Superman Costumes in the Marketplace: January 2009, Part 2

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”.

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Profiles in History Website Offers Preview of Next Event: The Forry Ackerman Estate Auction, April 2009

The Profiles in History website today offers a preview of their next auction event in April 2009 – The Forry Ackerman Estate.  I did speak with Joe Maddalena about this briefly last week, and should have additional details to share soon.  Read more

Raiders of the Lost Ark Fetility Idols In The Marketplace – Update

This is an update to an article published last week which raised questions of provenance about prop “fertility idols” attributed to Raiders of the Lost Ark that have been circulating in the marketplace, along with related issues. Read more

Heritage Auction Galleries “Signature Music & Entertainment Memorabilia Auction″ Catalog Available Online (February 2009)

The Heritage Auction Galleries website now offers the online catalog and listings for their upcoming event, “Signature Music & Entertainment Memorabilia Auction – Auction #7004″, to be held February 21-22, 2009 in Dallas, Texas.

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Another Les Hemstock “Charlie Chaplin” Bamboo Cane?

This is an update to previous articles which cataloged information and questions regarding a bamboo cane attributed to use by Charlie Chaplin, which Les Hemstock appeared to have acquired on eBay and consigned for sale with Signature House and their Auction XXXV event in October 2008, where it was withdrawn prior to the live auction.  Read more

FIDM 17th Annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design Exhibition

Today’s Ventura County Star features an article about the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) and their 17th annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design exhibition, which opens Wednesday. Read more

Stage Manager Arrested, Charged With Stealing “Lipstick Jungle” Wardrobe/Props & Selling On eBay

The Associated Press and numerous mainstream media news outlets are reporting on the arrest of Arthur Moreira, following a sting operation in which he now stands accused of stealing $30,000 worth of assets (wardrobe and other accessories) from the set of Lipstick Jungle and selling them on eBay. Read more

Raiders of the Lost Ark Fertility Idols In The Marketplace (“The Danziger Collection”, “Elstree Film Studios”)

In November 2007, a “fertility idol” attributed to Raiders of the Lost Ark, with a Certificate of Authenticity issued by Nick Harrison of  “Elstree Film Studios” as part of the “Danziger Collection”, was listed for sale on eBay as “an original” that was “used in the production”.   A second, different fertility idol was listed on eBay yesterday with the same paperwork and provenance.  Read more

Jim Hambrick’s “Americana Hollywood Museum”: Additional News Coverage

Yesterday WSIL-TV Channel 3 in Southern Illinois broadcast a report about Jim Hambrick’s “Americana Hollywood Museum” being flooded over the weekend due to a broken pipe.  A second report broadcast by KFVS Channel 12 surfaced on the Internet today with similar coverage emphasizing Mr. Hambrick’s report of over $100,000 in damages. Read more

Jim Hambrick’s “Americana Hollywood Museum” Flooded, Reports Over $100,000 In Damages

WSIL-TV Channel 3 in Southern Illinois broadcast a report about Jim Hambrick’s “Americana Hollywood Museum” being flooded over the weekend due to a broken pipe.  In the video and an associated news feature with reporting by the Paducah Sun, Mr. Hambrick reports over $100,000 in damages “to talk to the insurance company about”. Read more

“Screen Used” Hannibal Lecter Mask – Update 2

I published a few Market Watch articles in 2007 and 2008 focused on the sale of Hannibal Lecter masks, specifically from the film, Hannibal. This feature updates the state of the marketplace for these pieces with an archive of proof that exact replicas cast from an original source exist in the marketplace, making it very challenging for the authentication of any original masks. Read more

Battlestar Galactica Live Auction Day One: Impressions of The Event, Propworx, & The Auction Network Service

Today was the first of Propworx’s two day auction of assets from the television series, Battlestar Galactica. The first 400 of 800 items were sold at auction live in Pasadena and online via the Auction Network.  I was very impressed with Propworx’s handling of the event as well as the Auction Network bidding service. Read more

Superman Costumes in the Marketplace: January 2009, Part 1

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

Anthony Shkutnick’s *stoneark* eBay Account NARU (Not A Registered User) Suspended Status

Today, Anthony Shkutnick’s *stoneark* eBay account (AKA stonark, AKA Corner Collectibles, AKA Cornner Collectibles) was changed to a suspended or “NARU” status (Not A Registered User – or – No Longer A Registered User).  This dealer has been the focus of an ongoing investigation into the provenance of items offered for sale to the public that were “guaranteed authentic” wardrobe and other personal items attributed to various classic Hollywood stars and other celebrities. Read more

Battlestar Galactica eBay Auctions Online, Lead Into Live Event

Propworx has today listed on eBay nearly 200 assets from the Battlestar Galactica series, which are scheduled to end Monday, following the live event and activities this weekend in Pasadena. Each of these listings start at $0.99 with no reserve. Read more

Original Movie & TV Prop, Wardrobe, & Memorabilia Auctions: Upcoming Event Calendar Snapshot

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

Premiere Props “Underworld” Live Auction February 7th, Co-Sponsored by Fangoria

Premiere Props will be holding a live auction in El Segundo, offering original props and costumes from Underworld, Underworld Evolution, and Underworld: Rise of the Lycans.  The auction will be held February 7th, with online bidding managed by iCollector.com.  This event is co-sponsored by Fangoria. Read more

The “Original Prop Community” Now Online

I am pleased to announce that a new online discussion forum – the Original Prop Community – is now online, as part of the Original Prop Blog. Registration is open for well-intended individuals in the hobby who are interested in open forum with which to network with other collectors. This is something that I’ve contemplated for some time, and I hope that there are a few collectors who will find it to be of use. Read more

“Star Wars: A New Hope” Batpy’s Stormtrooper Blasters

I have started a series of more comprehensive profiles of the original props in my own collection, and the first piece to be showcased is one of the Imperial E-11 Stormtrooper blasters produced by Bapty in England for Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope.  Since Star Wars has such a wide appeal, I thought I would make note of it in a redirect article for those who may be interested. Read more

Battlestar Galactica Original Prop Auction Update – Print Edition of Catalog Available

As noted last month (see Live Event Catalog Available Online), the online PDF version of the catalog for the Battlestar Galactica auction event was made available in early December.  Collectors started receiving the print edition in the mail in the past week or so, and I received a comp copy over the weekend, so I thought I’d share my observations. Read more

Charge of “FRAUD” Over Letter of Authenticity From eBay’s *stoneark*

Today, professional wrestler Lanny Poffo has declared that a Letter of Authenticity bearing his (misspelled) name and signature, included as proof of authenticity in a recent *stoneark* auction, is fraudulent.

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The Comisar Collection Featured in RadioTimes Magazine

James Comisar and the The Comisar Collection were featured in last week’s issue of RadioTimes magazine.  The article provides some background about Mr. Comisar and the Collection, his objectives in preserving original props and wardrobe from classic television, and his hopes to find a global exhibition partner to allow the public to enjoy and appreciate the important pop culture artifacts. Read more

eBay’s *stoneark*: “Buyer/Bidder Network” Analysis – Part 2

An article published earlier this week (see eBay’s *stoneark*: “Buyer/Bidder Network” Analysis, Part 1) included analysis of a select set of eBay accounts and their bidding activities with eBay seller *stoneark* (AKA stonark, AKA Corner Collectibles, AKA Cornner Collectibles).  Anthony Shkutnick, partnered with eBay, offers for public sale “guaranteed authentic” wardrobe attributed to various classic Hollywood stars.

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Copyright Dispute Over Use Of Hitler’s Globe as Prop in “Valkyrie”

The New York Post reports today that the owner of a historical artifact – one that an American soldier plucked from Hitler’s “Eagle’s Nest” in the Bavarian Alps at the close of World War II – is contemplating legal action against United Artists for the prominent use of a replica of the globe in the latest Tom Cruise film, Bryan Singer’s Valkyrie.  Read more

The “Original Prop Directory” Now Online

The Original Prop Directory is online, and part of the Original Prop Blog (also accessible via OriginalPropDirectory.com). The Original Prop Directory is designed to be a “white pages” for the hobby – an online public resource which lists the names and contact information for those who elect to participate. Read more

Original Prop Blog – December 2008 Stats

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