‘It’s a Wrap!’ Customer Service Complaints Reach New High

There has been an increasing rise of complaints about a variety of issues around the net about It’s a Wrap’s management of the Star Trek eBay auctions. [Reference: It's A Wrap Homepage, It's A Wrap eBay "ME" Page] Read more

CSI Original Prop Charity Auction

The National Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Association, via “CBS Cares”, is auctioning an exact replica of Gil Grissom’s office, an original prop used in the Season 7 episode, “Living Doll”. Read more

Work in Progress: The Ultimate Original Prop COA, Part I

I thought it would be productive to initiate a hobby-wide discussion of what the “Ultimate COA” would call for, look like, detail, include, and provide to the owner of an original prop, costume, or other artifact from a production.

As discussed in many other articles on the OPB, I generally have a fairly unfavorable opinion of most COAs, in that they typically do not address the foundational components of authenticity: origin, history of ownership, use in the production, etc.

So what information would be included in the “Ultimate” COA? Read more

“Books in Bulk”: Article on Prop Set Dressing for Indy IV & StrandBooks.com

There is an interesting article on NewYorker.com (LINK) discussing set dressing on the new Indiana Jones film, “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull”. This article talks not only about set dressing the upcoming Raiders of the Lost Ark sequel, but the company Strand Books (StrandBooks.com) in New York, and their work on other films as well as services offered to anyone who might be interested in building their own personal library, including their “Books by the Foot” program. Sounds like a very interesting and unique business, and using their services in films is, I think, reflective of the thought, work, and resources employed in film and television, paying such great attention to background details. Read more

Authenticity & Burden of Proof, Part II: Inauthentic Props

This is a follow-up to an article I wrote back in May, “Authenticity & Burden of Proof“.

In the prior article, I made the argument that a discerning collector should approach a potential prop or costume or other artifact acquisition as an unknown, or inconclusive in terms of it’s being “Original” (see What is “Original”?). Authenticity must then be proven. This is a different perspective from those that believe what they are told about a piece, without question. Read more

eBay’s “Entertainment Memorabilia Buying Guide” & Original Prop Authentication

One interesting section of content on the eBay website is what they call the “Entertainment Memorabilia Buying Guide“.

Of the sections, of particular interest to original prop hobbyists is titled “Research Entertainment Memorabilia“: Read more

Original Props, eBay, and Competition in the Online Auction Space

When someone mentions an auction on the Internet, chances are you assume its on eBay.

Why?

“eBay” has become synonymous with the “Internet auction”.

Others have tried to move in on eBay’s business, on large and small scales, and for the most part, have failed miserably when measured against their goals and objectives.

How has this impacted original prop collecting? Read more

‘As Worn In’ Update & Clarification Regarding Bonhams Auction

I thought I’d point out and repost a Reader Comment posted by AsWornIn.com in the article, “As Worn In (aswornin.com) Site is Live” (direct link to comment): Read more

Don’t Let Keira Knightly Near Your Prop Collection…

Sounds as though Ms. Knightly has had some unfortunately prop-related experiences… Read more

Upcoming Auction Event Calendar Snapshot

Here is the latest updated list of upcoming original prop auction events. Please contact me if you are aware of any coming events of interest to original prop collectors. Read more

Heritage Music & Entertainment Memorabilia Auction – UPDATE

As reported on the 12th (LINK), the next Heritage Auction Galleries Music & Entertainment Memorabilia Auction is scheduled for October 6-7, 2007. Read more

New “My Collection” Page

I’ve had some questions about the make-up of my own personal original prop collection, so I have uploaded a new static page (link “My Collection” under the banner above) which I will update periodically.  It does not list everything, but most of the highlights.  I also consolidated the About Me into the About The OPB static page as well.

Jason De Bord

Classic Bob Burns Basement Video from Entertainment Tonight

Here is a link to an old Bob Burns interview by Leonard Maltin on Entertainment Tonight (Link to MetaCafe.com): Read more

Out of this World: Extraordinary Costumes from Film and Television

Out of this World: Extraordinary Costumes from Film and Television will be running through the end of this month in Seattle, Washington: Read more

The Discerning Original Prop Collector Waits… The Dual Format HD Drive for PCs

One of the vital tools available to original prop collectors is the capability of obtaining the screencap – close, freeze frame analysis of a given movie or television program to research the authenticity and use of a prop or costume in a production. Read more

Nye County Public Auction: The Darnell Firearms Collection – September 15-16, 2007

I came across this news article on the web on the Pahrump Valley Times (LINK): Read more

As Worn In (aswornin.com) Site is Live

A new original prop/wardrobe dealer has arrived on the scene, As Worn In (aswornin.com). Read more

Heritage Music & Entertainment Memorabilia Auction – October 6-7, 2007

The next Heritage Auction Galleries Music & Entertainment Memorabilia Auction is scheduled for October 6-7, 2007. Read more

Update & Prices Realized – Classic Car Auction & Show: Auburn 2007

As reported last month (see article Classic Car Auction & Show: Auburn 2007), 5,000 cars were auctioned by Kruse in the 37th edition of the “World’s Largest Collector Car Auction and Show”. A few cars offered were used in film and television.

The results are now available on the Kruse.com website: LINK

Of the cars used in film and television, here are a few of the results… Read more

Profiles in History Auction 29: Rare Hollywood Photographs, November 7th & 8th

I noticed Profiles in History updated their webpage with marketing for their next event, Hollywood Auction 29: Read more

Los Angeles Police Department: Art Theft Detail

An interesting website that is, in part, pertinent to original props and wardrobe: www.lapdonline.org/art_theft_detail Read more

The Independent – Stand by for action: box-office hits come under the hammer

The following news article was posted in the UK’s The Independent today… (LINK) Read more

“Guns Magazine” Stembridge Gun Rentals Article – Circa 1998

Thanks to Brandon Alinger for sending me this article some time ago. Unfortunately, I forgot I even had it before the Little John’s Stembridge Auction, as it featured some pieces actually auctioned off back in June (notice the grips on the Payback and Titanic pistols match one of each auctioned off). This is an excellent article about Stembridge Gun Rentals written by John Fasano with incredible photos by Ichiro Nagata.

I did recently contact the writer of the article, and interestingly enough, Stembridge closed before the article was published, so it seems it must have been done right toward the end.

Here is a link to the full article: SHOOT FOR EFFECT Read more

Short Q&A: Hollywood Parts (www.HollywoodParts.com)

I was recently contacted by John Long, Asset Coordinator for Hollywood Parts (www.HollywoodParts.com) about letting other collectors know of this business. I was previously unfamiliar with the business, but curious about learning more. He didn’t mind answering a few questions for the benefit of interested readers… Read more

Set Decorators, SDSA, Set Decor Magazine

Many thanks to Simon of Die Hard Props for the link to this resourceful website: SetDecorators.org

I think set decoration is one of those vital contributions to film and television that serves both art and function. Read more

Website Review: Star Trek Auction Listings (“The Archive”)

Website Name: Star Trek Auction Listings (“The Archive”)

Website URL: http://startrekpropcollector.com/trekauctions/ Read more

Back to the Future Ride Closes at Universal Studios

From the Associated Press, via Google: LINK Read more

Indy IV Set & Prop Pics at HarrisonFordWeb

There are some set and prop photos from the upcoming Indiana Jones film over at HarrisonFordWeb.com (LINK): Read more

Movie Prop Rental Business for Sale

An unidentified Movie Prop Rental Business has been advertised for sale at USABizMart.com (LINK). Read more

Upcoming Hollywood Roadshow Live Auction in Texas – October 20, 2007

I received an e-mail from Premiere Props advertising their next “Prop and Pinball” auction in Arlington, Texas on October 20, 2007.

FANGORIA’S ALL HORROR MOVIE PROP AND PINBALL AUCTION

As readers know, I experienced many (still unresolved) issues with the last “Hollywood Roadshow” event (see article “Premiere Props, Hollywood Roadshow, Auction Outcome Manipulation“). Read more