Auction of "Lord of the Rings" props

There were many rings made to get to the One Ring to Rule Them All. Several variants of Sauron's ring were developed for Peter Jackson's "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, before this master production prototype (by designer Jens Hansen) was approved, from which on-screen rings were created. In sterling silver, with 18 ct. gold plating. (Estimated sale price: $50-80,000.)

Julien's Auctions in Beverly Hills, Calif., will host a sale of props and costumes from the Academy Award-winning trilogy on December 5, 2013.

By CBSNews.com senior producer David Morgan

Sauron Mask

The helmet-mask of the Dark Lord Sauron, forger of the One Ring of Power.

This lightweight, solid polyurethane version of Sauron's helmet was created using a mold taken from the original metal helmet forged by Weta Workshop's armory department, for the battle scene in the prologue of "The Fellowship of the Ring." Hand painted and weathered, with a leather-lined interior for the safety and comfort of actor Sala Baker. (Estimate: $40-60,000.)

Elf Helmet

A High Elven Warrior Helmet from the Second Age of Middle-Earth, as seen in the opening battle scene of "The Fellowship of the Ring." Fiberglass, 15 x 16 inches. (Estimate: $15-25,000.)

Orc Helmet

Helmets forged by and for Orcs dwelling within Kazad-dum were so much cruder than those of the Elves. It will only set you back $12-20,000.

Gandalf Staff

The magical White Staff carried by Gandalf the White, with which he freed King Theoden from Saruman's sorcery in "The Two Towers." Wood and resin, hand-painted and weathered. (Estimate: $60-80,000.)

Sting

Sting, an elven blade gifted to Frodo Baggins, glows blue when Orcs are in the vicinity - a handy attribute for a handy weapon.

This prop sword - one of several presented as a sweepstakes prize of LOTR props - features a lightweight aluminum blade with acid-etched Elvish inscriptions, resin handle with lacquered-over elven vine vinyl transfer. There are also nicks visible along the blade's edges (thanks to all that on-screen combat) and even residue of orc blood. (Estimate: $100-150,000.)

Bilbo's Ears

Foam latex prosthetic ears for scenes featuring a young Bilbo Baggins (top) and old Bilbo (bottom). (Estimate: $1,500-5,000 each pair).

Shards of Narsil

A relic from the Great War: Narsil was the sword wielded by King Elendil. Splintered by Sauron, the shattered blade was used to strike down the Dark Lord. Its remnants were preserved in the Elvish city of Rivendell. (Estimate: $30-50,000.)

Eowyn Sword

The monumental production design for each of the kingdoms of Middle-Earth was carried through all sets, props and costumes. This sword hilt for Eowyn - like other objects of the kingdom of Rohirrim - displays a equine theme. (Estimate: $40-60,000.)

Nazgul Costume

Oscar-winner Ngila Dickson's costume for the Witchking of Angmar - one of the dreaded Nazgul ringwraiths that pursue whomever bears the One Ring. The Witchking was finally destroyed by Eowyn on the fields of Pelennor in "The Return of the King."

Layers upon layers of dyed, shredded, and weathered silk were used to create the formless, undulating figure of the Nazgul. The costume display features the character's robe, leather belting, scabbard, and resin-aluminum sword. (Estimate: $80-100,000.)

Witch-King Helmet

War mask for the Witchking of Angmar, from "The Return of the King." (Estimate: $40-50,000.)

Uruk-Hai Costume

A life-like statue of Lurtz, the leader of Saruman's Uruk-hai warriors, features the character's costume and armor. (Estimate: $50-70,000.)

Orc Prosthetic Mask

A full-head, pullover prosthetic Orc mask, made from foam latex by Weta Workshop, with paint and hair applied and an attached shirt, as worn by an actor in the background of Mordor. (Estimate: $12-20,000.)

Gimli Axe-Head

Double-headed battle axe as wielded by the dwarf Gimli. Metal and wood, with a hand-woven leather grip and ornate detailing. (Estimate $50-70,000.)

Weta Worktape

In addition to on-screen props and costumes, behind-the-scenes artifacts - like this unused roll of Weta Workshop tape, useful for keeping the curious out of parts of Mordor - are up for bid. (Estimate: $50-100.)

For more info:
The Trilogy Collection: Props and Costumes from Middle-Earth (Julien's Auctions, Beverly Hills) - December 5, 2013.

By CBSNews.com senior producer David Morgan