Ever wondered where Hollywood finds all those perfectly vintage props?
We got a behind-the-scenes tour of History for Hire, an L.A. prop warehouse packed with thousands of items used in movies, TV shows, commercials, and more. Every aisle holds a new discovery, from vintage furniture and rare artifacts to iconic pieces that have appeared on some of Hollywood’s biggest productions.
Family-owned and operated since 1985, History for Hire has built a reputation as one of the entertainment industry’s premier prop houses. What sets the company apart isn’t just the size of its collection—it’s the dedication behind every item. The team invests countless hours researching each piece to ensure historical accuracy, helping filmmakers create worlds that feel authentic on screen.
During our tour, we saw an incredible lineup of recognizable props with fascinating stories behind them. Among the highlights were the “Fat Man” bomb used in Oppenheimer, a little stool used in the award-winning musical La La Land, and the unforgettable baby carriage from The Addams Family.
The Origins of Prop Rentals
The practice of renting out everyday objects for film productions is a century-old tradition in the city. Palm Elyea, Vice President, traces the origins of the prop house business back to 1913 with Ellis Mercantile, which originally operated as a pawn shop. The industry was born when a silent filmmaker came into the shop needing a glass eye for a shoot. The pawn shop owner could not legally sell the eye because the original owner was expected to return to pay off their loan. As a workaround, the shop offered to rent the eye to the filmmaker, establishing a business model that Hollywood still relies on today.
Operating out of a large warehouse at 7149 Fair Ave., the modern facility serves a broad spectrum of clients. While the company regularly supplies authentic period pieces to Oscar-winning productions, the staff also makes a point to work with local film students to help train them on the realities of the industry.
