Analysis: Indiana Jones Fedora, Bullwhip, Jacket with “Lucas Film Ltd.” Certificate of Authenticity (“DNA Authentic”)

The Prop Store of London provided information today regarding an Indiana Jones costume (fedora, jacket, and bullwhip) being offered for sale in the marketplace with a “Lucas Film Ltd.” Certificate of Authenticity which appears to be a fraudulent document made using the distinct Warner Bros. “DNA Authentic”style COA as a model along with a photo of a genuine costume from the Lucasfilm archives. Read more

In The News: Colony Capital May “Throw Their Hat Into The Ring” To Stop Julien’s Auctions Sale of Michael Jackson Property

Fox 411’s Roger Freidman, who has been out in front with the developments concerning Julien’s Auctions event and Michael Jackson’s efforts to stop it, today reports that Colony Capital may also take steps to halt the sale of Jackson’s personal property and memorabilia. Read more

“Terminator 2: Judgment Day” Custom Winchester Shotgun & Colt/Detonics Handgun

This is the next in a series of more comprehensive profiles of the original props in my own collection, and the third and fourth pieces to be showcased are the hero custom 1887 Winchester 12 gauge shotgun and hybrid Colt/Detonics pistol firearms from the James Cameron  film “Terminator 2: Judgment Day” staring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Linda Hamilton. Read more

Michael Jackson & Julien’s Auctions Lawsuit Update: Review of Preliminary Injunction Declarations, Consignment Agreement

As widely reported in the mainstream media, Michael Jackson’s MJJ Productions has filed a lawsuit against Julien’s Auctions for the return of personal property from the Neverland Ranch that was consigned to the auction house with a sale planned for April 22-April 25, 2009 in Beverly Hills.  Having reviewed the Plaintiff’s declarations in support of the motion for injunction as well as the Consignment Agreement, it should prove interesting to learn how the courts ultimately rule on the case. Read more

Premiere Props “Massive Movie Prop Auction” Live Event on April 18th at “Fangoria’s Weekend of Horror”

Premiere Props will be holding a live auction in Los Angeles in conjunction with Creation Entertainment and Fangoria, offering original props and costumes from a variety of horror films including My Bloody Valentine 3D.  The auction will be held April 18th, with online bidding managed by iCollector.com.  Read more

Michael Jackson & Julien’s Auctions Lawsuit Update, Claims of Threats: “Lives Are At Stake and There Will Be Bloodshed”

As widely reported in the mainstream media, Michael Jackson has filed a lawsuit against Julien’s Auctions for the return of personal property from the Neverland Ranch that was consigned to the auction house with a sale planned for April 22-April 25, 2009 in Beverly Hills.  Fox News now reports on claims of threats made against Darren Julien and partner Martin Nolan by a Jackson associate. Read more

Superman Costumes in the Marketplace: March 2009

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

James Bond “Licence To Kill” Walther PPK

I have started a series of more comprehensive profiles of the original props in my own collection, and the second piece to be showcased is a hero Walther PPK from the James Bond film “Licence To Kill” staring Timothy Dalton. Read more

Celebrity Organizer Tim Gardner Pleads Guilty in Screaming Tiki Comic Con Case

As reported on in previous articles, Screaming Tiki Comic and Pop Culture Convention promoter Peter Smith filed a complaint which resulted in criminal charges against event celebrity organizer Tim Gardner.  Based on public access docket records from the Mahoning County Integrated Justice System website, Mr. Gardner plead guilty yesterday. Read more

Superior Court Lawsuit Filing: Michael Jackson’s MJJ Productions, Inc. vs Julien’s Auction House, LLC

As widely reported in the mainstream media, Michael Jackson has filed a lawsuit against Julien’s Auctions for the return of personal property from the Neverland Ranch that was consigned to the auction house with a sale planned for April 22-April 25, 2009 in Beverly Hills.  Below is a PDF of the complaint filed in California Superior Court. Read more

Mastro Auctions Closes In Midst Of FBI Investigation Into Shill Bidding & Fraud Allegations

Mastro Auctions, the largest sports memorabilia auction house, has closed amid an FBI fraud investigation.  Three Mastro executives have purchased the company’s assets and will launch a new company called Legendary Auctions.  Part of the investigation by law enforcement is focused on charges of “shill bidding”. Read more

Latest Version of New York State Assembly Bill A01730: Seeks Prohibition of Auction House “Sham” Bids Without Disclosure

An article published in 2007 (see Auction House Buying Considerations, Part II: Chandelier Bid (“Sham Bidding”) Legislation) discussed proposed legislation related to “sham” or “chandelier” bids, described by a New York legislator as “chicanery perpetrated by auction houses,” with auction house Sotheby’s opposed to the legislation. Read more

TrekCore “FUNdraiser”, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Tribbles Auctions

The website TrekCore, which offers a significant amount of free resources that is of value to original prop and wardrobe collectors, is having a fundraiser to raise capital to operate the site and keep it advertising free.  Read more

eBay’s Feedback System: Why It’s Broken

Back when I first joined eBay (over 10 years ago), I remember that member feedback seemed to have real meaning.  I believe the original intent behind the system was to quantify how people do business, which would create some semblance of an “online reputation”.  Read more

Comic-Con Intl’ 2009: 4-Day Passes Nearly Sold Out

Comic-Con International in San Diego for 2009 has nearly sold out of the 4-day passes for attendees, having been on sale for less than a month.  Comic-Con (formerly “San Diego Comic Con”) is generally considered to be “the” pop culture event of the year.  Read more

City of Metropolis Claims Tim Gardner “Did Not Fulfill Obligations” With Regards to $82,000 In Grant Money

The Paducah Sun has published two articles about the renamed “Metropolis Comic Book and Toy Show” and the City’s reported dissatisfaction with former promoter Tim Gardner’s accounting of $82,000 in grant money intended to fund and benefit tourism.  Jim Hambrick of the “Super Museum” has also recently been elected Treasurer of the Metropolis Area Tourism Commission Read more

Les Hemstock “Planet of the Apes” Statue of Liberty Prop: “For A Fee” Photo Opportunities

A Statue of Liberty prop head owned by Les Hemstock, claimed to have been used in the filming of Planet of the Apes (1968), is now being advertised in conjunction with “The Hollywood Collectors & Celebrities Show” in April featuring “for a fee” photo opportunities with Linda Harrison and Felix Silla.  Read more

Auction Network Pulls The Plug On Julien’s Auctions Amid Michael Jackson Lawsuit Controversy

As reported Thursday, Michael Jackson has filed a lawsuit against Julien’s Auctions over the upcoming auction event in April, liquidating Jackson’s personal property and memorabilia from Neverland Ranch.  Now Auction Network, the online bidding service provider, has announced on their website that they are withdrawing as a partner in the auction “unless or until the controversy is resolved”. Read more

Jim Hambrick’s “Americana Hollywood Museum”: First Party Damage Appraisal at $111,500

In January, WSIL-TV Channel 3 and KFVS Channel 12 each broadcast reports about Jim Hambrick’s “Americana Hollywood Museum” being flooded due to a broken pipe, with Mr. Hambrick estimating over $100,000 in damages.  Today, The Paducah Sun updates the story with Mr. Hambrick declaring $111,500.00 in memorabilia damage. Read more

Auction House Controversies In The News: Christie’s & China, Antiquorium & India, Julien’s Auctions & Michael Jackson

There has been a great deal of controversy in the news in the past week with regards to three unrelated auction house events, including Christie’s auction of  “national treasures” originally looted from Beijing in 1860, India’s attempt to halt the sale of Mohandas Gandhi memorabilia scheduled for auction today by Antiquorum, and Julien’s Auctions upcoming sale of Michael Jackson memorabilia (which today Jackson is threatening with lawsuit).  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

Profiles in History To Auction Original Costumes From Latest “Friday the 13th” Film

As mentioned last week on the Original Prop Community discussion forum, next month’s “Hollywood Auction 35″ held by Profiles in History will include, in addition to memorabilia from the Forry Ackerman Estate, original props and costumes from the latest Friday the 13th film direct from Platinum Dunes Productions. Read more

“Star Trek: The Experience” To Return May 2009

As reported previously (see “Star Trek: The Experience” to Close September 2008), the long-running CBS Paramount attraction at the Las Vegas Hilton was shut down late last year after more than a decade in operation.  Now reports have emerged announcing the return of “The Experience” in early May, at a new downtown Vegas location, Neonopolis Center. Read more

Book Reviews – “Watchmen: The Film Companion”, “Watchmen: Art of the Film”, & “Watchmen: Portraits”

This is a review of the three new books released by Titan Books in promotion of the film, Watchmen.  The three volumes are Watchmen: The Film Companion, Watchmen: The Art of the Film, and Watchmen: Portraits.

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Original Prop Blog – February 2009 Traffic Statistics

The latest stats for Original Prop Blog, as of February 28, 2009… Read more