The prop under discussion in this article, once marketed as an “Original 1977 Prop Imperial Officer’s Blaster” from Star Wars, is an example of a fan-made replica being sold as an original prop. This article is written with the permission of the current owner. [Read more…]
Archives for May 2007
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…]
Book Review: Sculpting A Galaxy
This is a review of Sculpting a Galaxy: Inside the Star Wars Model Shop (published November 14, 2006). This is “yet another” great resource for Star Wars fans and those especially interested in creatures, models, ships/vehicles, etc. It is a beautiful book and worth the money, but if you have the two Chronicles volumes (OT and/or Prequels, depending on your preferences), as well as perhaps The Making of Star Wars, some of what you find here may be duplicative. In my opinion, it is lacking in some areas and not as polished and comprehensive as some other Star Wars works. [Read more…]
Prop Watchlist: Ghostbusters Proton Pack
In July 2006, a Ghostbusters Proton Pack that was consigned with the auction house Profiles in History to be part of their Auction 25 was publicly marketed by way of the auction catalog. This Ghostbusters Proton Pack was described as an original hero prop with a Certificate of Authenticity from Columbia Studios.
About The Prop Watchlist
I have created a new subset of the Market Watch category, the Prop Watchlist.
What is the purpose of this category and why has it been added? How is it different from Market Watch?
The purpose of this distinction is to make note and provide information and resources in regards to specific props or types of props in the marketplace that have been deemed problematic, based on a variety of factors, or found to be especially challenging to authenticate.
Props discussed may range anywhere from “inconclusive” to “problematic” to “questionable” to definitively “inauthentic”. [Read more…]
A Case Against Enabling “Bad Sources”
One thing I’ve consistently been a proponent of is this: hobbyists and dealers alike should actively, consciously, and consistently make a point to avoid dealing with bad sources, or platforms for bad sources.
It is a small hobby, and as such, every individual collector, and, more so, dealer, has the power (and in my view, responsibility) to affect change in who has a role in the marketplace and to what extent.
Everyone should, in good conscience, exercise this power to the benefit of all by refusing to deal with “Bad Sources” in the hobby. [Read more…]
Business Practice: The Prop Butchers
One unfortunate type of collectible born out of the original prop industry is the sale of prop pieces, bits, swatches, and sections.
The phrase “take a piece of the movie home” is quite literal with this practice.
It seems, that in some cases, it can be more profitable to take one original prop and destroy it, cutting it into smaller pieces and selling each piece as a collectible (either by itself or as part of another collectible, such as a card). But this prioritizes profit over preservation. [Read more…]
Book Review: Saving Stuff
This is a review of Saving Stuff: How to Care for and Preserve Your Collectibles, Heirlooms, and Other Prized Possessions (published May 31,2005). This is a fantastic resource for original prop hobbyists, in that it contains a wealth of information pertaining to care and preservation considerations in regards to collectibles of all types. Given the cost, it is a must buy for any collector. Highest recommendations. [Read more…]