'All that matters is winning': $80,000 saddle highlights Larry Hagman auction

Dallas star Larry Hagman's collectibles made more than $500,000 at Julien's Auctions

Larry Hagman, who played reprehensible oil baron JR Ewing in 80's show Dallas, has made more than $500,000 from an auction of his collectibles.

The 79-year-old arrived at this weekend's Julien's Auctions sale in California on horseback, and the bidding was equally dramatic.

A silver saddle was the leading lot, coming in at $80,000, while a portrait of his Dallas co-star Jim Davis achieved $38,000.

Hagman's big break came in 60's sitcom I Dream of Jeannie. A replica bottle from the show made $10,000, while a pair of pistols realised $4,000.

Blazing saddles: This silver specimen set the auction room on fire

Interest was added to the auction through Hagman's own introductions for each piece, helping to confirm the provenance of the items with prospective buyers and increasing the sense of star quality surrounding the bidding.

"There comes a time, even in JR Ewing's life, when you have to downsize," Hagman told the New York Times.

But for those alternative investors who have missed out this time, there is good news.

Despite 413 items making it to the auction, Hagman asserted he has "more left at home than I know what to do with".

Memorabilia from classic television shows can make great investment material. Ally McBeal's pyjamas, signed by 10 cast members, are available on the private market for £2,500.

The recent announcement that Dallas could return to our screens may have helped boost sales. Hagman is reprising his role for a pilot episode.

"Filming was so fabulous," he told E! Online. "It was just amazing. It was surreal, fun, nostalgic, everything. Everything rolled into one."

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Image: Julien's Auctions