It’s been over a year since HBO Max, now simply Max, made the controversial decision to cancel Our Flag Means Death, the beloved queer pirate comedy created by David Jenkins and featuring stars Rhys Darby and Taika Waititi. Despite the show’s untimely end, fans are now presented with a unique opportunity to own a piece of the series’ legacy. Heritage Auctions is currently hosting an online auction featuring props and costumes from the show.
The auction is part of Heritage’s broader HBO Mashup auction, which not only includes items from Our Flag Means Death but also features memorabilia from other popular series such as Barry, Big Little Lies, Curb Your Enthusiasm, White House Plumbers, and Perry Mason.
Iconic Props and Costumes Up for Grabs
Among the Our Flag Means Death lots are several standout items. Fans can bid on “Wanted” posters for Blackbeard, played by Waititi, as well as an array of pirate swords, daggers, and pistols. One of the most coveted pieces is the mermaid tail worn by Stede Bonnet, portrayed by Darby, during a memorable dream sequence in Season 2. Additionally, several costume pieces, including Stede’s lavish coats and Blackbeard’s leather battle ensembles, are available for auction.
At the time of writing, several lots remain at the modest starting price of $1. However, the auction’s highlight is the Stede and Blackbeard wedding toppers from Season 2, which have already surpassed the $1,000 mark. The auction is set to conclude on August 23.
A Community of Fans and Philanthropy
This auction is not the first instance where Our Flag Means Death memorabilia has been made available to fans. Earlier this year, in February and March, the series’ fans organized the Our Flag Means Death craft fair, a 19-day fundraiser that successfully raised $105,000 for the Campaign for Southern Equality’s Trans Youth Emergency Project. The craft fair featured fan-created pieces, ranging from embroidery to jewelry, and also included donations from the show’s cast and crew. Notably, Jenkins contributed an Our Flag Means Death teapot, alongside a prop doodled on by Waititi during filming.
Impact and Legacy of the Auction
The auction represents more than just an opportunity for fans to acquire memorabilia; it underscores the enduring impact and community spirit surrounding Our Flag Means Death. The show, which garnered a dedicated fanbase for its unique blend of humor and representation, continues to inspire and mobilize its audience even after its cancellation.
According to industry experts, auctions like these highlight the growing trend of fan-driven markets in the entertainment industry. “Fans today are more engaged than ever,” says media analyst Sarah Thompson. “They want to own a piece of the stories they love, and auctions provide a tangible connection to those narratives.”
As the auction draws to a close, fans and collectors alike are eagerly watching the bids, hoping to secure a piece of television history. The outcome of the auction will not only reflect the show’s lasting appeal but also the power of fan communities to keep the spirit of a series alive long after its final episode has aired.
Whether this auction will pave the way for similar events in the future remains to be seen. However, it is clear that Our Flag Means Death has left an indelible mark on its fans, ensuring that its legacy will continue to be celebrated and cherished.
