The upcoming Profiles in History “Auction 32” event is set for July 31 & August 1 at the Profiles offices in Calabassas Hills. This sale features a complete Superman costume attributed to use by Christopher Reeve in Superman: The Movie and Superman II.
Auction details about the Superman costume, Lot 909, are available on the Profiles in History website, their online and print catalogs, eBay Live Auctions, and Live Auctioneers:
The description reads:
909. Christopher Reeve complete Superman: The Movie Costume worn in the filming of Superman I & II. (Warner Bros., 1978) Christopher Reeve’s complete Superman: The Movie costume consisting of a blue body suit with the famous red and yellow “S” insignia sewn on and red trunks attached, blue leg tights, yellow belt, red cape with yellow “S” insignia sewn on, red leather boots with zip-up back and Velcro flap closure. Offered here is the complete costume from Reeve’s trademark role as “The Man of Steel”. This costume was acquired in 1990 from Duane Garrett head of the Democratic National Party and advisor to Al Gore.
$60,000 – $80,000
Below are photos from the auction:
It appears that this may be the same costume sold in the Guernsey’s auction event in March 2008 (see Guernsey’s Pugliese Pop Culture Collection Auction: HD Images from Today Show Feature), which sold for $45,000 plus premium (see Guernsey’s “Pugliese Pop Culture Auction” Held Yesterday, Today). That costume was previously sold by Profiles in History at the “Hollywood Auction 6” in June 1999. For an archive of those auction listings, see:
- Original Superman Costume Auction House Reference Archive Part 1: Profiles in History
- Original Superman Costume Auction House Reference Archive Part 3: Guernsey’s, Heritage, American Memorabilia, R&R Auctions
Analysis of this costume is challenging, given the lack of high resolution, close-up photos and information about Bermans & Nathans tags, if any. However, in comparing with the confirmed authentic Prop Store costume on display at the Movieum, there appear to be some differences (Movieum Top, Profiles in History Bottom):
As discussed in prior articles, the confirmed authentic costumes are made of very unique material with heavy weave and a consistent smooth appearance with the weave/pattern of the blue fabric matching that of the red and yellow. There are also other physical attributes unique to the confirmed authentic costumes, related to cut and shape of material, sheen/shade/color of fabric, design, method of construction, Bermans & Nathans tags, and other features.
Jason De Bord
Additional Related Articles: Market Watch | Superman