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.
The Original Prop Purchase Checklist & Questionnaire
If anything is apparent to collectors of original props, it is that there is a wide spectrum of opinions as to what information should be disclosed in the marketing of original props offered for sale.
Sellers typically disclose only that information which they perceive adds value to the piece; anything that is to the detriment of the value and/or desirability of the prop (or to their business, by way of noting sources and/or acknowledging competitors) is generally not offered freely and openly from the outset, and, from the point of view of the prospective buyer, can be difficult to impossible to obtain even with direct questions.
What follows is my opinion of what should be disclosed by sellers unsolicited. Given that it is highly unlikely, I will fashion those points below into questions which can be used as a “Purchase Checklist & Questionnaire”.
1. What is the history of ownership?
2. Who was the immediate prior owner?
3. Under what set of circumstances did the piece leave the production and/or studio?
4. What paper/hard copy material exists in relation to this prop?
5. Of that collateral, what will accompany the prop?
6. Have any other sellers/resellers/individuals issued a COA or LOA for this piece?
7. Will any other COAs or LOAs accompany the prop?
8. Do you, as a seller, or any other prior sellers, offer any sort of “guarantee” with the prop? If so, what does it cover, when (if ever) does it expire, and is it transferable to potential future owners?
9. Does the prop differ in any way compared to the same prop seen in the film/television program? If so, how?
10. Does the prop match any screen shots? If so, can you provide them and explain?
11. How was the prop used in the film?
12. In what way can such usage be verified?
13. How would you characterize the piece (hero, stunt, spfx, etc.)? If so, how can that classification be objectively verified?
14. Has the prop been altered in any way post production? If so, how, why, when, and by whom?
15. Are you aware of any castings/replicas of this prop in the marketplace? If so, is it possible to distinguish these replicas from an authentic original?
16. Do any “tells” or distinguishing marks unique to authentic originals for this prop?
Now, do I expect anyone to send a seller this full list of questions? Not particularly. But perhaps it will give collectors an opportunity to reflect on what information is lacking in an offering. This list can act as a resource from which to pick and choose those questions more critical to the prop in question and applicable to the situation.
My view is, the more open and transparent a seller or dealer is, and forthcoming with objective facts, the more comfortable I am in dealing with them. Whatever the piece, whatever the answers to these questions, at least you have information from which to make a decision.
A lack of information and/or reluctance to provide information is always a red flag to me – and reason enough to pass on a possible buying opportunity.
It’s also always important to consider that you may potentially find yourself in the position of being the future seller of the piece you are considering, and I think it’s appropriate to be equipped with all of the information and answers you yourself would expect from others.
The time at which you are most likely to obtain information about a prop is the negotiation stage – that is when you have leverage.
Generally speaking, once the deal is struck and money paid, the seller/dealer is less likely to provide information about the prop.
This checklist is a work in progress – please let me know if you have any suggestions and I will refine this article going forward.
Jason De Bord