This article continues coverage of Superman costumes and costume components offered for sale publicly in the marketplace attributed to use in the Superman films of the 70s-80s starring Christopher Reeve and characterized as “original” and “authentic”.
eBay Seller: kronickentertainment
Auction Title: “SUPERMAN C. REEVE SCREEN WORN COSTUME–COA—NO RESERVE“; “BERMAN & NATHANS LABELS-AMAZING PROVENANCE-100% GENUINE”
Noted Source/Provenance: Scott Leva, Stuntman
eBay Item #: 200264034436
End Date: 10/18/08
Auction Result: Currently Active, Starting Bid $5,950.00, Buy It Now $6,500.00
Full Auction Archive: “SUPERMAN C. REEVE SCREEN WORN COSTUME–COA—NO RESERVE”
Description:
We are proud to present…
AN AMAZING AND HISTORIC PIECE OF MOTION PICTURE HISTORY!!!!! THIS IS A FULLY DOCUMENTED AND AUTHENTICATED CHRISTOPHER REEVE WALKING SUPERMAN COSTUME FEATURED IN BOTH THE FIRST AND SECOND FILMS (SHOT AT THE SAME TIME) THE COSTUME CONSISTS OF WALKING CAPE & FULL BODYSUIT–THERE ARE NO BOOTS,BELT, TIGHTS—THE OUTFIT WAS USED FOR CLOSE-UP AND WALKING SCENES MAKING IT THE THE RAREST AND MOST IN DEMAND OF ALL REEVE SUPERMAN COSTUMES. THE GARMENTS HAVE FANTASTIC HISTORY AND AUTHENTICITY FROM MR SCOTT LEVA-AN AWARD WINNING STUNTMAN AND ONE OF THE MOST RESPECTED STUNT DOUBLES IN ALL OF MOTION PICTURE–HIS FULL RESUME AND SIGNED LETTER OF AUTHENTICITY IS INCLUDED–MR LEVA WORKED AS A STUNT DOUBLE ON THE FILM AND HAS AUTHENTICATED THIS EXACT OUTFIT AS ONE WORN BY REEVE DURING FILMING. THESE GARMENTS FEATURE THE ALL IMPORTANT BERMAN AND NATHANS COSTUMERS TAGGING (WHICH SELDOM IF EVER IS FOUND ON THE MANY FAKES OUT THERE!!) FOR THOSE OF YOU NOT FAMILIAR–BERMANS AND NATHANS ARE THE BRITISH COSTUME COMPANY THAT MADE MOST OF REEVES OUTFITS FOR THE FIRST 2 FILMS–THIS RARE COSTUME IS BEING OFFERED WELL BELOW CURRENT AUCTION HOUSE APPRAISAL. GUARANTEED GENUINE AND AUTHENTIC FOR LIFE WITH A MONEY BACK GUARANTEE!!!!!!!! OFFERED AT NO RESERVE!!!!!!!!!!!
Marketing Photos:
Notes:
eBay seller kronickentertainment has previously listed for sale on eBay a Superman “S” shield, see prior articles:
- Superman Costumes in the Marketplace: February-May 2008 eBay Recap
- Superman Costumes in the Marketplace Round-Up: April, May
This previous offering included an “Anastasia Salkind” Letter of Authenticity.
I communicated with Scott Leva in February 2003 with regards to a Greatest American Hero costume that he had listed on eBay as “sleva”. It did not sell on eBay. There were also extensive discussions on the public Greatest American Hero forum at the time, which I archived. Mr. Leva had concurrent eBay auctions for Superman, Superboy, and Supergirl costumes. In November 2004, what appeared to be the same Greatest American Hero costume with the same “NBC” asset tags was listed on eBay by Armando Alvarez as “super38”.
The Bermans & Nathans tag seen in the current auction above has discrepancies with the standards established in the prior article analyzing these asset tags:
There are also discrepancies with the confirmed authentic costumes featured in prior articles.
eBay Seller: walrus25
Auction Title: “SUPERMAN original screen used blanket Marlon Brando WOW“; “Original 1978 prop blanket with Letters of Authenticity”
Noted Source/Provenance: “These two collectors have signed their own letters of authenticity stating the blanket is genuine and a screen used prop from the Superman. Due to privacy concerns, the names of these individuals will only be released to the winning bidder of the auction.”
eBay Item #: 330278486649
End Date: 10/19/08
Auction Result: Currently Active, 2 Bids, Current Bid $117.50
Full Auction Archive: “SUPERMAN original screen used blanket Marlon Brando WOW”
Description:
This is one of the original screen used superman blankets from the first film, SUPERMAN from 1978. Remember the beginning of the film Superman, when superman as a baby is on his homeplanet of Krypton wrapped in a blanket? This is the actual prop blanket used in the film on screen. It is a bright multicolored blanket with a strip of reflective material around the border which would “glow” when photographed. The blanket was used in the scenes with Marlon Brando and Susannah York (superman’s parents) on the planet Krypton where Superman was wrapped in the blanket, and it was also placed inside Superman’s spaceship which escaped the homeplanet before it was destroyed. I have attached a movie still showing the blanket on screen during this scene. The first SUPERMAN film is the best of the Superman films, and starred the legendary late Christopher Reeve as Superman, along with Margot Kidder, and Gene Hackman. This is a rare opportunity to own an a screen used item from one of the most respected classic superhero films of all time.
According to behind the scenes documentaries and books about the Making of Superman, the actors would either wear a reflective material or be covered in strips of grey reflective tape which would glow when photographed. This rare blanket has reflective grey border which still glows as you can see in the pictures. I have read that several blankets were made for production (experimental versions with different colors, backup blankets, etc.). However, it is believed that this blanket is the actual screen used blanket, based on comparisons with the colors of the screen used version, the material, the label, etc). The blanket also retains its original attached Bermans and Nathans wardrobe tag which states that it was used in Superman by Susannah York and has a number written “12018.” Please see picture for closeup of label. I spoke to an individual in the film industry this last year who owns several of the original screen used costumes and props from the Superman films and who has worked directly with costume designer Yvone Blake, who had worked on the first Superman film. After seeing the pictures of the blanket including the label, he concluded that it is genuine. He also sent pictures to Yvonne Blake who currently resides in Spain. She also concluded that the blanket appears genuine.
I have seen other superman blankets for sale over the years on ebay and at auction. Most of them appear to be either backup blankets, experimental production made versions or outright frauds! I purchased this rare blanket from a reputable collector this last year, and he in turn had purchased the blanket from another well known and respected collector who has been collecting a variety of props and wardrobe for many years. The original ower had purchased it from the estate of the producer of the Superman films who had kept this blanket among other items in their own personal collection since the films were made. These two collectors have signed their own letters of authenticity stating the blanket is genuine and a screen used prop from the Superman. Due to privacy concerns, the names of these individuals will only be released to the winning bidder of the auction. Rest assured, the sources who owned this superman blanket and signed the letters of authenticity are very well respected collectors who stongly support the blanket’s authenticity. I too believe this to be a genuine screen used prop and if interested, I can add my own signed letter of authenticity to the group. This blanket was part of a collection of original Superman wardrobe that is currently being sold at Heritage auction house online, including the original robe screen worn by Marlon Brando in the first Superman film as well as one of Clark Kent’s suits from Superman II. It is a rare and wonderful piece of cinematic history. It is instantly recognizable and very iconic. I consider it to be one of the best props to acquire from the Superman films. I have decided to list it on ebay with no reserve price, and a low starting bid. Serious bidders only please! I am open to serious offers and once the items sells it will not be relisted. So be prepared to bid!
This would make the perfect gift for the collector who has everything, and also a very wise investment which will assuredly appreciate in value (much safer than the stock market)!
Please bid with confidence. I have been a reputable collector for nearly 20 years and a well respected member of the United Movie Collectors Guild (UMCG). Please contact me with any and all questions before the auction ends.
Marketing Photos:
Notes:
This item was offered recently by the same seller under a different eBay account, “fearlessgreen”.
See coverage in previous articles:
- “One of a Kind” Krypton Baby Superman Blanket
- “One of a Kind” Krypton Baby Superman Blanket – Update
I did ask some questions of the seller, Daniel Green, in response to his published “Reader Comment”, but never received a response.
eBay Seller: propsetc
Auction Title: “Superboy Superman Joaquin Phoenix costume”
Noted Source/Provenance: Ana Mungia, Super Hollywood, Armando Alvarez
eBay Item #: 330279114308
End Date: 10/22/08
Auction Result: Currently Active, Starting Bid $399.00, $499.00 “Buy It Now”, 0 Bids
Full Auction Archive: “Superboy Superman Joaquin Phoenix costume”
Description:
Purchased from Super Hollywood – description below (model in picture is 5’5, 135 lbs):
Super Hollywood is excited to be offering a Joaquin Phoenix costume from the Adventures of Superboy (late 1980’s early 1990’s). This costume comes with original letter of provenance from Ms. Mungia original costumer for the Salkinds. This costume is from the episode “Little Hercules” from the first season of the adventures of Superboy starring: John Haymes Newton; 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. Costume is complete (except for belt & boots)
Superboy costume comes with: Blue tunic with S red and yellow s shield. Red cape with straps, Blue leg tights. Please see photo’s for more details.
LOA Marketing Photo:
Jason De Bord
Additional Related Articles: Market Watch | Superman