A lead statue of a falcon used in the Hollywood blockbuster The Maltese Falcon is expected to fetch over one million Sterling at auction

The Daily Express reported how in the 1941 hit film, the 12-inch falcon statue was the object of desire of Humphrey Bogart’s private detective character, who wrongly believed it to be a priceless, jewel-encrusted solid gold antique.

But now the screen prop, described by experts as the most important movie prop of all time, is set to fetch a fortune when it goes under the hammer.

The 50lbs falcon is one of only two made for the 1941 smash, and is the only one to appear in the film.

During filming it was dropped, denting the bird’s tail feathers - and the damage can be spotted in several key scenes.

The other statue was bought by a private collector more than 20 years ago.

Catherine Williams, director of entertainment memorabilia, said: “This statue is the greatest film prop ever, not only because of its central role in the film but also because of what it symbolised.

“In the last scene of the film, Humphrey Bogart’s character Sam Spade says the statue is ‘the stuff dreams are made of’ - and that summed up cinema at the time.

“In terms of iconic film memorabilia this statue is up there with Dorothy’s ruby slippers from the Wizard of Oz and the rosebud sled from Citizen Kane.

The auction will take place at Bonhams in New York on November 25.