The original mechatronic model of the tiny alien from Steven Spielberg's sci-fi classic ET the Extra-Terrestrial sold over the weekend for a staggering $2.56 million.
The model, which was created by special effects master Carlo Rambaldi in 1981, went up for auction along with 1,300 other items from famous films, such as the boxing gloves worn by Robert De Niro in the movie "Raging Bull" or the pendant from the movie "Thor".

"Regarded as an engineering masterpiece, this unique animatronic figure, with 85 points of articulation, predates the advent of CGI (Computer Graphic Imaging) effects in film and was conceived, developed and designed in 1981," ET's description read.

The big-eyed "alien", whose movements included facial expressions, neck movements, as well as the famous flashing index finger movement, was brought to life by a team of animators using electronic and mechanical elements.
According to the auction listing, Spielberg described the ET model as "the eighth wonder of the movie world."

ET the Extra-Terrestrial, starring Henry Thomas and Drew Barrymore, told the story of a friendly alien who tries to return home after being stranded in a suburban US neighborhood.

Other famous items also fetched high prices at auction. The staff that actor Charlton Heston used to part the Red Sea in the movie "The Ten Commandments" sold for $448,000. While the Harry Potter Nimbus 2000 broom sold for $128,000.