The Original Prop Blog 2009 Year in Review: News, Developments, and Trends in Collecting Original Movie Props and Memorabilia

As was the case in previous years (see 2007 Year in Review, 2008 Year in Review), what follows is an editorial review of my personal views with regards to the hobby, looking back at the top trends, developments, and news stories of 2009. As always, there were a lot of interesting developments and events, and quite a bit to review and consider. Read more

Annual Holiday Warning About Buying Fake and Fraudulent Movie Props, Costumes, and Memorabilia as Gifts

Since today is “Black Friday”, I thought it would be appropriate to republish an editorial that I posted last year as the holiday season approached, warning consumers against the purchase of television and movie props, costumes, and other assets as gifts for loved ones.  Read more

Milestone: Original Prop Blog’s 1,000th Article

This article marks a milestone for the Original Prop Blog – the 1,000th article.  When I started the site back in April 2007, I honestly did not ever imagine that I would produce this much content.  So the occasion provides an opportunity to reflect back, look forward, and thank those that have supported this endeavor. Read more

Building on the Original Prop Lexicon: “Anti-Provenance”

I’ve found that there are many concepts in the original prop hobby for which words do not exist.  Having words to use with specific and unique meaning are powerful tools, and when there are none available that fit the need, putting together a new word with hopes it may be adopted can be productive.  In this case, a term is needed to describe an instance in which the source or an entity in the chain of ownership of a prop, costume, or other artifact has a distinctive and negative impact on the authentication of such a piece.  The word I plan to use to describe such a circumstance is “anti-provenance”. Read more

Problematic Words in the Hobby: “Production Made”

Going back to the very first articles of the Original Prop Blog – The Hobby Without a Name & What is “Original”? – there are always words that are frequently used that are problematic.  This will be the first in a series of articles which discusses some of these terms in some detail.  The term for this article: “Production Made”.

Read more

Original Prop Blog: Two Year Anniversary

Today marks the two year anniversary of the Original Prop Blog.  So it was two years ago today that I published its first article, “The Hobby Without A Name…” 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

The “Billboardization” of eBay: Auction Site or Advertising Machine?

All of the recent, and mostly detrimental policy changes and other developments aside (see Related Articles), I’ve found that there seems to be a significant shift with eBay in placing more and more advertising in front of its customers.  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

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 Hobby – 2008 Year in Review

As was the case last year (see 2007 Year in Review), what follows is an editorial review of my personal views with regards to the hobby, looking back at the top trends and news stories of 2008.  As always, there were a lot of interesting developments and events, and quite a bit to review and consider. Read more

A Case Against Buying “Original” TV & Movie Props, Costumes, and Memorabilia as Gifts

This will probably be the shortest editorial I’ve written, as it is an easy argument to make.  My view is – and this is something I’ve personally stressed to friends and family for years – buying an “original” movie or television prop or costume as a gift is a well-intended but very bad idea.  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

Tools of Authentication: Categorizing & Classifying COAs

This is the first in a series of articles intended to discuss and build upon the tools of authentication: concepts, terminology, definitions, analysis, and more.  While Certificates of Authenticity, or “COAs”, have been the topic of a number of previous articles, the scope of this feature is to define and categorize COAs by 1) their source and 2) their function. Read more

“Original Prop Purchase Agreement” Template

One thing many collectors do not consider are the potential (unfortunate) “what if?” possibilities we can encounter in buying and selling original props, wardrobe, and other artifacts from film and television.

In the event a problem arises, it is best that both Buyer and Seller have a common understanding of the consequences and responsibilities.

Also, there are areas in which specifics are often not addressed or clarified appropriately, such as ancillary costs and other details beyond the “purchase price” (i.e. shipping costs, shipping method, etc.).

I recently developed an “Original Prop Purchase Agreement” for one of my own purchases, so I decided to simplify it, convert it into a more basic template, and offer it here as a tool for other collectors to consider, edit, amend, and/or employ however they see fit: Read more

“Off The Shelf” and “Found” Props & Wardrobe

One of the most inherently problematic props, in terms of issues with authenticity, are of the “off the shelf” or “found” variety.

What are “off the shelf” props?

Props, wardrobe pieces, set pieces, and any other artifacts used in a production that are:

1) Mass produced (past or present),
2) for non-production purposes (i.e. not specifically manufactured for use in the production), and
3) are or were available for purchase from those not associated with the production. Read more

Trend: The “Hype Premium” – Follow-Up

I’ve received some interesting responses to the article posted earlier today, Trend: The “Hype Premium”.

Some have pointed out that part of the reason for the significantly lower price realized on the Spider-Man mask yesterday (to coincide with the home video release), compared with the one sold back in May (during the theatrical release), is in part due to the eye lens being missing on the more recent auction. Read more

Trend: The “Hype Premium”

A trend that comes and goes with the theatrical release of hit films (and sometimes not so “hit” films) and “hot” films (i.e. a small but enthused following) is that of “Hype Premium”. This trend manifests itself in conjunction with the theatrical release of films that include complimentary promotion in the form of prop offerings by the studio or studio affiliate. Well, I just now made up the terminology – “Hype Premium” – but it’s descriptive enough…

This is an oft discussed trend – even in the midst of it actually occurring – but it rarely fails to deliver.

Companies like Hollywood Vault and Premiere Props often schedule auctions by 1) offering props from films at the time of the theatrical release and then, 2) offering additional props later, at the time of the DVD release.

This is done to maximize promotion of the film (in theaters and for home video release) via the sale of props and wardrobe pieces.

So what does this have to do with the “Hype Premium”?

The “Hype Premium” is the difference in price realized for the same or similar items offered at the theatrical release compared with the home video release. Read more

Original Prop Marketplace Oversight

One topic that comes up with original prop collectors now and again is the notion of “marketplace oversight”. Given the nature of these collectibles, where value is intrinsically tied to provenance and authenticity, how do we, as a hobby, move away from the “Wild West” environment, and perhaps implement some sort of oversight (whether organized or informal) to help guide and share information with new and seasoned collectors and identify those individuals or entities that trade in inauthentic pieces? Read more

Anonymity, Transparency, & The “Real World”

There are several very interesting and very active topics running on the Movie Prop Forum, which have engaged hobbyists on a variety of important issues related to the hobby of collecting original props. Read more

The “Other” Dealer Issue: Communication & Good Will

Most of my opinion pieces on the blog involve issues of provenance and authenticity. That really goes to the heart of the hobby, and makes up much of the minefield that original prop collectors navigate as they transact in the marketplace.

The “Other” issue, which gets less attention here and on the discussion forums, is one just as prevalent and much easier to resolve: Business Practices & Customer Service Read more

Work in Progress: The Ultimate Original Prop COA, Part II

I had initiated a discussion topic on the Movie Prop Forum related to my previous article (see “Work in Progress: The Ultimate Original Prop COA, Part I“), which can be found here: Read more

Work in Progress: The Ultimate Original Prop COA, Part I

I thought it would be productive to initiate a hobby-wide discussion of what the “Ultimate COA” would call for, look like, detail, include, and provide to the owner of an original prop, costume, or other artifact from a production.

As discussed in many other articles on the OPB, I generally have a fairly unfavorable opinion of most COAs, in that they typically do not address the foundational components of authenticity: origin, history of ownership, use in the production, etc.

So what information would be included in the “Ultimate” COA? Read more

Authenticity & Burden of Proof, Part II: Inauthentic Props

This is a follow-up to an article I wrote back in May, “Authenticity & Burden of Proof“.

In the prior article, I made the argument that a discerning collector should approach a potential prop or costume or other artifact acquisition as an unknown, or inconclusive in terms of it’s being “Original” (see What is “Original”?). Authenticity must then be proven. This is a different perspective from those that believe what they are told about a piece, without question. Read more

eBay’s “Entertainment Memorabilia Buying Guide” & Original Prop Authentication

One interesting section of content on the eBay website is what they call the “Entertainment Memorabilia Buying Guide“.

Of the sections, of particular interest to original prop hobbyists is titled “Research Entertainment Memorabilia“: Read more

Auction House Buying Considerations, Part III: Bonhams

This is the third in a series of articles looking at auction house policies, terms, and conditions of sale. Read more

Auction House Buying Considerations, Part II: Chandelier Bid (“Sham Bidding”) Legislation

Rick Spector of Stairway to the Stars forwarded a link to an interesting article, given the discussion initiated in Part I of this series.

This is an interesting development in how it relates to certain auction house policies (see Odyssey Auctions Terms and Conditions in prior article). Read more

Auction House Buying Considerations, Part I: Overview

I have had very limited experiences in buying direct from auction houses, but there are terms and conditions of sale, unique to each company/event, that can differ from other buying experiences. I would highly recommend that any collector, before participating in such an auction, carefully review the terms and conditions of the sale, typically outlined in the catalog. Even with the same company, these are prone to change catalog to catalog, sale to sale. Read more

Trends: Original Prop Pricing & Values, Selling Options

One interesting element of the Original Prop Hobby is that of “value”.

What determines the value of a prop?

How are prices determined?

What is the best place to sell original props?

For the purpose of this article, I will not go into issues of authenticity and provenance in any depth. Read more

Instruments of Authenticity & The Chain of Provenance

As discussed in the prior article, Authenticity & Burden of Proof, I’ve found the notion that a piece is authentic, unless proven otherwise, to be faulty (as a buyer and collector, anyway). Read more

“Prop Equity”

One perspective I have adopted with my original prop collecting and collection is the notion of “Prop Equity”. I think this is a viewpoint and practice that crosses over into various hobbies, but I’ve found it especially pertinent to original prop collecting due to the high cost and rarity of the pieces.

What is “Prop Equity”, and how does it relate to building and maintaining a collection? Read more

Authenticity & Burden of Proof

One interesting phenomenon I’ve picked up on in the hobby is the vast differences of perspective in regards to the burden of proof and authenticity.

One viewpoint is that a piece is as the seller claims and that the burden to prove otherwise is on potential buyers and/or critics to prove otherwise. Though the seller/owner does not share any material facts to prove the piece authentic, he or she expects compelling evidence to debunk the piece.

Of course, the converse view (held by myself) is that the seller must come to the table with material facts and evidence that support his or her claims of authenticity and use in the property (film or television product). Read more

The Original Prop Purchase Checklist & Questionnaire

Article Summary: The rationale for and development of an “Original Prop Purchase Checklist & Questionnaire” for discerning prop collectors to use in contemplating the purchase of a prop or costume. Read more

“Made for Production” Props

Article Summary: An opinion piece and analysis of the “Made for Production” trends and classifications (Made for Production, Not Used in Production; Unfinished; Finished Post Production, etc.) in the hobby. Read more

Challenging The Hobby: The COA & The Guarantee

Article Summary: An opinion piece about original prop Certificates of Authenticity and dealer/retailer “guarantees”, including the Origins of the COA, The “Guarantee” (Money Back, Lifetime), The Studio Reseller COA & Guarantee, The Professional Dealer COA – Issues of Lost Provenance, Professional Dealer COA Questions, Individual & Private Seller COAs & LOAs, and the Auction House COA & Guarantee. Read more

Buyer Precautions & Considerations, Part I: The Mechanics of the Deal

Article Summary: Personal observations and recommendations for collectors to consider in acquiring original props, including an overview of contracts, documentation, eBay, PayPal, use of credit cards and alternate payment methods, insurance, shipping, and other considerations. Read more

The Red Flags of Authenticity

Article Summary: A discussion and analysis of various seller tactics I’ve witnessed over the years, and my names for them and reactions.  These are all potentially problematic marketing techniques that should not be dismissed by the discerning original prop collector. Read more

The Dirty Little Secret of the Hobby

Article Summary: An opinion piece exploring issues surrounding the problem of inauthentic pieces that are circulated withing in the hobby. Read more

Trend: The “Widgetization” of the Hobby

Article Summary: An analysis and discussion about trends and business approaches from Studio Resellers in selling props, wardrobe, and other film and television assets without consideration for the specialization demanded by the hobby and expectations of collectors. Read more

Fraud, Misrepresentation, Puffing

Article Summary: This is an opinion piece that explores the differences and distinctions between “fraud”, “misrepresentation”, and “puffing”, and how these practices affect the hobby. Read more

Trend: “I Want To Believe”

Article Summary: This opinion piece explores a phenomenon within the hobby of collectors coming from a perspective of wanting to believe a piece is authentic, rather than being discerning and skeptical to properly vet a piece to ensure its marketing matching up with material facts. Read more

What is “Original”?

Article Summary: This is an important article and opinion piece that outlines my own personal criteria and tests for what artifacts (props, costumes, etc.) from a production (film or television) can be considered “Original”. Read more

Original Prop Provenance & Authenticity, Part I

Article Summary: This is an opinion piece discussing the basics of provenance and authenticity of original props.  Topics include the definition of provenance, types of COAs (Studio, Dealer), auction house catalogs, “screen-matching”, firearm-specific information, and other considerations and issues. Read more

The Hobby Without a Name…

Article Summary: An opinion piece on the fact that the hobby does not have a universally recognized proper name (Movie Props? Screen-Used Props? Prop Collecting?), and my view of what terms do and don’t make sense, to varying degrees, and why. This state of the hobby is reflective of its early development stage. Read more