A new eBay account was created on May 27, 2008 – “Historic Souvenirs” (historicsouvenirs) – and this seller has today begun listing new items with “Global Antiques” Certificates of Authenticity, using the same auction format style and much of the same marketing description content as seen in the “Auction Depot LA” (auctiondepotla1) listings for the same kind of offerings.
As I reported on May 29, 2008 (see ““Global Antiques” Memorabilia Listings Pulled From eBay“), “Auction Depot LA” had ceased listing new items with COAs from “Global Antiques” following those listings that ended May 24, 2008.
As reported in the same article, on May 29, “Auction Shop USA” (auctionshopusa) – who was selling the same type of historic and entertainment memorabilia as “Auction Depot LA” – canceled all seven of their active Global Antiques auctions early, pulling the items from eBay for the following stated reason in the listing:
The seller ended this listing early because the item is no longer available for sale.
Both “Auction Depot LA” and “Auction Shop USA” used eBay to sell “authentic” and “original” collectibles attributed to film/television use and/or ownership by Hollywood stars and public/historic figures, all purportedly consigned and authenticated by “Global Antiques” (also referred to as “City of Los Angeles Global Antiques”).
Examples include “original” and “authentic” props from “Gone With The Wind”, “The Wizard of Oz”, “Casablanca”, “I Love Lucy”, “Star Trek”, “Star Wars” “James Bond”, “Lord of the Rings”, and other films and television programs, as well as many collectibles and antiques marketed as owned by John Wayne, Marilyn Monroe, Lucille Ball, Shirley Temple, Vincent Price, and other classic and iconic Hollywood stars as well as objects previously owned by public figures such as Sigmund Freud, Babe Ruth, Mark Twain, Thomas Edison, Al Capone, Andy Warhol, and others.
In reviewing items listed for sale on eBay with the “Global Antiques” Certificate of Authenticity, many concerns were raised.
Who is “Global Antiques”?
Being a collector and student of the hobby of collecting original and authentic props from film and television – outside of these auctions – I’d never heard of “Global Antiques”, nor had anyone I’d asked.
The eBay sellers – Auction Depot LA and Auction Shop USA – provide no material information about “Global Antiques”, offer no method by which to contact them, and provide no basis for which anyone should have confidence in their authentication of these props.
In reviewing public offerings and solicitations on eBay, a number of items were identified in which other facts and information counter any claims of authenticity – from a specific type of item not coming into manufacture until long after the person or production to which it was attributed, to other items being widely available at retail today (see summary of past articles below).
Who is “Historic Souvenirs”?
As noted in the opening, this new eBay seller of “Global Antiques” product, “Historic Souvenirs”, appears to have adopted and employed many of the auction tools and characteristics of “Auction Depot LA”:
- $9.99 Starting Bid
- ALL CAPS AUCTION TITLE
- The Same Shipping Cost Calculation
- 7-Day Auction Format
- Private Listing Format
- Eight 111×83 Thumbnails on Left, Larger Selectable 522×392 Photo on Right Format
- Same Description Format, Language
- Identical “Frequently Asked Questions” content, with a phone number replaced with an e-mail address
- Same “Included In This Auction” Format
- Same “Condition” Format
- Same “Dimensions” Format
- Same “Shipping” Format
- Same “Payment” Format
- Same “Returns” Policy
Comparison – “Auction Depot LA” Listing v. “Historic Souvenirs” Listing:
What is different?
Unlike with “Auction Depot LA”, customers of “Historic Souvenirs” cannot pick-up items at the store.
Additionally, the following was published as part of the “Auction Depot LA” listings, and is not part of the “Historic Souvenirs” listings:
* Auction Depot LA is not the owner or seller of this item. We are a consignment agent acting on behalf of the seller to facilitate the sale of this item by holding the item until the auction ends. We then process payment, pack and ship the item to the winning bidder or coordinate a pick-up of the item.
* Auction Depot LA has used its best efforts to responsibly inspect the item(s) for sale and create clear descriptions and furnish actual photographs that fairly and adequately depict the type, condition and image of the item at the time of sale. Auction Depot LA makes no express or implied warranties or representations regarding the item(s) condition. If you have questions regarding the item PLEASE email before you bid.
Why has “Historic Souvenirs” elected to copy so much of the “Auction Depot LA” auction format and language, but elect not incorporate these disclaimers above?
Here is another departure from the “Auction Depot LA” listings – the Historic Souvenirs “ABOUT US” description:
From Three Countries And Two Major Cities, Hundreds Of Retired Studio Workers To Include Actors, Grips, Production Assistants, Etc., Have Collected Bits And Pieces Of The Past And It Is Our Pleasure To Bring Them To You. From Great Films, Television Shows, And Entertainers, These Souvenirs Are Must Haves For Those Who Love Collecting This Type Of Memorabilia!
Our Pieces Are Gathered From Demolished Movie And Television Sets, Estate Sales Are Other Sources. They Are Obtained From The United States, Canada, And England. Some Items Are In Perfect Condition, Some Near Perfect, And Some Are In Need Of Repair. We Have Been Fortunate Enough To Procure Some Items That Are Over 70 Years Old!
Per Our Legal Team, We Must Inform You That Our Items Are Not Museum Quality, They Are Not Intended For Investment Purposes, And They Are Not Perfect. There Are Other Companies From Which Memorabilia Can Be Purchased With Registered Numbers And Authenticity Documentation. We Are Not One Of Those Establishments. Our Collectibles Are For Entertainment Purposes Only. Except For Oral History, We Have No Details Regarding Our Memorabilia. Strict Privacy Agreements Prohibit Us From Obtaining Or Providing Additional Information About Our Items.
So What Are You Waiting For? Start Shopping For Unique Memorabilia from The Entertainment Industry Now!
HISTORIC SOUVENIRS
How can this seller issue a Certificate of Authenticity, with an “approval” date and serial number, and state in the auction:
The item is authenticated by Global Antiques after its provenance has been validated and certified.
And also state:
There Are Other Companies From Which Memorabilia Can Be Purchased With Registered Numbers And Authenticity Documentation. We Are Not One Of Those Establishments.
Violation of eBay Policy: Authenticity Disclaimers
Reading the section below from the “ABOUT US” in each new listing, “Historic Souvenirs” openly disclaims knowledge of and responsibility for the authenticity of their offerings – which is contrary to the issuance of a Certificates of Authenticity and counter to the format of the listing and marketing remarks and by virtue of listing the items in eBay’s “Entertainment Memorabilia > Movie Memorabilia > Props > Originals” category reserved for authentic props.
Per Our Legal Team, We Must Inform You That Our Items Are Not Museum Quality, They Are Not Intended For Investment Purposes, And They Are Not Perfect. There Are Other Companies From Which Memorabilia Can Be Purchased With Registered Numbers And Authenticity Documentation. We Are Not One Of Those Establishments. Our Collectibles Are For Entertainment Purposes Only. Except For Oral History, We Have No Details Regarding Our Memorabilia. Strict Privacy Agreements Prohibit Us From Obtaining Or Providing Additional Information About Our Items.
“Not Museum Quality”?
“Not Intended For Investment Purposes?”
“Not Perfect”?
“We Are Not One Of Those Establishments”?
“Entertainment Purposes Only?”
“Strict Privacy Agreements”?
As reported in a past article, “eBay Policy: Authenticity Disclaimers“, eBay policy is clear:
Sellers may not disclaim knowledge of, or responsibility for, the authenticity or legality of the items offered in their listings. Sellers should take steps to ensure that their items are authentic before listing them on eBay. If a seller cannot verify the authenticity of an item, the seller is not permitted to list it.
Here is the full eBay Policy – Authenticity Disclaimers (LINK to eBay):
Higher Resolution Archive: eBay-Authenticity-Disclaimers
Here is full text of the policy:
Authenticity Disclaimers
Sellers may not disclaim knowledge of, or responsibility for, the authenticity or legality of the items offered in their listings. Sellers should take steps to ensure that their items are authentic before listing them on eBay. If a seller cannot verify the authenticity of an item, the seller is not permitted to list it.
Violations of this policy may result in a range of actions, including:
- Listing cancellation
- Limits on account privileges
- Account suspension
- Forfeit of eBay fees on cancelled listings
- Loss of PowerSeller status
The following statements violate eBay’s Authenticity Disclaimer Policy:
- “I cannot guarantee the authenticity of this item, so please bid accordingly.”
- “Vintage Handbag Chanel???”
- “Looks like it could be a Louis Vuitton bag”
- “I believe this is painted by Degas, but can’t be sure.”
Why does eBay have this policy?
The sale of unauthorized replicas is illegal, as well as against eBay policy. Sellers who are unsure of the legality or authenticity of their items should not be selling these items on eBay. This policy helps protect buyers from purchasing counterfeit or fraudulent items, helps protect intellectual property rights owners against infringement and helps create a safer marketplace.
Summary of Past “Global Antiques” Auctions
The following are summaries of articles questioning/refuting claims of authenticity of selected items sold with Global Antiques COAs and offered for sale on eBay as “authentic” and “original”.
Click each “Original Article Link” title to be redirected to the full article:
Original Article Link: Auction Depot LA, Auction Shop USA, Global Antiques: The Lord of the Rings and “Big Lots!”
Seller: “Auction Depot LA”
eBay Listing: “THE LORD OF THE RINGS FILM PROP ORIGINAL BIRD HOUSE”
eBay Item #: 320243542943
Global Antiques Certification: “The Lord of the Rings”, “Film Prop – Original”, and “2004”
Analysis: “Lord of the Rings Prop Original” photos match birdhouses sold at retail store “Big Lots!”
Comparison Photo:
Click for Full Resolution Version
Original Article Link: Auction Depot LA, Auction Shop USA, Global Antiques: The Lord of the Rings and “Big Lots!”
Seller: “Auction Shop USA”
eBay Listing: “Original LORD OF THE RINGS Movie Film Prop LOTR NR!!”
eBay Item #: 350063644105
Global Antiques Certification: “The Lord of the Rings”, “Film Prop – Original”, and “2004”
Analysis: “Lord of the Rings Movie Film Prop” photos match medallion sold at retail store “Big Lots!”
Comparison Photo:
Original Article Link: Auction Depot LA & Global Antiques: I Love Lucy, Harmony Rose, and T.J. Maxx – Part 1 – Part 2
Seller: “Auction Depot LA”
eBay Listing: “ORIGINAL HARMONEY ROSE CONTAINER OWNED BY LUCILLE BALL”
eBay Item #: 320253524164
Global Antiques Certification: “I Love Lucy Show”, “Lucille Ball – TV Prop” and “1959 to 1960”
Analysis: Photos, measurements, marking/hallmark of this item match same newly manufactured item purchased at retail store “T.J. Maxx”.
Comparison Photos:
Click for Full Resolution Version
Original Article Link: I Love Lucy, Global Antiques, and Auction Depot LA – Silver Creamer
Seller: “Auction Depot LA”
eBay Listing: “I LOVE LUCY TV PROP ORIGINAL SILVER CREAMER CUP + COA”
eBay Item #: 320246442532
Global Antiques Certification: “I Love Lucy Show”, “Lucille Ball – TV Prop” and “1959 to 1960”
Analysis: Hallmark on the underside of the item reads “Leonard SILVERPLATE”. Leonard Silver Manufacturing Company was founded in 1969. “I Love Lucy” aired between 1951-1957
Comparison of Research Hallmark (Top) and Global Antiques Hallmark (Bottom):
Original Article Link: The Lord of the Rings, Global Antiques, and Auction Depot LA
Seller: “Auction Depot LA”
eBay Listing: “THE LORD OF THE RINGS FILM PROP ORIGINAL SWORD +COA NR!”
eBay Item #: 310039972897
Global Antiques Certification: “The Lord of the Rings”, “Film Prop / Original”
Analysis: Weta Workshop custom made all props used in the film trilogy, The Lord of The Rings. Photos of this item match what appears to be the same item widely available at retail today, the “2007 Dragon Slayer Sword”.
Comparison Photos:
Original Article Link: Gone With The Wind, Global Antiques, and Auction Depot LA – “Original Dagger Sword”
Seller: “Auction Depot LA”
eBay Listing: “GONE WITH THE WIND FILM PROP ORIGINAL DAGGER SWORD”
eBay Item #: 310032365421
Global Antiques Certification: “Gone With The Wind”, “Film Prop Original”, with an “AM Approval Date” of “1939″
Analysis: The film Gone With The Wind was released in 1939. Photos of this item match what appears to be the same item widely available at retail today.
Comparison Photos:
Original Article Link: Al Capone, Global Antiques, and Auction Depot LA
Seller: “Auction Depot LA”
eBay Listing: “ORIGINAL CONTEX ADDING MACHINE OWNED BY AL CAPONE +COA”
eBay Item #: 310045236161
Global Antiques Certification: “ALPONSE CAPONE”, “AMERICAN GANGSTER”, with an “AM Approval Date” of “1935″
Analysis: It is a matter of record that Mr. Capone passed January 25, 1947, after suffering years of illness and dementia. The mechanical adding machine appears to be a “half keyboard adder”, “Model A” produced by Danish company Contex; majority records indicate this was manufactured in the 50s and 60s. Photos of this item match what appears to be the same item identified as produced 1949 or later.
Comparison Photos (Global Antiques Top, Research Example Bottom):
Original Article Link: Mark Twain, Global Antiques, and Auction Depot LA
Seller: “Auction Depot LA”
eBay Listing: “ORIGINAL PAIR OF GLASS CANDLESTICKS OWNED BY MARK TWAIN”
eBay Item #: 310043985148
Global Antiques Certification: “Mark Twain / S. Clemens”, “Philosopher / Author”, with an “AM Approval Date” of “1889 to 1903″
Analysis: It is a matter of record that Mr. Mark Twain passed in 1910. In reviewing the photos provided in the auction, the candlesticks appear to be the “Berwick” or “Boopie” pattern, first produced by Anchor Hocking from the 1950s to 1970s and widely reproduced today.
Comparison Photos:
Original Article Link: Thomas Edison, Global Antiques, and Auction Depot LA
Seller: “Auction Depot LA”
eBay Listing: “ORIGINAL SALT/PEPPER SHAKER OWNED BY THOMAS EDISON +COA”
eBay Item #: 320244375763
Global Antiques Certification: “THOMAS ALVA EDISON”, “AMERICAN SCIENTIST”, with an “AM Approval Date” of “1930”
Analysis: It is a matter of record that Mr. Thomas Edison passed in 1931. In reviewing the photos provided in the auction, the shaker appears to be a “Moderntone Cobalt Blue Depression Glass Salt Shaker”. Moderntone was first produced from 1934 to 1942.
Comparison Photos:
Original Article Link: I Love Lucy, Global Antiques, and Auction Depot LA
Seller: “Auction Depot LA”
eBay Listing: “TV PROP ORIGINAL GLASS DECANTER OWNED BY LUCILLE BALL”
eBay Item #: 320209794711
Global Antiques Certification: “I Love Lucy Show”, “Lucille Ball – TV Prop” and “1959 to 1960”
Analysis: “I Love Lucy” show aired between 1951-1957. In reviewing the photos provided in the auction, the item offered appears to be a commemorative whiskey product released in 1976, with the decanter designed by Tiffany and originally packaged in the famous “Tiffany Blue” branded bag and box. Seagram’s and Tiffany & Co. celebrated the Bicentennial of the American Declaration of Independence in 1976 by releasing this special product.
Comparison Photos:
Original Article Link: Global Antiques, Auction Depot LA – Reader Experience With “Original” Casablanca Prop
Seller: “Auction Depot LA”
eBay Listing: “CASABLANCA FILM PROP ORIGINAL GLASS/ METAL CONTAINER”
eBay Item #: 330215364923
Global Antiques Certification: “Casablanca, 1942”, “Film Prop Original” and “Made in West Germany”
Analysis: Casablanca was released in 1942. West Germany was founded in 1949.
Close-Up Photo:
I will continue to monitor developments related to these issues and concerns.
Jason De Bord
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