Lucasfilm vs. Ainsworth High Court Ruling: Full Document from Royal Courts of Justice

“Exoray” from the RPF is hosting a full HTML version of the High Court ruling on the case between Lucasfilm and Andrew Ainsworth in the legal dispute over the trademark and copyright of the Stormtrooper helmet and other helmets and armor produced for Star Wars: A New Hope.  I have not had time to review the full ruling in detail, but thought readers would be interested in reviewing it first hand: Read more

Lucasfilm vs. Ainsworth High Court Ruling: Let The Spin Begin

News reports are flooding in with regard to the Lucasfilm 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 from the United States to the UK, is between George Lucas and his Lucasfilm production company and Andrew Ainsworth and his Shepperton Design Studios. The High Court judge handed down his ruling today, and the outcome, or “victory”, is dependent upon who you ask or what news story you might be reading.  One headline reads “Lucas Wins Stormtrooper Case” while another proclaims “Judge’s force is with stormtroooper helmet designer“, which would lead one to believe The Guardian probably has it correct: “George Lucas reaches stalemate in legal battle over Star Wars stormtroopers“. Read more

Friday the 13th Collector Expresses Doubts About Props in the Marketplace

Mario Kirner, a collector of original props and wardrobe from the Friday the 13th series of films, has published a series of articles analyzing some props/costume parts trading in the marketplace that he feels are not consistent with what is seen on screen nor the confirmed authentic pieces in private collections.  This analysis can be found on his website, FridayThe13thProps.de. Read more

More eBay/PayPal Integration Via Dispute & Resolution Processes

Per “The Chatter – eBay’s Blog About The Company and the Community”, changes have been made to eBay’s “Resolution Center” and PayPal’s “Dispute Console” that integrates the two dispute processes for those applicable transactions.  PayPal policy changes also offer buyers more incentives to use PayPal for payment on eBay.  This is further evidence of ongoing efforts and trends in which PayPal as a method of payment is becoming ubiquitous with transactions made on eBay, PayPal’s parent company. Read more

eBay’s “puttieface”, “votehillary” No Longer a Registered User

The eBay seller “puttieface”, who changed his username to “votehillary” following my December 2007 article (see eBay’s puttieface & Entertainment Movie Props and …”votehillary” Update) has had his account suspended on eBay, showing a status of “No longer a registered user” and “Not a registered user”.  Read more

Comic-Con 2008: Event Recap & My Personal Experience

I thought I’d share my own personal impressions and experiences about Comic-Con International 2008 in San Diego, to close out my series of articles and features on the event.  Some bits admittedly off topic… Read more

Premier Collectibles Auction Results for Original Props

As reported in April and May (see Premier Collectible Auctions – Catalog Out, Online Bidding Live), a new venture called Premier Collectibles launched with a auction held during and in proximity to the Comic-Con International 2008 in San Diego last week.  While predominently a toy/action figure auction event, there were some original props and costumes, so I thought it would be appropriate to make note of the results below. Read more

Profiles in History “Hollywood Auction 32″ Video Preview

The publicist for Profiles in History sent me a link to a video preview of the original props and costumes featured in this weeks “Hollywood Auction 32″, July 31 & August 1: Read more

Original Dark Knight Props, Costumes On Display at Arclight Theater

Original props and costumes from the new film, Dark Knight, were recently on display at the  Arclight Cinema in Hollywood.  Many thanks to Rik on the Movie Prop Forum for sharing the photos with the OPB:

Read more

Comic-Con 2008: James Duval “Reunited” Video Interview – Behind the Mask (Frank the Bunny & Donnie Darko)

I will open this feature with a disclosure – the original “Frank” the bunny mask original prop from Donnie Darko featured in the Profiles in History auction next week was consigned from my personal collection.  I knew it was going to be on display at Comic-Con, but I never imagined it would lead to my meeting the actor who actually wore the mask in the film as “Frank”, Mr. James “Jimmy” Duval. Read more

Comic-Con 2008: Three Questions for Joe Maddalena, Profiles in History (Video Interview)

Joe Maddalena, owner of Profiles in History, took a moment to answer a few questions at Comic-Con International 2008, marking their sixth exhibit at the show: Read more

Comic-Con 2008: Three Questions for Stephen Lane, The Prop Store of London (Video Interview)

Stephen Lane, owner of The Prop Store of London, took a moment to answer a few questions at Comic-Con International 2008, where the London and Los Angeles stores hosted their first exhibit for this annual event: Read more

Comic-Con 2008: Back Lot Props & Costumes

Below are photos of the Back Lot Props & Costumes exhibitor booth at Comic-Con International 2008 in San Diego this week: Read more

Comic-Con 2008: Profiles in History

Below are photos of the Profiles in History exhibitor booth at Comic-Con International 2008 in San Diego this week.  Items on display are part of the “Hollywood Auction 32“, July 31-August 1, 2008:

Read more

Comic-Con 2008: The Prop Store of London ~ Los Angeles

Below are photos of The Prop Store of London ~ Los Angeles exhibitor booth at Comic-Con International 2008 in San Diego this week: Read more

Comic-Con 2008: James Bond Quantum of Solace Aston Martin DBS

Below are photos of James Bond’s Aston Martin DBS featured in the upcoming Quantum of Solace film, on display at Comic-Con International 2008 in San Diego this week: Read more

Comic-Con 2008: Watchmen Nite Owl Ship

Below is a photo of Nite Owl’s ship featured in the upcoming Watchmen film, on display at Comic-Con International 2008 in San Diego this week.  There were large crowds inside and out, so I was not able to get good photos – will update the article if I have more success tomorrow: Read more

Comic-Con 2008: Underworld Rise of the Lycans

Below are photos of a costumes and weapons featured in the upcoming Underworld: Rise of the Lycans film, on display at Comic-Con International 2008 in San Diego this week: Read more

Comic-Con 2008: G.I. Joe Movie Driller Vehicle

Below are photos of a drilling vehicle featured in the upcoming G.I. Joe film, on display at Comic-Con International 2008 in San Diego this week: Read more

Comic-Con 2008: Iron Man Armor

Below are photos of the Iron Man armor from the Iron Man film, on display at Comic-Con International 2008 in San Diego this week: Read more

Comic-Con 2008: Iron Monger Armor from Iron Man

Below are photos of the Iron Monger armor from the Iron Man film, on display at Comic-Con International 2008 in San Diego this week: Read more

More From the Los Angeles Times: “Scammers Exploit Online Trust Factor”

David Colker of the Los Angeles Times has written a follow-up story to Harriet Ryan’s piece published on the front page Wednesday (see Los Angeles Times Feature on Global Antiques, Thoughts on Los Angeles Times “Global Antiques” Feature).  The new article, “Scammers exploit online trust factor“, opens quoting the core value that eBay was founded on – “people are basically good” – and laments the “good old days”. Read more

“Propworx” to Auction Original Props & Wardrobe from Battlestar Galactica

The following press release announces the partnership between NBC Universal and “Propworx” to auction over 3,000 original props and costumes from the contemporary Battlestar Galactica television series: Read more

Thoughts on Los Angeles Times “Global Antiques” Feature

I wanted to share some thoughts and reactions to this week’s feature in the Los Angeles Times about the “Global Antiques” auctions on eBay.  Overall, I am very pleased to see the issue presented to a huge audience, and I think the reporter, Ms. Ryan, did an excellent job of giving voice and perspective to a wide array of principals and relevant third parties.  My interest is to look at each of those contributions and responses (or lack thereof) to determine outstanding questions. Read more

Los Angeles Times Feature on “Global Antiques”

Tomorrow’s edition of the Los Angeles Times includes a feature by Harriet Ryan on the Global Antiques props sold on eBay by Auction Depot LA, Auction Shop USA, and Historic Souvenirs.  The full story can be read online at latimes.com – “Internet citizen posses investigate some sellers” – also archived below: Read more

Upcoming Auction Event Calendar Snapshot

Below 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

Comic-Con International: San Diego 2008, July 24-27

The annual Comic-Con International: San Diego is this week, July 24-27, 2008, at the San Diego Convention Center.  This is widely viewed as “the” pop culture (comics, film, television, etc.) event of the year.  However, with compounded growth year after year, there will be no admission tickets sold on site, and all advance tickets have been sold out. Read more

Star Wares, Star Trek Props, and “Captain Stone” Provenance

In late June, Star Wares (starwarescollectibles on eBay, StarWares.com on the web)  listed a collection of Star Trek props for sale on eBay – a chair and two LCARS panels – characterized as “original”.  There were several concurrent discussions in the original prop, replica prop, and Star Trek prop collecting communities about the cited source of these pieces – Greg Stone.  Read more

WIRED WarGames Roundtable, Original IMSAI 8080 Computer

There is a great article in the latest issue of WIRED magazine (16.08), featuring a roundtable interview of the principals behind the classic 1983 film, WarGames.  Participants include John Badham (Director), Walter Parkes (Screenwriter), Lawrence Lasker (Screenwriter), Peter Schwartz (Futurist, Creative Consultant), William Lord (Commander, Air Force Cyberspace Command), David Scott Lewis (Solar-Tech Entrepeneur, Model for David Lightman), John “Captain Crunch” Draper (Early Hacker), Kevin “The Condor” Mitnick (Early Hacker), Eddie Deezen (Actor). Read more

eBay & Third Party Reporting (Fraud, Violations of Policy)

One of the most frequent topics that original prop collectors bring up with me is with regard to fraud on eBay.  This is often coupled with expressions of frustration by collectors who have found that they do not understand how to report fraud and violations of eBay policy with eBay directly, when they are not party to any transaction.  Though eBay has a number of appropriate policies in place, it is challenging for eBay members to find the appropriate method by which these experts in the field can share material information directly with eBay in an effort to help them to enforce their own policies. Read more

Profiles in History “Complete Superman: The Movie Costume” (July/August 2008 Auction)

The upcoming Profiles in History “Auction 32″ event is set for July 31 & August 1 at the Profiles offices in Calabassas Hills. This sale features a complete Superman costume attributed to use by Christopher Reeve in Superman: The Movie and Superman II. Read more

L.A. Times Video Featurette on Profiles in History “Hollywood Auction 32″

The L.A. Times website features a short video featurette and story on the upcoming Profiles in History “Hollywood Auction 32″ (LINK): Read more

Superman Costumes in the Marketplace Retrospective: “Deal or No Deal” (1qq) 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

The X-Files: “Gillian’s Charity Auction”

Gillian Anderson, who played FBI Agent Dana Scully in the X-Files television series and films, has put together an impressive series of auction events on eBay, with proceeds benefiting a number of charities. Read more

eBay: “Original” Star Wars Jawa Sandcrawler Update – Seller Response

The following Reader Comment was published by the seller of the replica Jawa sandscrawler on eBay, in response to the last update (see …History from the Model Maker), with regard to the model being offered for sale (see eBay: “Original” Star Wars Jawa Sandcrawler & Statistical Authentication?): Read more

Tiffany & Co. Loses Lawsuit Against eBay

As touched on in a related report two weeks ago (see French Court Orders eBay to Pay $61 Million for Sale of Counterfeit Goods), TIffany & Co. initiated a lawsuit against eBay with regard to the high number of counterfeit Tiffany goods being sold on the auction website.  The U.S. District Court judge in New York  ruled yesterday that eBay Inc. fulfilled its legal obligation and took adequate precautions to block the sale of counterfeit jewelry on its site.  This marks a significant victory for eBay in battling luxury companies suing the auction giant for not effectively policing its e-commerce website for fraud. Read more

FTC Consumer Alert: How To Shop Wisely

Rick Spector of Stairway To The Stars sent me a link to an interesting article about an FTC Consumer Alert published on the Federal Trade Commission website this past April, which is worth reading and consideration.  Though this is related to collectible antiques, it touches on many of the same issues we face as collectors of original props and wardrobe. Read more

“The Wonderful World of Weta” BBC Video

There is a nice little video on BBC News providing good coverage of the props and costumes on display at the Royal Armouries (see “The Wonderful World of Weta” Exhibition in UK). Read more

“The Universal Experience: Behind the Scenes of Universal Pictures”

I’ve read a few reports lately about a new exhibit at Universal Studios – “The Universal Experience: Behind the Scenes of Universal Pictures”.  This is described as a display of “never-before-seen” original props, costumes, and other assets that are part of the filmmaking process from some of their more popular films and productions. Read more

The Stanley Kubrick Archive, The Telegraph’s “A Props Odyssey”

There is a story in today’s Telegraph about the Stanley Kubrick Archive – “all 900 boxes of it”, so I thought readers might be interested in a link to this story as well as information about the Archive at the University of the Arts London. Read more

eBay: “Original” Star Wars Jawa Sandcrawler Update – History from the Model Maker

This is an update to the article published yesterday - eBay: “Original” Star Wars Jawa Sandcrawler & Statistical Authentication? – in reference to a Star Wars Jawa Sandcrawler model listed on eBay that is marketed as “FROM ORIGINAL 1976 STAR WARS and “ONLY PRE-PRODUCTION MODEL IN EXISTANCE!”.   The prior article includes archives of the current auction listing as well as the auction listing from the same seller for the same item from earlier in the year.  Also documented are facts, photographs, and information from key Star Wars publications to compare with this piece and in contrast to the marketing claims. Read more

“Screen Used” Hannibal Lecter Mask – Update

Over a year ago, I published an article about a Hannibal Lecter mask described by the seller as “a SCREEN USED PROP – actually Worn / Used in the Film“.  This was listed on eBay for $14,000.00 and differed in a variety of ways from the mask seen on screen in the movie, Hannibal.  This mask offered for sale had very specific and noticeable damage to it and included a Star Wares COA.  It appears that this mask has resurfaced on eBay, now offered by Star Wares (starwarescollectibles) starting at $4,999.99.  If the same piece, it appears that the mask has suffered considerable damage since the May 2007 auction. Read more

eBay: “Original” Star Wars Jawa Sandcrawler & Statistical Authentication?

Currently listed on eBay is a Star Wars Jawa Sandcrawler model that is marketed as “FROM ORIGINAL 1976 STAR WARS and “ONLY PRE-PRODUCTION MODEL IN EXISTANCE!”.  I archived an auction listing from the same seller for the same item from earlier in the year and have compiled facts, photographs, and information from key Star Wars publications to compare with this piece and how it was marketed in January 2008 and now in July 2008. Read more

“Global Antiques” Update from Deb

Deb posted a “Reader Comment” today with an update on her issues with “Global Antiques”: Read more

kellysheroesmilitaria Original Props: Update 3

This is a follow-up to previous articles (see kellysheroesmilitaria Original Props… and Update 1) in which  original prop auctions by “kellysheroesmilitaria” on eBay were compared with matching items available for sale from online retailers, as well as another article (Update 2) looking at medals attributed to Band of Brothers that were not created until late 1945 and 1981, following the end of World War II.  This update now compares non-movie prop purchases made on eBay by “kellysheroesmilitaria” and items that appear to match being resold as original props. Read more

kellysheroesmilitaria Original Props – Update 2

This is a follow-up to previous articles (see kellysheroesmilitaria Original Props… and Update 1) in which  original prop auctions by “kellysheroesmilitaria” on eBay were compared with matching items available for sale from online retailers.  This update now analyzes two medals offered at auction attributed to use in the HBO television series, Band of Brothers.  Special thanks to the OPB reader who identified these medals. Read more

kellysheroesmilitaria Original Props: Update 1

This is a follow-up to an article posted a few days ago (see kellysheroesmilitaria Original Props and Jas Townsend & Son Products) in which a reader pointed out some interesting original prop auctions by “kellysheroesmilitaria” on eBay and matching retail props available for sale at retail.  Below are some additional pieces offered for sale as original movie props that match items available for sale at retail. Read more

“The Wonderful World of Weta” Exhibition in UK

An exhibit featuring props and costumes from The Lord of The Rings, The Last Samurai, King Kong, Hellboy, and The Chronicles of Narnia will be running from July through November at the Royal Armouries in the UK. Read more

Chris Alleaume (“calleaume”/”allchris”/”Barbara”/”bhilton01″) Update Regarding Superman, Greatest American Hero

This is an update to three previous articles related to the selling activity of Chris Alleaume (who sells on eBay as “calleaume“) and his connections to another seller, “Barbara” (and the eBay account “bhilton01“), as related to auction listings for a Greatest American Hero costume and Superman costume auctions. Read more

Superman Costume Matrix: Auction House/Dealer Website Public Offerings, Version 1.2

This work product is part of the ongoing series of articles about Superman costumes in the marketplace, tracking public auction house sales of costume items 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

kellysheroesmilitaria Original Props and Jas Townsend & Son Products

A reader pointed out some interesting original prop auctions by “kellysheroesmilitaria” on eBay and matching retail props available for sale at website Jas Townsend & Son, Inc. (www.jas-townsend.com).  Some of the eBay auctions also feature the same photos found at Jas Townsend & Son. Read more

Superman Celebration 2006 & 2008 Auctions: “Disney MGM Studios”?

A collector has sent me photos from the “Superman Celebration 2006″ and Superman Celebration 2008″ events, both of which featured live auctions for Superman costumes/costume parts marketed as original and authentic from the Superman films of the 70s and 80s staring Christopher Reeve.  Interestingly, these auctions and costume parts relate back to previous OPB articles. Read more

Superman Costumes in the Marketplace: Bermans & Nathans Wardrobe Tag Analysis

Bermans & Nathans of England (acquired by Angels Costumiers in 1992) made the costumes worn by Christopher Reeve in the Superman films of the 1970s and 1980s.  As such, one of the components of provenance and authenticity are the wardrobe or asset tags affixed to costumes at the time of production.  Of the confirmed authentic costumes I am aware of, these pieces have wardrobe tags.  However, some costumes which have been trading in the marketplace exhibit tags that are not consistent with photos of authentic tags I have assembled for my own reference. Read more

Superman Costumes in the Marketplace: June 2008, Part 3

This article continues coverage of Superman costumes and costume components offered for sale publicly in the marketplace attributed to use in the Superman films of the 70s-80s starring Christopher Reeve and characterized as “original” and “authentic”.  For all such items listed in June 2008, via eBay and auction house events, please also reference these articles: Read more

Make-Up Artist Trade Show – Photos of Stan Winston Tribute

As reported about a week ago, The International Make-Up Artist Trade Show was held at the Pasadena Convention Center in Los Angeles – June 21-22, 2008. Make-Up Artist Magazine and Stan Winston Studios  assembled a large museum display of Stan Winston creations in tribute to the late Academy Award-winning special effects and make-up artist.  Brandon Alinger of The Prop Store of London attended and sent me photos to share with OPB readers: Read more

Original Prop Blog – June 2008 Stats

Below are the latest traffic stats for Original Prop Blog, as of June 30, 2008: Read more

Star Wars “Original Prototype Lightsabers from 1976 Meeting”

Elstree Props (e11e on eBay) is marketing another very expensive “original” prop auction with pieces claimed to have been “prototypes” in the production of Star Wars: A New Hope.  This new eBay offering is a set of lightsabers, attributed to a January 1976 meeting.  Comparing the claims made in the auction listing with J.W. Rinzler’s The Making of Star Wars raises many questions about these vintage camera flashguns being offered for sale starting at $19,938.00. Read more