage costume consists of a knee length cream colored undergarment with an elaborate cream colored tunic featuring red striping with a blue dot pattern, made of wool and a felt like fabric. Also included are a pair of matching briefs with elastic straps on the sides and a matching cloth belt with two leather straps on the front with small metal buckles. The costume is completed by a pair of shin guards and gauntlets made of formed leather with a padded leather lining and are painted a metallic silver color. The final component of the costume is a Thracian style helmet made faux leather and painted a gold metallic color. The helmet features leather lining and a chin strap that has been broken over the years. This ensemble is in very good condition and shows signs of wear from use in the film and age over the years.
This item comes with a Hero Prop Certificate of Authenticity.