Robot Magazine Feature on Hollywood Robots & Fred Barton

There is a nice cover feature article in the latest issue of Robot magazine, “Fred Barton: The Man Behind Hollywood’s Robotic Roots”, which shares Mr. Barton’s story of how he came to restore one of the original Robby the Robots from Forbidden Planet. Read more

LIFE Magazine Photo Archive Hosted by Google

Google is hosting an incredible collection of quality, high resolution photos from the LIFE Magazine archives, dating back to the 1750s.  It is estimated that once the archive is digitized, nearly 10 million images will be available.  Among these works are photographs related to film and television. Read more

“The Chronicles of Narnia: The Exhibition” at The Franklin in Philadelphia

An exhibition based on the two Narnia films (The Chronicles of Narnia, Prince Caspian), based on the works of C.S. Lewis, is being held at The Franklin in Philadelphia, PA through April 19, 2009. Read more

Bonhams to Auction James Bond “The Spy Who Loved Me” Lotus Esprit Coupé

Bonhams will be offering the Lotus Esprit Coupé used in the James Bond film, The Spy Who Loved Me in their December 1, 2008 auction in Olympia, London. Read more

Original TV & Movie Prop “Red Flags”: Detrimental Trends in the Marketplace

I’ve noticed a number of trends on the rise of late, in the marketing and sale of original movie and television props and costumes in the marketplace, that are to the detriment of consumer hobbyists.  Read more

Rock Island Auction Company “Premiere Firearms Auction” – December 6-8, 2008 in Moline, IL

Rock Island Auction Company is holding their “Premiere Firearms Auction” December 6, 7, and 8 in Moline, IL.  Among the 2,700 lots of “historical, rare and unique firearms” are a few pieces previously sold at the Little John’s “World Famous Stembridge Armory Collection“. Read more

Art Dealers Plead Guilty to Crimes Involving Misrepresentation & Fraudulant COAs

Rick Spector of Stairway to the Stars directed me to an interesting article on the Maine Antique Digest website about art dealers who have plead guilty to a scheme involving their passing off art with manufactured origins, fictitious artist names and identities, and fraudulent certificates of authenticity (COAs).  Read more

Cross-Hobby Buzz & Questions About Unfinished/Incomplete Stormtrooper Helmet

In October, there was a significant amount of buzz, discussion, and questions about a Stormtrooper helmet presented to hobbyists publicly and described as original and attributed to Star Wars: Return of the Jedi.  These debates resulted from the owner of the helmet, “JoeR”, initiating discussions about the newly acquired piece on several original and replica prop hobby discussion forums.  Read more

stonark / *stoneark*: More Questions About Sources & Provenance

As has been noted in past features (see Market Watch | “stonark” / “*stoneark*” (Corner Collectibles)), eBay seller *stoneark* (recently changed from stonark) has paired Letters of Authenticity and Certificates of Authenticity from auction houses and a variety of other sources.  I have been unable to verify the existence of most of these firms and individuals, which has raised a number of questions as to provenance.  Read more

Profiles in History “Collectors Book Store Auction″ Catalog Available Online

The Profiles in History “Collectors Book Store Auction” catalog is now available (as a download in PDF) for their next auction, to be held at their offices in Calabassas Hills, CA on December 12-14, 2008. Read more

Bonhams: Entertainment Memorabilia Auction – Los Angeles, December 21, 2008

Bonhams next Entertainment Memorabilia auction will be held in Los Angeles on December 21, 2008. Read more

High Definition Screencaps: Blu-Ray Disc Update

The arrival of high definition format products in the marketplace has been a huge development for original prop and wardrobe hobbyists.  The availability of film and television programs in HD is a very powerful tool for research and authentication.  Read more

Ellis Props “Star Wars Luke Lightsaber” Update – Additional Photos

A short update regarding the lightsaber on display at the National Firearms Museum, originally sold by Ellis Props in their liquidation sale, characterized as an original prop from the Star Wars trilogy. Read more

eBay Announces More “Progress”, Less Transparency

eBay has published an “Important Security Announcement”, which equates to more “progress” and less transparency.  The latest announced change will result in the privatization of bidders identities not only during bidding, but following the close of the auction. Read more

Book Review – Bond On Set: Filming Quantum of Solace (007)

This is a review of Bond on Set – Filming Quantum of Solace (published October 20, 2008). As was the case with the Filming of Casino Royale book that was published two years ago (see Book Review), it is a great example of what it has set out to be – a (nearly) all photographic coffee table book. Read more

Christie’s Pop Culture: Entertainment Memorabilia Auction – South Kensington, December 4, 2008 – Catalog Online

Christie’s Upcoming Pop Culture auction (Sale 5425) is set for December 4th at South Kensington in the UK as part of their “Popular Culture” department. Read more

Julien’s Auctions “Pickfair Estate Auction” In Beverly Hills – November 22-23, 2008

Julien’s Auctions “Pickfair Estate Auction” will be held in Beverly Hills, CA on November 22-23, 2008.  Auction items will include Hollywood memorabilia, antiques, fine and decorative art, and furniture. Read more

H.R. Giger Exhibit in Frankfurt, Germany – January 21-May 17, 2009

An exhibit featuring H.R. Giger will be held at the Deutsches Filmmuseum in Frankfurt, Germany from January 21-May 17, 2009.   The attraction will feature original props and costumes, photos, and more.  Films will include Alien, Alien 3, Species, and Poltergeist II.   Read more

Superman Costumes in the Marketplace: November 2008

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”.  Read more

eBay’s stonark Changes User ID To *stoneark*

Since publishing the latest “stonark“-related article last night (see eBay’s “stonark” and “liieviione”: Comparing Joe King Signatures, LOAs), the eBay seller has today changed their eBay member username from stonark to *stoneark*: Read more

Profiles in History “Hollywood Auction 33″ Catalog Available Online

The Profiles in History “Hollywood Auction 33″ catalog is now available (as a download in PDF) for their next auction, to be held at their offices in Calabassas Hills, CA on December 11, 2008. Read more

eBay’s “stonark” and “liieviione”: Comparing Joe King Signatures, LOAs

As has been noted in past features (see eBay’s “stonark” (AKA “Corner Collectibles”), Version 2.0), eBay seller “stonark” has paired Letters of Authenticity and Certificates of Authenticity from auction houses and a variety of other sources.  I have been unable to verify the existence of most of these firms and individuals, though one of those sources – Joe King – does seem to have been an actual person who worked in wardrobe as a costumer. Read more

Battlestar Galactica Original Prop Auction Update – Press Release, Q&A

Propworx has circulated a new press release about their upcoming Battlestar Galactica prop auctions – both the live event in Pasadena and the subsequent eBay auctions.  The live event is scheduled for January 16-18, 2009.  Below is the official press release and my short Q&A with Propworx’s CEO, Alec Peters. Read more

Ellis Props “Star Wars Luke Lightsaber” Update – Comments from Jim Supica, Director of the National Firearms Museum

Mr. Jim Supica, newly appointed Director of the National Firearms Museum, was kind enough to read the article published this week (see Ellis Props “Star Wars Luke Skywalker Lightsaber”?) about the lightsaber on display at the museum, originally sold by Ellis Props in their liquidation sale, characterized as an original prop from the Star Wars trilogy. Read more

Eclectic/Encore Props “Sale of the Century” in New York – November 7 & 8, 2008

Eclectic/Encore Props has announced, in conjunction with New York Moves Magazine, a two-day prop house sale in New York on November 7th and 8th. Read more

James Bond “Golden Gun” Update: High Quality Photo, Comparisons, Pinewood Studios Account

I have continued to conduct further research into the history of the “golden gun” from the James Bond film, The Man with the Golden Gun, following mainstream media reports that the original prop was stolen from Elstree Props at Elstree Studios, as well as conflicting information about how many of the props were made, who made them, and where they are today. Read more

Angels Costumiers “The Vintage Fashion, Retro Film and TV Clothing Sale” – December 6, 2008

There is an announcement on the Angels website with some details about a sale of assets on December 6, 2008 at a venue to be announced in the UK.  Below are the remarks posted on the site about the sale (LINK): Read more

Total Film Magazine Covers Weta Workshop Exhibit, Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit

Total Film Magazine, one of my two favorite movie magazines (the other being Empire Magazine, both out of the UK) has a feature in the November 2008 issue covering the Weta Workshop exhibit at the Royal Armouries (see “The Wonderful World of Weta” Exhibition in UK) and talks with Richard Taylor about the Lord of the Rings franchise. Read more

Ellis Props “Star Wars Luke Skywalker Lightsaber”?

I recently came across a blog post about an “original prop Luke lightsaber” from Star Wars on display at the National Firearms Museum at the National Rifle Association of America (NRA) headquarters in Fairfax, Virginia. Read more

Leland’s “Superman II Cape” (November 2008 Auction)

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”.  Read more

Original Television and Movie Prop, Wardrobe, and Entertainment Memorabilia Auctions: Upcoming Event Calendar

Below is the latest updated list of upcoming original movie and television prop, wardrobe, and memorabilia auction events. Please contact me if you are aware of any coming events of interest to original prop collectors. Read more

Original Prop Blog – October 2008 Stats

The latest traffic stats for Original Prop Blog, as of October 31, 2008… Read more