French Court Orders eBay to Pay $61 Million for Sale of Counterfeit Goods

A French court today ordered auction giant eBay to pay 38.6 million euros (about $61 million dollars) in damages to the French luxury goods company LVMH, maker of Louis Vuitton bags and Dior perfumes.  This judgment was a huge setback for eBay in one of several legal battles over the sale of counterfeit goods through their auction service. Read more

“Star Trek: The Experience” to Close September 2008

As reported back in May (see “Star Trek: The Experience” May Close at End of 2008), the contract between CBS and Cedar Fair regarding the “Star Trek: The Experience” attraction at the Las Vegas Hilton ends December 31,2008.  At the time of the last report, there were “currently no plans to renew” it following a decline in attendance and interest in the attraction. Read more

Potential Actors’ Strike Looms: “Sequel” to Writers’ Strike?

Only months after the 100-day writers’ strike was settled this past February (see Writers’ Strike Ends), a potential actors’ strike threatens to bring a halt to film and television production yet again.  The contract between the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers expires June 30, following weeks of unproductive negotiations. This scenario includes additional real life drama in that many notable actors are choosing one of two trade unions and their respective platforms to ally with in resolving this matter. Read more

Julien’s “The Godfather” Clapboard

As reported in past articles, Julien’s held their “Entertainment Sale Hollywood Memorabilia” auction at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas on June 21 (LINK).  One of the items featured prominently in their marketing raised some questions on the Movie Prop Forum, with Rick Spector of Stairway to the Stars questioning the date on the clapboard (or clapperboard) attributed to use in The Godfather, as well as the “I” in the film title.  I’ve since picked up a copy of The Godfather Legacy by Harlan Lebo which seems to raise further questions about the markings on this piece that realized $4,500.00 at auction (plus 25%-27.5% Buyer’s Premium). Read more

Landmark U.S. Supreme Court Ruling on Second Amendment Rights

As reported back in March (see 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. Read more

Terminator Endo Skull on eBay, Part 2 (Blu-Ray Stills, The Winson Effect)

This is a continuation of the first article looking at the “SCREEN-USED ENDOSKELETON HEAD FROM THE 1984 FILM “TERMINATOR” STARRING ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER”.  I have compiled high resolution screen captures from The Terminator Blu-Ray Disc.  I have also researched the great detail about the development and filming of the Terminator endoskeleton and skull by Stan Winston Studios in the book, “The Winston Effect” (see Book Review: The Winston Effect).  These images and information are compared and contrasted with the endo skull offered at auction that is “MADE COMPLETELY OUT OF METAL”. Read more

Profiles in History “Hollywood Auction 32″ Catalog Available Online

The Profiles in History website has updated it’s main page for the second time today, and the catalog is now available (as a download in PDF) for the next auction, Hollywood Auction 32, to be held at their offices in Calabassas Hills, CA July 31 & August 1, 2008. Read more

Profiles in History “Hollywood Auction 32″ Featured Items

The Profiles in History website has updated it’s main page, showcasing the “Featured Items” for the next auction, Hollywood Auction 32, to be held at their offices in Calabassas Hills, CA July 31 & August 1, 2008. Read more

Charity Auction: Angelina Jolie’s Leather Jacket from Wanted

A leather jacket worn by Angelina Jolie in the new film Wanted is up for auction on both eBay and CharityFolks.com, with proceeds from the sale benefiting Plan!t Now. Read more

Star Wars “Prototype” Stormtrooper Helmets

Over the past several years, one issue that has been discussed among hobbyists from time to time relates to questions about Stormtrooper helmets characterized as “prototypes” and attributed to the production of the first Star Wars film, A New Hope. A number of hobbyists do not believe these helmets are indeed prototypes (precursors to the helmets made for and used in A New Hope) but made following that production, which would classify them as non-Original or replicas. Read more

Premiere Props & Hollywood Roadshow: Another “Double Clerked” Auction Debacle

As reported leading up to this past weekend’s event (see Hollywood Roadshow: “Prop and Pinball” Auction in El Segundo – June 21-22, 2008), the Premiere Props “Hollywood Roadshow” live auction event was held Saturday and Sunday. Based on my discussions with fellow collectors who participated, it seems to continue to be plagued with the same problems involving post-auction outcome manipulation Read more

Terminator Endo Skull On eBay

I’ve received a number of inquires about the authenticity of the metal Endo skull on eBay, so I thought I would post a response here and archive the auction for future reference. I have not researched the piece beyond the auction listing, and from my point of view, it has not been proven authentic nor inauthentic, so I would personally view authenticity as inconclusive. Read more

Star Wars “Where Science Meets Imagination” Exhibit Photos

A few prior articles have remarked on the traveling ‘Where Science Meets Imagination” exhibit (see Minnesota and Chicago). Fellow collector Brian Murphy was kind enough to forward some photos he had taken at the Chicago event, with a number of great pictures of original Star Wars props and costumes. Read more

Make-Up Artist Trade Show, June 21-22, 2008 & Tribute to Stan Winston

The International Make-Up Artist Trade Show is being held this weekend at the Pasadena Convention Center in Los Angeles – June 21-22, 2008. Make-Up Artist Magazine and Stan Winston Studios have assembled a large museum display of Stan Winston creations in tribute to the late Academy Award-winning special effects and make-up artist. Read more

Little John’s Auction Service June 2007 Event Catalog: The World-Famous Stembridge Armory Collection

I receive frequent requests for the PDF version of the Little John’s Auction Service “The World-Famous Stembridge Armory Collection” event catalog from June 2007, so I thought I’d upload it here so that people can have access to the information: Read more

“Great British Movie Event” Fundraiser: Photos

Mario Kirner of Germany was able to attend the “Great British Movie Event” held Tuesday, and was kind enough to forward some photos he took while in attendance. An original James Bond tuxedo worn by Daniel Craig in Casino Royale was one of the memorabilia pieces auctioned in The “Great British Movie Event”, a fundraiser held on June 17, 2008 at the Old Billingsgate in London with proceeds benefiting the National Film and Television School. Read more

eBay’s “PayPal Only” Debate Framed: Anti-Competition vs. Anti-Consumer Protection

eBay has published a statement on its Australian auction site (ebay.com.au) and e-mailed those members with a policy update in response to the ACCC actions reported on last week. It appears that the debate has now been framed as “anti-competitive” by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, with eBay’s retort to the ACCC’s objection as one that “undermines online consumer protection”. eBay has delayed it’s previously announced plans by one month. Read more

Digital Screen Capture Software: “SnagIt”, “ScreenHunter”

A little over a year ago I posted a review of a software application called “SnagIt” for the 8.0 version of the software (see SnagIt 8 – Image Capture Software & Electronic Preservation). Now that there is a new 9.0 version of the same software, as well as a solid alternative, “ScreenHunter”, I thought I would revisit the topic.

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“Great British Movie Event” Fundraiser: Auction Results

As reported last week (LINK), an original James Bond tuxedo worn by Daniel Craig in Casino Royale was one of the memorabilia pieces auctioned in The “Great British Movie Event”, a fundraiser held on June 17, 2008 at the Old Billingsgate in London with proceeds benefiting the National Film and Television School. Read more

“Guns & Ammo” Article: Top 10 Crime Films & Firearms

The latest (July 2008) issue of Guns & Ammo magazine has a special feature about firearms used in film. This article commemorates the 50th anniversary for the publication by listing their votes for the top 10 crime/criminal movies produced since 1958 with remarks and photos about the guns featured in those films. Read more

Original TV Car Auction Round-Up: Knight Rider’s KITT, Starsky & Hutch Torino

eBay Motors has hosted auctions of a few notable cars used in classic television programs in recent weeks, including the Ford Tornio used in the Starsky & Hutch series of the 70s and the Pontiac Trans Am “KITT” from Knighr Rider. Read more

Stan Winston Gone at 62

The L.A. Times reports that Stan Winston, Academy Award-winning visual effects and make-up artist died last night surrounded by family, following a seven-year struggle with multiple myeloma. Read more

Last Two Weeks of June: 5 Live Auction Events Over 10 Days

There are five original prop live auction events scheduled over the next ten days, including two Bonhams auctions, a Julian’s auction, a Christie’s auction, and a Premiere Props/Hollywood Roadshow auction: Read more

Hollywood Roadshow: “Prop and Pinball” Auction in El Segundo – June 21-22, 2008

This upcoming Saturday and Sunday, Premiere Props and Hollywood Roadshow will hold one of their “Prop and Pinball” auctions. This “roadshow” auction will be held at Premiere Props in El Segundo, CA on June 21-22, offering 1,200 items. The catalog is available online at icollector.com. Read more

Setback for “PayPal-only” eBay Policy in Australia

As reported last month (see “PayPal Only” eBay Developments In The News), eBay announced that, beginning mid-June, PayPal would be the only method of payment permitted on eBay transactions taking place in Australia. This move by eBay appears to have been setback by a notice filed by the ACCC. Read more

Tom Spina Featured in This Month’s “Star Wars Insider”

The July/August issue of Star Wars Insider magazine (#102) has a feature written by good friend Tom Spina as well as related articles of interest to original prop collectors. Read more

Tim Russert Passes at Age 58

This is unrelated to original prop collecting, but American journalist Tim Russert is a personal hero of mine and, as has been reported in the news throughout the day, his sudden death was an unexpected shock. I thought it would be appropriate to write a short note in recognition of his life’s work and passing. Read more

“Auction Depot LA”, “Auction Shop USA”: “Not a Registered User” (NARU) Status on eBay

Today, the status of the the following accounts for sellers associated with the sale of “authentic” and “original” entertainment and historical memorabilia authenticated by “Global Antiques” on eBay show a “NARU” (“Not a Registered User” & “No Longer a Registered User”, depending on the page) status: Read more

Gizmodo: “Get Smart” Swiss Army Knife Prop Feature

There is a great feature at Gizmodo.com with photos and information about the “souped up” Swiss Army knife used by Steve Carrel as Maxwell Smart in Get Smart – see “Get Smart’s Swiss Army Knife Has Working Crossbow, Flamethrower and Blowgun“.

Gizmodo got the full spec illustration from propmaster Tim Wiles (thumbnails below, full res from link above). Read more

Minnesota Star Wars Exhibit: “Where Science Meets Imagination”

The Star Wars “Where Science Meets Imagination” exhibit, last showing in Chicago (see past story), opens tomorrow and runs through August 24, 2008 at the Science Museum of Minnesota. This is the eight and final exhibit for the U.S.; it will next be moved to Australia. In all, 80 original props, costumes, and other pieces will be on display for the public. Highlights include the original 1:1 landspeeder from A New Hope, Darth Vader’s helmet, a Yoda puppet, a Chewbacca costume, Han Solo and Princess Leia costumes, scale X-Wing, Y-Wing, and Tie Fighters and one of the Millennium Falcons. Read more

“Great British Movie Event” Fundraiser To Auction Movie Props

An original James Bond tuxedo worn by Daniel Craig in Casino Royale is one of the memorabilia pieces to be auctioned in The “Great British Movie Event”, a fundraiser on June 17, 2008 at the Old Billingsgate in London with proceeds benefiting the National Film and Television School. Read more

Another Gremlins Prop on eBay: Gizmo Puppet

Another Gremlins prop has surfaced on eBay, marketed as original. This is one of many Gremlins-related props to be offered/relisted on eBay this year. Research about additional Gremlins-related auctions is available in the “Gremlins” sub-category.

What follows are three Gremlins props listed on eBay by seller “irise5923” since late March. Read more

U.S. PayPal Policy Update: More PayPal-eBay Integration

Given the number of recent eBay-PayPal policy developments, I’ve created a new sub-category under “Events & News” for “PayPal & eBay Policy” topics. Read more

Marvel Enters Movie Prop Auction Space With “The Incredible Hulk”

Marvel is handling the auctions for original props, wardrobe, and memorabilia for this week’s theatrical release of “The Incredible Hulk”, staring Edward Norton and Liv Tyler. Read more

“Historic Souvenirs” Cancels “Global Antiques” eBay Auctions; “Auction Depot LA” Update

All but two of the eBay auction items listed by new eBay seller “Historic Souvenirs” (historicsouvenirs) – more than 50 in total – have been canceled by the seller. Though “Private Listings”, many showed bidding activity, and several were scheduled to end today. Most all of these items, with Certificates of Authenticity from “Global Antiques”, were canceled.

More, the remotely hosted photos of these items have been removed, leaving listings with no photos of the items offered for sale as “authentic” and “original” memorabilia. The eBay “Store” for the account no longer appears to exist either. Read more

Superman Costumes in the Marketplace: June 2008, Part 2

It’s only been a few days since “Part 1” of the look at Superman costumes offered for sale in the marketplace this month, but I’ve come across a few more eBay listings. Read more

“Global Antiques” Culver City Map: eBay Seller Storefronts, “Big Lots!”, “T.J. Maxx”

This article serves to analyze public information and ask further questions about original prop authenticator “Global Antiques”, its eBay selling accounts/agents “Auction Depot LA” (auctiondepotla1), “Auction Shop USA” (auctionshopusa), and “Historic Souvenirs” (historicsouvenirs). Also, determining the locations of retail stores in which items matching “original film props” have been identified – “T.J. Maxx” and “Big Lots!” – along with where these businesses are located with respect to one another and the businesses selling like items as authentic memorabilia. Read more

“Global Antiques”, “Auction Depot LA”, “Auction Shop USA”: Customer Comments

Because it is not always apparent to readers when “Reader Comments” are made in response to articles, I have copied those made yesterday along with links to the applicable articles, and a series of other recent comments related to “Global Antiques”, “Auction Depot LA” (auctiondepotla1), “Auction Shop USA” (auctionshopusa), and “Historic Sourvenirs” (historicsouvenirs). Read more

“Auction Depot LA” & “Global Antiques” Update: Buyer Leaves Mass Negative Feedback, Cites “Criminal Investigation”

As a follow-up to recent articles, today an “Auction Depot LA” (auctiondepotla1) customer left 22 negative feedback reports on eBay’s auction service under their Feedback Profile, all with the same comment:

ALL PROPS ARE FAKE & UNDER CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION! CAUTION BUYERS! FBI NOTIFIED

The eBay member who left the feedback, nascarpitcrew, has an eBay rating of 9369, indicating that he or she has received positive feedback from 9,369 other eBay members. Read more

Superman Costumes in the Marketplace Retrospective: billybats11 “Evil” Costume

This is an archive of one of the Superman costumes previously offered in the marketplace, on eBay, that has not been captured in prior articles. As is the case with other articles, this serves to archive listings of costumes marketed as “original” and “authentic”, worn by Christopher Reeves in the Superman films of the 70s and 80s. Read more

Superman Costumes in the Marketplace: June 2008, Part 1

Though we are just at the start of June, I decided to begin coverage of Superman costumes offered for sale publicly in the marketplace now, as it will serve as reference for future articles. This is “Part 1″ in that I expect, should trends prove consistent, that additional auctions will warrant further coverage, as will follow-up. Read more

Auction Shop USA Update: Private eBay Feedback Profile

Per eBay, Auction Shop USA (auctionshopusa) has converted their Feedback Profile from “public” to “private”. This means that no one can read, access, or review comments left by customers about their eBay transactions with Auction Shop USA – only the raw overall percentage remains. This change also prohibits the seller from listing items for sale on eBay so long as the Feedback Profile is private.

The comment from eBay on the feedback page reads: Read more

Prop Store Featured On BBC’s “The One Show”

There is a short video segment available online featuring Stephen Lane and The Prop Store of London from “The One Show” on BBC: Consumer: Investing in film props – Dominic Littlewood Read more

Christie’s “Superman III Cape” (June 2008 Auction)

The upcoming Christie’s Pop Culture auction (Sale 21633) is set for June 25th at Rockefeller Center in New York as part of their “Popular Culture” category (see article). This sale features a Superman costume component attributed to use by Christopher Reeve in Superman III. Read more

“Global Antiques” Returns To eBay: “Historic Souvenirs”

A new eBay account was created on May 27, 2008 – “Historic Souvenirs” (historicsouvenirs) – and this seller has today begun listing new items with “Global Antiques” Certificates of Authenticity, using the same auction format style and much of the same marketing description content as seen in the “Auction Depot LA” (auctiondepotla1) listings for the same kind of offerings. Read more

“Paul’s Brain Trust” Fundraising Events Update

As reported last week (see ““Paul’s Brain Trust” Fundraising Events“), there are some upcoming fundraising events and auctions to make note of, all in support of Paul Prischman. Today, the 10 tickets for the private studio tour with Sir Ridley Scott have gone up for auction on eBay. Read more

Superman Costumes in the Marketplace: February-May 2008 eBay Recap

This is an update of the outcome of the Superman costumes offered for sale on eBay via auction in the last two updates (see “Superman Costumes in the Marketplace Round-Up: April, May“, “Superman Costumes in the Marketplace Round-Up: February, March, April“).

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Google “Check-Out” Proxy War With eBay’s “PayPal-only” Policy?

Thanks to a tip from a reader of yesterday’s article (see “More eBay Policy Developments Regarding PayPal“), I looked a little more into the Google-related developments with eBay’s policy changes in Australia (see ““PayPal Only” eBay Developments In The News“).

This article on AuctionBytes – “Oops! Google Outed in Objection to eBay Oz Policy” – reports that one of their readers, in reviewing the file properties of an anonymous filing to the regulatory agency in Australia (currently reviewing the “PayPal-only” policy proposed by eBay), found that evidence suggests it was drafted by Google. Read more

More eBay Policy Developments Regarding PayPal

A friend and fellow collector in the UK sent me some information he encountered in listing items for sale on eBay (ebay.co.uk), that reveal more policy changes unfolding in regards to further PayPal integration with the auction service. This is related to an article published last week about “PayPal Only” developments in Australia (see ““PayPal Only” eBay Developments In The News“). Read more

Original Prop Blog – May 2008 Stats

Here are the latest traffic stats for Original Prop Blog, as of May 31, 2008: Read more

Fire at Universal Studios Destroys Buildings, Videos, Reels

Per CNN.com, a “massive” fire at Universal Studios today damaging or destroying 4-5 buildings, including one housing the King Kong exhibit, two “prop” buildings, a chapel, a video library vault, and a ride called the “Cyclone”. Read more

“Classic” Film & Television Prop and Wardrobe eBay Sellers

There are several companies on eBay that sell notable quantities of props and memorabilia attributed to use in classic and vintage film and television productions, as well as items characterized as personal property of Hollywood stars and notable famous figures from history. The purpose of this article is to identify these companies and include information about their public offerings. Read more