WordPress 2.5 Upgrade

Just as an FYI, I just installed the latest version of WordPress (2.5, released yesterday), which is a major upgrade, so if you encounter any difficulties with the site, please contact me.

Jason

Angels Acquires BBC Costume Archive

Per BBC News, Angels the Costumiers has acquired the BBC costume department and archives. Read more

Profiles in History Article in Geek Monthly Magazine

The April 2008 issue of Geek Monthly Magazine has a one page feature on the Profiles in History Auction 31, which ended yesterday: Read more

Pair of KITT “Knight Rider” Cars Sell for $300,000 at Auction

As reported a month ago, Barrett-Jackson is holding a Collector Car Event in Palm Beach, Florida from March 26-30, 2008. This auction includes 600 vehicles at auction, all no reserve, broadcast on Speed .

The auction includes some cars used in television programs, including 13 cars from The Sopranos and “Super KITT” and “Attack Mode KITT” from the recent Knight Rider NBC special which aired last month. Read more

Profiles in History 31 Held Yesterday, Today

Profiles in History 31 was held yesterday and today, with the majority props being auctioned today at Profiles in Calabasas Hills, over the Internet via eBay Live Auctions, and by phone.

Overall, it appears to have been a big success, going by the prices realized on the offerings. Read more

Gremlins Prop Head on eBay: Update

This is an update to the article posted this morning about the prop listed on eBay last month that was marketed as “used in the movie gremlins” that was “acquired directly from Warner Bros”. This item was listed and relisted by eBay member slimerhead13 and appears to have been purchased by eBay member ovie86 and listed yet again yesterday (AUTHENTIC Screen Used Gremlins Head Prop Puppet RARE!!! (eBay Item #220217619870)). Read more

Gremlins Prop Head on eBay

In early February a prop was listed on eBay and marketed as “used in the movie gremlins” that was “acquired directly from Warner Bros”.This item was listed and relisted by seller slimerhead13: Read more

The Babz Chula Lifeline for Artists Society – Charity Auction

Per an article on Straight.com (see “David Duchovny, Gabrielle Miller, Matthew Good, and other stars lend helping hand to Babz Chula“) and babzchulasociety.org, many in the entertainment industry have donated events and items to raise funds for Vancouver actor Babz Chula to help her pay for medical bills related to her fight with cancer. Read more

Red Baron “Memorabilia Collector’s Auction”: Atlanta, GA – May 2-4, 2008

From the Red Baron Antiques website: Read more

ABC “Seen On!” Charity Auction – How I Met Your Mother & Britney Spears Wardrobe

SeenOn.com is hosting an auction for ABC’s “How I Met Your Mother”, with original wardrobe pieces worn by Britney Spears on this week’s episode. Proceeds for the auction will benefit It’s Your Nature (itsyournature.org). Read more

Collectors Seek Information About Superman Belt, Superman Cape

I’ve been in contact with two collectors who are seeking more information about the provenance and authenticity of their Superman costume parts.

The two collectors have sent me photos to publish on the Original Prop Blog as part of the ongoing series of articles about costumes in the marketplace attributed to use by Christopher Reeve in the Superman films of the 70s and 80s (see “Questions About Superman Costumes in the Marketplace: Authenticity, Sources, Quantity“). Read more

Reader Comment: Collector Seeks Contact with Salkinds, Warner Bros.

A collector contacted me recently to discuss a costume he has listed on eBay marketed as a Superman III costume. He has asked for assistance in authenticating the suit, and has posted the “Reader Comment” below in the original article (see “Questions About Superman Costumes in the Marketplace: Authenticity, Sources, Quantity“) that initiated my ongoing series of articles about costumes in the marketplace attributed to use by Christopher Reeve in the Superman films of the 70s and 80s. Read more

Reader Comment: “The Bride’s Hero Sword from Kill Bill”, Entertainment Movie Props

Collector Richard DeLong has contacted me asking for help getting in touch with Entertainment Movie Props in regards to an item he has made payments on, so I asked him to post his issue as a “Reader Comment” in the original article (see “eBay’s puttieface & Entertainment Movie Props“; see also “…”votehillary” Update“) about that seller and that I would repost it as a new article in the event someone can assist him. Read more

eBay Policy: Authenticity Disclaimers

I was doing some research on eBay and came across an interesting and very relevant policy to original prop collecting – “Authenticity Disclaimers”.

eBay Policy – Authenticity Disclaimers (LINK to eBay): Read more

Oshkosh Museum “Out of This World” Exhibition

The award-winning Oshkosh Public Museum in Wisconsin is holding an “Out of This World: Extraordinary Costumes from Film and Television” exhibition from February 16-May 18, 2008. This exhibition is created by the Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame of Seattle, Washington. This appears similar to the exhibit reported on last year in Seattle (see “Out of this World: Extraordinary Costumes from Film and Television“).

Pieces in display include the original hat worn by the Wicked Witch of the West from the Wizard of Oz, a whip and jacket from Raiders of the Lost Ark, Darth Vader’s helmet and lightsaber, a jumpsuit and Proton Pack from Ghostbusters, and more. Read more

Fourth Wave of NBC Universal Studio Auctions Begin March 27, 2008

NBC Universal is hosting a fourth wave of direct from the studio auctions starting March 27, 2008. The first three sets of auctions listed included original props, wardrobe, and set-pieces from Heroes, The Office, 30 Rock, Friday Night Lights, Las Vegas, Law and Order, and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Read more

“Prop Store Collection” Superman Costume, Fabric Discussion Continued, Part 1

The Prop Store of London, which recently sold an original Superman costume with a Certificate of Authenticity from Warner Bros. (see “Authentic Superman Costume In The Marketplace – The Prop Store of London“), has recently showcased a complete costume on their website (currently on display at the Movieum of London – see related article). Read more

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Costume Restoration

This is another fantastic restoration by Tom Spina of Tom Spina Designs. This is Tom’s accounting of his work and process in restoring and creating a custom display for a Leonardo costume from the film, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Read more

U.S. Department of Justice Announces Indictments in “$5 Million Dollar International Fraud Scheme”

Breaking news in the art world follows an announcement by the U.S. Department of Justice involving indictments against seven defendants in their alleged roles in selling $5 million in counterfeit art prints.

Reuters reports that (“Thousands Stuck with Fake Art Prints – U.S. Prosecutor“) that “[a] ring of art counterfeiters has sold thousands of prints since 1999 bearing the forged signatures of Picasso, Miro, Dali and other famous artists to buyers around the world”. U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald stating that “[t]housands of people will learn they… bought a fake”. Read more

Original Superman Costume Reference Archive: Fabric Comparison

This article is a follow-up to my hands on examination of an “Original Superman III Christopher Reeve” costume sent to me by another collector (see: High Resolution Photo Reference Archive: “Original Superman III Christopher Reeve Costume”), and as part of my ongoing series of articles about costumes in the marketplace attributed to use by Christopher Reeve in the Superman films of the 70s and 80s.

What follows are photos sent to me by yet another collector, showing what is claimed to be unused fabric of the same type/style/weave/manufacture used to make the original costumes for the Superman films. Read more

U.S. Supreme Court Examines Constitution’s Second Amendment, Right to Bear Arms

There has been much anticipation since last year over the U.S. Supreme Court’s examination of the Second Amendment to the Constitution – the “right to bear arms”. The case stems from a challenge to the constitutionality of the handgun ban in Washington D.C.

Since I have given some coverage to the restrictions on weapons in the UK (see “Research & Dialogue About Importing Firearms to the UK“, “…Update“, “The Last Samurai? UK to Ban “Imitation” Swords…“, “More Potential Restrictions in the UK – Deactivated Firearms May Be Banned“), which has had some impact on original prop collectors, I thought this was equally newsworthy. Read more

San Fernando Valley Business Journal: “Memorabilia Auctions Put A Price Tag on Nostalgia”

The latest issue of the San Fernando Valley Business Journal, available today, features an article about original movie memorabilia auctions. Focused primarily on Profiles in History’s Joe Maddelena and their “Hollywood Auction 31″ event at the end of the month, it also remarks on the Guernsey’s “The Pugliese Pop Culture Collection” held over the weekend, the ongoing NBC Universal online auctions, and David Jackson’s Back Lot Props. Read more

Guernsey’s “Pugliese Pop Culture Auction” Held Yesterday, Today

Well, the much talked about event has now come and gone. So what happened?

Not having attended the event, or bid on any items, all I can really do is report on discussions from online forums and review the results of the auction.

One of the things I was most interested in, as noted in the article written Friday night, is how the hobby would absorb all these high value pieces with the next Profiles in History auction just two weeks away. Read more

Competing Original Prop Auction Events: The Ides of March?

So at least as long as I’ve been collecting original props, this month, March 2008, is unprecedented in the hobby. And it all begins tomorrow, March 15…

As everyone knows, there are two big auction house events this month: Guernsey’s “Pugliese Prop Culture Collection” (March 15-16) and, just two weeks later, Profiles in History’s “Hollywood Auction 31″ (March 27-28). Read more

Wizard World Los Angeles – March 14-16, 2008

Today through the weekend, Wizard World Los Angeles will be held at the Los Angeles Convention Center: Read more

Heritage Auction Galleries April 2008 Signature Auction Catalog Available Online

The Heritage Auction Galleries “2008 April Music & Entertainment Memorabilia Signature Auction #688″ catalog is available online: Read more

MI6 Report on Pugliese Aston Martin DB5 Parts Auction

There is an article on the MI6 (www.mi6.co.uk) website regarding the Aston Martin DB5 parts in Guernsey’s Pugliese Prop Culture Collection auction being held in Las Vegas this weekend: Read more

Flashback: Operation Bullpen

I thought it might be interesting for readers to reflect back on governmental efforts in the U.S. circa 2000 to address the issue of counterfeit sports and entertainment memorabilia, which was part of a three-year investigation.

While this investigation was predominantly focused on sports memorabilia and autographs, there are some obvious parallels with the hobby of collecting original props and wardrobe, particularly the employment of certificates of authenticity and consumers’ reliance on these documents.

What follows is a press release from the United States Department of Justice (see usdoj.gov website): Read more

Original Superman Costume Auction House Reference Archive Part 3: Guernsey’s, Heritage, American Memorabilia, R&R Auctions

This is a continuation of researching past public auction house events to collect and share information about Superman costumes offered for sale historically. These are limited to costumes offered for sale in the marketplace that were attributed to use by Christopher Reeve in the Superman films of the 70s and 80s, with the exception of a few “Superboy” costumes to serve as a reference and point of comparison in appearance and sources, etc.

With this focus, I began with Profiles in History (see “…Part 1“), continued with Christie’s and Bonhams (see “…Part 2“), and include pieces offered by Guernsey’s, Heritage Auction Galleries, American Memorabilia, and R&R Auctions with today’s article. Read more

Heritage Auction Galleries “Superman III” Costume – Update

In performing research for my continuing series of past public auction house events, archiving and sharing information about Superman costumes offered for sale historically (of costumes attributed to use by Christopher Reeve in the Superman films of the 70s and 80s), I noticed a change on one of the “Auction Archives” listings on the Heritage Auction Galleries website. Read more

Original Superman Costume Auction House Reference Archive Part 2: Christie’s, Sotheby’s, Bonhams

This is a continuation of researching past public auction house events to collect and share information about Superman costumes offered for sale historically. These are limited to costumes offered for sale in the marketplace that were attributed to use by Christopher Reeve in the Superman films of the 70s and 80s, with the exception of a few “Superboy” costumes to serve as a reference and point of comparison in appearance and sources, etc.

With this focus, I began with Profiles in History and with this article (see “…Part 1“), will continue with Christie’s, Sotheby’s, and Bonhams. While the Profiles in History article included fairly high resolution scans of the actual pages from the auction catalog, some of these are lower resolution and photo-only, depending on the source. Read more

Original Superman Costume Auction House Reference Archive Part 1: Profiles in History

As noted in the previous Superman costume related article, I am in the process of researching past public auction house events to collect and share information about Superman costumes offered for sale historically. These will be limited to costumes offered for sale in the marketplace that were attributed to use by Christopher Reeve in the Superman films of the 70s and 80s, with the exception of a few “Superboy” costumes to serve as a reference and point of comparison in appearance and sources, etc.

With this focus, I am beginning with Profiles in History as I have a full set of the auction catalogs, save for just one event, so it was easy enough for me to scan these with optimum quality and include all descriptions. Read more

Profiles in History Hollywood Auction 31 Hardcopy Catalog Out

The hardcopy catalog for Profiles in History’s Hollywood Auction 31 is out: Read more

Guernsey’s Pugliese Pop Culture Collection Auction: Terms and Conditions

Given past articles discussing Terms and Conditions of auction houses and/or auction events (see “Auction House Buying Considerations, Part I: Overview“, “…Part II: Chandelier Bid Legislation“, “…Part III: Bonhams“), I thought it might be worthwhile to highlight and comment on the terms for the upcoming Guernsey’s Pugliese Prop Culture Collection auction, to be held at the Palm in Las Vegas March 15-16, 2008.

Here are key excerpts from the Terms and Conditions from the live auction listings (at LiveAuctioneers.com): Read more

Hilltop Nursery School Charity Auction – Buffy the Vampire Slayer & Angel

A new series of charity auctions has begun on eBay, including items from Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel, in support of Hilltop Nursery School (hilltopla.org). The auctions can be found HERE: Read more

The Movieum of London Opens

The Movieum of London, “a museum that celebrates the UK film industry”, officially opens tomorrow night. Read more

High Resolution Photo Reference Archive: “Original Superman III Christopher Reeve Costume”

As a preface, I thought it appropriate to summarize the objectives of my ongoing series of articles about costumes in the marketplace attributed to use by Christopher Reeve in the Superman films of the 70s and 80s.

My intent is to both collect and share information, ask questions, and facilitate dialogue and discussion about Superman costumes in an attempt to help bring more clarity to the marketplace. In this regard, the Original Prop Blog is intended to benefit the hobby at large (collectors, dealers, auction houses, etc.) by sharing and examining information about what has been offered for sale publicly in the marketplace to date.

Read more

Third Wave of NBC Universal Studio Auctions Live

NBC Universal is hosting a third wave of direct from the studio auctions starting today, March 3, 2008. The first two sets of auctions listed included original props, wardrobe, and set-pieces from Heroes, The Office, 30 Rock, Friday Night Lights, and Las Vegas.

This wave of auctions includes offerings from Heroes, 30 Rock, Friday Night Lights, Law & Order (New to Auction), and The Jay Leno Show (New to Auction). Present previously but missing this time are pieces from The Office and Las Vegas (this series is now canceled). Read more

Bob Burns Collection Featured in Los Angeles Magazine

The February 2008 issue of Los Angeles Magazine features a pictorial tour of some pieces found in the collection of Bob Burns. Jason White (www.moviepropking.com) shared some of the images found in this issue: Read more

The Chronicles of Narnia International Museum Exhibition

The following press release announces an upcoming five-year touring exhibition for Chronicles of Narnia, which will include original props and wardrobe as well as sets (or perhaps set recreates – the release isn’t that specific) reflecting scenes and locales in the film. The international tour will begin in June. Read more

Profiles in History Hollywood Auction 31 Catalog Available Online

The catalog for Profiles in History’s Hollywood Auction 31 is available for download from www.ProfilesInHistory.com: Read more

Charity Auction: Keira Knightley’s “Atonement” Dress Sells for $46,000

The Clothes Off Our Back charity auctions in support of The Children’s Charity of Southern California ended yesterday, and Keira Knightly’s green dress from Atonement realized $46,000 (LINK to auction): Read more

“Super Hollywood” Threatens $1.5 Million Dollar Lawsuit Against The Original Prop Blog

Received via e-mail yesterday: Read more