I came across a post on NitrateVille.com asking about The Harry Crocker Museum – described as “The First Museum Dedicated To Famous Movie Props” – and I’d never heard of it. Other than an issue of Photoplay dated December 1928, I could have no record of its very existence. I would be curious if anyone has any additional information about this museum, or if any of the material on display or referenced in the article still exists. [Read more…]
Archives for July 25, 2012
FBI: “William Mastro and Two Other Executives of Former Mastro Auctions Indicted for Allegedly Defrauding Bidders in Online and Live Auctions of Sports Memorabilia and Other Collectibles”
The Chicago Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation have published a press release update regarding the ongoing investigation of alleged sports memorabilia fraud involving former Mastro Auction executives. Prosecutors claim that William Boehn, the Information Technology Director, made false statements to FBI agents. According to the FBI press release, the memorabilia auction house executives “were indicted on fraud charges for allegedly rigging auctions through a series of deceptive practices, including so-called “shill-bidding,” designed to inflate prices paid by bidders and to protect the interests of consignors and sellers at the expense of unwitting bidders.” [Read more…]
Movie Prop Thief Caught On Tape – Police Seek Man Who Stole John Wayne & William Holden Prop Guns
Law enforcement is seeking help identifying and finding a man in Portland, Oregon who stole movie prop guns that were on display at Movie Madness – a Winchester rifle used by John Wayne in The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962) and a shotgun used by William Holden in The Wild Bunch (1969). The theft was captured on video tape. [Read more…]