I Love Lucy, Global Antiques, and Auction Depot LA – Metal Tea Pot

A reader directed my attention to a current eBay auction, offered by Auction Depot LA with a Global Antiques COA titled: “I LOVE LUCY TV PROP ORIGINAL METAL TEA POT +COA NO RES!”.

This seller and consignor/authenticator have already been topics of past articles: Read more

I Love Lucy, Global Antiques, and Auction Depot LA – Silver Creamer

A reader directed my attention to a newly listed eBay auction, offered by Auction Depot LA with a Global Antiques COA titled: “I LOVE LUCY TV PROP ORIGINAL SILVER CREAMER CUP + COA”.

This seller and consignor/authenticator have already been topics of past articles: Read more

The Lord of the Rings, Global Antiques, and Auction Depot LA

I recently came across an eBay auction that ended a few weeks ago, offered by Auction Depot LA with a Global Antiques COA titled: “THE LORD OF THE RINGS FILM PROP ORIGINAL SWORD +COA NR!”. This piece realized $257.55 at auction.

This seller and consignor/authenticator have already been topics of past articles: Read more

Gone With The Wind, Global Antiques, and Auction Depot LA – “Original Dagger Sword”

I recently came across an eBay auction that ended in March, offered by Auction Depot LA with a Global Antiques COA titled: “GONE WITH THE WIND FILM PROP ORIGINAL DAGGER SWORD”. This piece realized $713.00 at auction.

This seller and consignor/authenticator have already been topics of past articles: Read more

Al Capone, Global Antiques, and Auction Depot LA

A reader of the Original Prop Blog directed my attention to a current eBay auction offered by Auction Depot LA with a Global Antiques COA titled: “ORIGINAL CONTEX ADDING MACHINE OWNED BY AL CAPONE +COA”

This seller and consignor/authenticator have already been topics of past articles: Read more

“Movies Galore” TOS Star Trek Hand Phaser – Update

This is a follow-up to an article posted a few days ago, (see “Movies Galore” TOS Star Trek Hand Phaser – February, March, April eBay Listings), discussing a Star Trek: The Original Series “hand phaser”, marketed as original and from the 1966-69 classic television series with a Certificate of Authenticity from “Movies Galore”, which was offered for sale on eBay and sold, offered for sale on eBay again and sold, and was then offered for sale on eBay for a third time over the span of just three months.

Per an article published today by Alec Peters on his Star Trek Prop, Costume, and Auction Blog (see Phaser Update – Resolution all around!), the current eBay seller, “notdads2004″, ended his auction early and returned the prop for a refund from the previous seller, “truck8″. Buyer “truck8″ then returned the prop for a refund from the original eBay seller, “grandenagus”. Read more

Mark Twain, Global Antiques, and Auction Depot LA

A reader of the Original Prop Blog directed my attention to a current eBay auction offered by Auction Depot LA with a Global Antiques COA titled: “ORIGINAL PAIR OF GLASS CANDLESTICKS OWNED BY MARK TWAIN”

This seller and consignor/authenticator have already been topics of past articles: Read more

Thomas Edison, Global Antiques, and Auction Depot LA

A reader of the Original Prop Blog directed my attention to a current eBay auction offered by Auction Depot LA with a Global Antiques COA titled: “ORIGINAL SALT/PEPPER SHAKER OWNED BY THOMAS EDISON +COA”

This seller and consignor/authenticator have already been topics of past articles: Read more

Gremlins Prop Head on eBay: Resurfaces in the Marketplace

This is an update to the previous Gremlins articles: Read more

Save The Earth Foundation Charity Auction

The Save The Earth Foundation is holding a charity auction online, including music and movie memorabilia. More details can be found at the SaveTheEarth.net website: Read more

“Movies Galore” TOS Star Trek Hand Phaser – February, March, April eBay Listings

A Star Trek: The Original Series “hand phaser”, marketed as original and from the 1966-69 classic television series with a Certificate of Authenticity from “Movies Galore”, has been offered for sale and sold, offered for sale again and sold, and is now offered for sale on eBay for a third time over the span of just three months. Read more

The Side Arms of James Bond, 007: Part 2 – 1962 Sports Illustrated Article By Ian Fleming

This is a little “off topic” from movie props, but thought this would make a nice companion article to the one published a few days ago, “The Side Arms of James Bond, 007: From The Walther PPK to the P99“.

I came across an interesting article from 1962 written by Ian Fleming about the guns used by James Bond in the novels (the first Bond film, Dr. No, was released that same year). The article is framed by the actual correspondence between Fleming and a fan of the novels (Geoffrey Boothroyd) with real world firearms expertise, showcasing his recommendations for the character and rationale for certain side arm choices, and other related exchanges and anecdotes.

The March 19, 1962 article – “The Guns of James Bond” By Ian Fleming – is available to read at the Sports Illustrated website, SI.com, with scans of the actual magazine available as well in the “SI Vault”. Read more

Heritage Auction Galleries Forms Media and Client Relations Division

Excerpts from a Heritage Auction Galleries press release (found at news-antique.com): Read more

I Love Lucy, Global Antiques, and Auction Depot LA

A reader of the Original Prop Blog directed my attention to an ended eBay auction offered by Auction Depot LA with a Global Antiques COA titled: “TV PROP ORIGINAL GLASS DECANTER OWNED BY LUCILLE BALL”

This seller and consignor/authenticator have already been topics of past articles: Read more

Christie’s Education: Inside the World of Entertainment Memorabilia

I received an e-mail from Christie’s New York advertising their upcoming education class series “Seeing the Stars: Inside the World of Entertainment Memorabilia”. Read more

“My Name Is Earl” Custom Chooper – $42,000.00?

As mentioned previously, NBC Universal’s fifth wave of direct from the studio auctions focused on the television series, “My Name Is Earl”. Looking at the results, the “Custom Chopper” realized $42,000.00 at auction. It will be interesting to see if the result “holds”. Here is an archive of the listing: Read more

The Side Arms of James Bond, 007: From The Walther PPK to the P99

I recently acquired a very rare James Bond Walther PPK for my own collection, so I have done some research as to what handguns have been offered to the marketplace attributed to use in the films as the side arm of James Bond. I thought it might be of interest to readers to know “what is out there”. The focus of this article is primarily hero and “real” firearms (no stunts). Read more

“Prop Store Collection” Superman Costume, Fabric Discussion Continued, Part 3

This is 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“).

As previously discussed, 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

Star Trek: The Original Series Props – Auction House Archive, Part 1

As noted in recent articles, there are many Star Trek “Original Series” (1966-1969) era prop replicas that have been traded in the marketplace as authentic, fooling experts, dealers, and auction houses, as well as collectors.

As a result, there are profound challenges in authenticating the iconic, high value props from this classic television series, especially the Tricorder, Communicator, and Phaser. The current ’state of the marketplace’ poses a significant potential risk for Star Trek collectors who could inadvertently buy an inauthentic piece.

The most productive manner in which collectors can help other collectors to mitigate this risk is by talking to one another, sharing information, and spreading awareness of the ’state of the marketplace’ for these types of props and underscoring the importance of formal and thorough authentication.

I thought it would be productive to catalog and archive information relevant to these props. Read more

Lucasfilm vs. Ainsworth Trial Watch: CNN Business Blog

There has been relatively sparse reporting since last week on the legal dispute over the trademark and copyright of the Stormtrooper helmet and other helmets and armor produced for Star Wars: A New Hope. This legal battle, transplanted now from the United States to the UK, is between George Lucas and his Lucasfilm production company and Andrew Ainsworth and his Shepperton Design Studios. I thought I would monitor the news and post short updates as I come across them. Read more

eBay Live Auction Format Being Retired at End of 2008

eBay Vice President Jim Ambach announced today that eBay is discontinuing its Live Auction format services at the end of the year, citing an effort to improve “buying and selling experiences”. The “Live Auction” format differs from eBay’s traditional business model of scheduled, “online-only” auctions, and typically (as it relates to original props, wardrobe, and memorabilia auctions from movies and television) provides collectors the ability to bid on items auctioned “live” over the Internet, in real time, in lieu of being present at the actual auction event with people bidding in person, with the auctioneer recognizing “floor” bids, telephone bids, absentee bids, and online bids. Read more

Star Trek TOS Original Series Tricorder Prop Update: Crank Calls, Lawyers, Strange Blog Article

In late February, I came across an auction on eBay for an Original Series Star Trek Tricorder marketed as authentic and original to the 60s television series. Not being an expert in Trek props by any means, I am still very aware of the fact that there are many Original Series era prop replicas that have been traded in the marketplace as authentic, fooling experts, dealers, and auction houses, as well as collectors.

As an example, as I referenced in my “2007 Year in Review” article, #3 of my Top 10 News Stories/Trends of last year was “The Black and White Original Series Star Trek Phaser – Proven to be a Mark English Fake” ongoing discussion topic on The Movie Prop Forum. In this case, several experts, a reputable auction house, and a reputable prop dealer all accepted as authentic this prop that was ultimately determined by the authenticator late last year to be a replica – a discovery that was the direct result of a diligent, open, and candid discussion on the forum, leveraging the knowledge of many experts in the field. This prop reportedly realized approximately $20,000 at a Bonhams auction in 2005 (though it is further reported by the authenticator on the Movie Prop Forum that the Buyer never performed). 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

Rock Island Auction Company Features Tom Selleck Firearms

Rock Island Auction Company has a “Premiere Firearms Auction” coming May 3rd, 4th, & 5th, 2008 in Moline, IL. The catalog can be viewed online HERE.

Of particular interest to original prop collectors are a few pieces from Tom Selleck: Read more

Ian Fleming’s “James Bond” Letters Fetch Nearly $30,000 at Auction

Duke’s Auctioneers sold a collection of letters from James Bond author-creator Ian Fleming in their “Important Paintings and Furniture” live auction event yesterday. The event, running April 10-11, 2008 also includes “original works by George Stubbs, Pablo Picasso, Alfred Munnings; signed prints by Matisse and Andy Warhol, and other watercolours, sketches and oils spanning the 18th to 20th centuries”. Read more

Superman Costumes in the Marketplace Round-Up: February, March, April

There has been a number of Superman costumes and costume components offered publicly in the marketplace via eBay since the last OPB updates in late January/early February. This is 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“).

Here are the auctions since the start of February 2008. Some have been relisted one or more times. Read more

“Prop Store Collection” Superman Costume, Fabric Discussion Continued, Part 2

This is 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“).

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

Lucasfilm vs. Ainsworth Stormtrooper Helmet Legal Battle Explodes in Mainstream Media

Similar to the news story with the collector filing suit against Christie’s and CBS Paramount late last year (see “Star Trek Collector Sues Christies, CBS & Paramount Studios for $7 Million Dollars“), the story of the legal battle between George Lucas and his Lucasfilm production company and Andrew Ainsworth and his Shepperton Design Studios seems to have captured the interest of the mainstream media, only in this case, the story is much more international. This legal dispute is over the trademark and copyright of the Stormtrooper helmet and other helmets and armor produced for Star Wars: A New Hope. This story has broken very wide, in the last day especially, with well over 150 related stories showing up in Google searches yesterday into today. Read more

Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Releases 2007 Report

The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) released it’s 2007 Internet Crime Report last week.

The IC3 is a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C), and the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). Per their webpage: Read more

Superman Costume in the Marketplace – “Antiquities” in Las Vegas

An original prop collector sent me some photos taken on a trip to Las Vegas recently, of a Superman costume attributed to use by Christopher Reeve in the Superman films of the 70s and 80s. This is currently available for sale to the public at “Antiquities: The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace”. Read more

Lucasfilm, Andrew Ainsworth Legal Battle Moves to UK

The Guardian reports that the Lucasfilm lawsuit against Andrew Ainsworth over the Stormtrooper armor trademark and copyright dispute moves to UK courts tomorrow. Read more

More On “Gremlins Prop Heads” Offered On eBay: February, March, April 2008

This is a follow-up to the two Gremlins articles last week (see “Gremlins Prop Head on eBay“, “…Update“).

The last article referenced a “Gremlins Prop Head” that was listed on eBay in February 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 appeared to have been purchased by eBay member ovie86 and relisted [“AUTHENTIC Screen Used Gremlins Head Prop Puppet RARE!!!” (eBay Item #220217619870). Read more

It’s A Wrap! “Annual Prop and Wardrobe Sale Extravaganza” – Additional Details

As reported last week, It’s A Wrap! sent customers the following announcement via e-mail: Read more

Fifth Wave of NBC Universal Studio Auctions – “My Name Is Earl”

NBC Universal is hosting a fifth wave of direct from the studio auctions focusing on the television series, “My Name Is Earl”. The previous 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

Original Prop Blog: One Year Anniversary & Why The Hobby Matters

So it was one year ago today that I published the first article for the Original Prop Blog, “The Hobby Without A Name…” Read more

Superman Costume Matrix: Auction House/Dealer Website Public Offerings, Version 1.0

This work product is 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“).

What I have attempted to do is catalog the costumes offered for sale to the public by auction houses and by prop dealers on their commercial websites.

I have tried to capture as much of the key details of these offerings as possible to populate a matrix in an effort to share information with collectors about what has been offered for sale and the attributes of those costumes and costume parts. This also offers an opportunity to compare and contrast some of the characteristics of these costumes. Some also appear to have been sold and resold (based on matching wardrobe tags, for instance), as noted in the document.

Obviously, I am at the mercy of the quality and accuracy of the information used to market these pieces by auction houses, dealers, and their consignors, as applicable. In some cases, the information provided is vague and imprecise, so I would ask anyone using this document to please keep all of this in mind and to perform your own due diligence and verify all information to your own standards. I have not verified any of the information presented or claimed via the marketing and advertising of these pieces beyond what was noted in the applicable auction catalog and/or website. Read more

Global Antiques, Auction Depot LA – Reader Experience With “Original” Casablanca Prop

A reader of the Original Prop Blog has posted a “Reader Comment” in response to an article posted a few days ago, “Gone With The Wind, Global Antiques, and Auction Depot LA“.

As discussed in the last article, “Auction Depot LA” (auctiondepotla1 on eBay) offers a large number of items on a regular basis, consigned and authenticated by “Global Antiques”, that are described as “original” and “authentic” props from “Gone With The Wind”, “The Wizard of Oz”, “The I Love Lucy Show”, “James Bond”, “Lord of the Rings”, and other films, as well and many items marketed as owned by John Wayne and other Hollywood stars.

This reader posted the following “Reader Comment” in the last article about his experiences transacting with Auction Depot LA (LINK): Read more

Premier Collectible Auctions

This week a new auction service/event was announced by toy dealer Cloud City Collectibles: Read more

It’s A Wrap! “Annual Prop and Wardrobe Sale Extravaganza” – Los Angeles, April 10-14, 2008

It’s A Wrap! customers are reporting today receipt of the following announcement via e-mail: Read more

Gone With The Wind, Global Antiques, and Auction Depot LA

For quite some time, as a collector of original props, searching the Original Props and Original Wardrobe categories on eBay, I have had to navigate and filter out the many, many listings from eBay seller “Auction Depot LA” (auctiondepotla1) and their offerings of “original” and “authentic” props from “Gone With The Wind”, “The Wizard of Oz”, “The I Love Lucy Show”, “James Bond”, “Lord of the Rings”, and many items owned by John Wayne and other Hollywood stars.

It is quite staggering the number of pieces offered, month after month.

Using the eBay system, I did a search of what this seller has offered in just the last 30 days, limited to “Gone With The Wind”, and found 164 items (search conducted April 1st). 164 items from “Gone With The Wind”, which was filmed 70 years ago, listed on eBay in just a 30 day period. Read more

Original Prop Blog – Annual Statistics

The end of March marks twelve months of activity on the site (with the launch date of the Original Prop Blog being April 5, 2007). As such, it’s interesting (and quite frankly shocking for me) to review the growth of the audience, traffic, and activity over the last year.

Here are the stats, April 2007 through March 2008: Read more