eBay seller “fearlessgreen” has listed an “original” and “one of a kind” blanket attributed to use in Superman: The Movie. While I have generally limited my Superman-related articles to the costumes, this is one example in which a claim is contrary to evidence from prior public auctions, as well as adds another example to the ongoing Bermans and Nathans asset tag analysis (see Superman Costumes in the Marketplace: Bermans & Nathans Wardrobe Tag Analysis).
eBay Seller: fearlessgreen
Auction Title: “SUPERMAN original blanket screen used 1978 KRYPTON”; “with COAs, paperwork, and original label -one of a kind”
Noted Source/Provenance: “Their names and paperwork will be released to the winning bidder.”
eBay Item #: 320305634448
End Date: 10/08/08
Auction Result: Currently Active, Buy It Now $4,500.00
Full Auction Archive: “SUPERMAN original blanket screen used 1978 KRYPTON”
Description:
This auction is for the original SCREEN USED multi colored Superman baby blanket used in the first SUPERMAN film, from 1978. Remember the blanket that Superman as a baby was wrapped in on the planet Krypton, as well as in his spaceship which escaped the destruction of his homeplanet and which wrapped the crystals from his homeland in the barn of his adopted family in Kansas? This is THE blanket which was screenused in the film. It is not a fake, or a backup item. Do not be fooled by other Superman items which are either replicas, backup items, or experimental production made pieces that saw no screen time. This blanket still has the original Bermans and Nathans tag attached on the back side stating “Superman Krypton York” and also stating a production number: #12018. I have verified both this number and tag as genuine. This is the real thing. The blanket is multicolored and has a strip of reflective material around the border (to make it glow on screen). It was to my pleasure and surprise that I discovered the reflective qualities of the blanket when I recently took a picture of it (see picture). Apparently, the wardrobe department used both reflective material as well as reflective tape on the actors’ clothing and accessories so that they would have a surreal and glowing quality on screen on the planet Krypton.
I purchased this rare one of a kind blanket from a reputable collector this last year, and the blanket is accompanied by two letters of authenticity from each of these collectors (who have signed and dated them). These collectors are well known and respected in the prop community and have consigned many major props and wardrobe to major auction houses, including Profiles in History as well as Sothebys and Christies. Their names and paperwork will be released to the winning bidder. This Blanket was originally acquired directly from the family of the Producer of the Superman Films, and had been in a private collection for almost thirty years. I will also include my own Letter of authenticity with the blanket if interested. I have been a reputable collector for nearly 20 years now, and am also a member of the United Movie Collectors Guild. I have amassed one of the largest collections of film memorabilia and antiquities in the United States. I rarely sell items, especially on ebay, but I find that I need the room!
This is a rare one of a kind piece of film memorabilia from the first and greatest comic book film of all time. Genuine Superman items are rare and impossible to find and very expensive. This blanket has a very high appraisal value and would make an excellent gift or investment opportunity. Forget investing in the stock market which is constantly sinking to new all time lows – consider investing in Movie Props and other memorabilia! Superman items like this will continue to increase in value. Serious bidders only please. All sales are final and no returns will be accepted. Buyer pays shipping costs which are $20 anywhere in the continental USA. I accept paypal, checks and money orders. Payment is due within four days of the auctions end. If you have any questions, please contact me before the auction ends. If I receive a fair offer for this blanket or a buy it now price, the auction may be cancelled early, so be sure to use the buy it now option to purchase the blanket, before it disappears. Thanks and good luck
Marketing Photos:
Analysis:
The seller claim that this blanket is “one of a kind” does not appear to be accurate, in that “Super Hollywood” listed a blanket or blankets like this one late last year under his “super38” eBay account, and the Bermans and Nathans wardrobe tag depicted in the photos is entirely different.
eBay Seller: super38
Auction Title: “Superman Krypton Baby blanket Reeve costume”
Noted Source/Provenance: “Comes with original COA from owner”
eBay Item #: 260194069469, 260190951231, 260188330007, 260173729380
End Date: Various – October 2007, November 2007, December 2007
Auction Result: Sold via “Buy It Now” for $590.00 to “masterdumbo”, second example listed subsequently
Listing Example Ended With “Buy It Now:
Full Auction Archive: “Superman Krypton Baby blanket Reeve costume”
Additional Listing Examples:
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Description:
16 Hour Sale. Photo shows unretouched photo of the blanket with flash. Trim is a light grey fabric that glows when light it applied. Thanks for all your emails! Super Hollywood
Super Hollywood
is offering this 100% Original, Superman red yellow and blue blanket with off white fleece backing, from Superman the movie 1978. Comes with original COA from owner. For the true Superman collector. 100% authentic and original. Photo shows blanket trim grayish without flash and effect of how it reproduces light with flash. Please email for any and all information. We are opening the vault of various movie collectables from the last 12 years that we’ve aquired.
NO BUYERS PREMIUM, DIRECT FROM ORIGINAL OWNER.
: Please see photo’s for more details.
Bidders with negative feedback or less that 10 feedback must email before bidding for permission to bid, or they will be automatically canceled. Thank you for your understanding.
Thank you.
Super Hollywood
Thank you. Super Hollywood.
Marketing Photos:
Analysis:
Though there were many listings for this item, it is unclear how many were available and how many were sold.
The one recorded sale on 12/13/07 (the first example above, eBay Item #260190951231, sold to “masterdumbo” for $590) was followed by another listing for the same item on 12/21/07 (eBay Item #260194069469).
Per toolhaus.org (LINK), “masterdumbo” and “super38” left one another positive feedback for the transaction 6 days after the auction ended, but 2 days prior to the next “super38” listing for the same type of item:
In any event, the “one of a kind” statement by “fearlessgreen” in the current auction listing is contradicted by these prior offerings, and the fact that the Bermans & Nathans asset tags in the two sets of photos do not match – one is typed, one is handwritten:
Questions About “fearlessgreen’s” Marketing Remarks:
This is THE blanket which was screenused in the film.
How was this determined?
This blanket still has the original Bermans and Nathans tag attached on the back side stating “Superman Krypton York” and also stating a production number: #12018. I have verified both this number and tag as genuine. This is the real thing.
Who verified this?
I purchased this rare one of a kind blanket from a reputable collector this last year, and the blanket is accompanied by two letters of authenticity from each of these collectors (who have signed and dated them). These collectors are well known and respected in the prop community and have consigned many major props and wardrobe to major auction houses, including Profiles in History as well as Sothebys and Christies. Their names and paperwork will be released to the winning bidder.
Why is the name of the “reputable”, “well known and respected” source of the item and two Letters of Authenticity confidential?
Of what value is a Letter of Authenticity if the authenticator and author is unknown prior to purchase?
I will also include my own Letter of authenticity with the blanket if interested.
All sales are final and no returns will be accepted.
Of what purpose and value is a Letter of Authenticity if all sales are final?
Jason De Bord
Additional Related Articles: Market Watch | Superman