Movie Prop Collecting with Jason DeBord's Original Prop Blog Film & TV Prop, Costume, Hollywood Memorablia Pop Culture Resource

Archives for 2012

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Charity Auction: Auction Cause Offers Original Props from “Survivor Philippines” on eBay

As is the case with each season, original props and artifacts from the latest seasons of Survivor, Survivor Philippines, are being offered at auction on eBay by Auction Cause, with proceeds benefiting a variety of charitable organizations.  The auction began Sunday night with the conclusion of this season of the show, which revealed Denise Stapely to be the winner of the $1 million dollar prize this time.  The auctions run through next Wednesday (apologies for the delay in running this – have been traveling and wanted to stay spoiler free until I caught up with the show tonight).

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Update on James Comisar’s “Museum of Television” Project In Phoenix, AZ – On ‘Good Morning Arizona’ Show

As reported a few months ago (see “James Comisar’s “Museum of Television”: The Three Year, $35 Million, 50,000 sq ft Project Finds A Home In Phoenix, AZ”), James Comisar’s dream of creating a public museum to house his unparalleled collection of original television artifacts is becoming a reality, with a project in the works to showcase this material in downtown Phoenix.  Mr. Comisar was featured in a lengthy and substantive interview on “Good Morning Arizona” in the past week to talk about his project and collection, and also noted that a preview center is planned next year to promote the museum, which is scheduled to be completed sometime in 2016. [Read more…]

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Air Gun Movie Prop Used for Publicity Photography By Sean Connery as James Bond Disappoints in Sotheby’s Resale

A little over two years ago, an air gun /pistol used by Sean Connery for some iconic James Bond publicity photos stunned the hobby when it sold at the traditional late November Christie’s South Kensington Pop Culture auction far in excess of its estimate, realizing a staggering £277,250 (US$438,609) including buyer’s premium.  In a resale by Sotheby’s this past weekend, it sold for less than half that amount. [Read more…]

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Profiles in History ‘Hollywood Auction 53’ Results in Passed Lots, A Few Surprises; “Jackpot” Reserves/Estimates Finally Out of Control?

I have been traveling for the past week, so did not personally watch the latest Profiles in History sale (“Hollywood Auction 53”) live, but received a number of e-mails and texts from others in this art market commenting about the overall “lackluster” and “disappointing” results of the event, though there were a few surprises and stand out pieces (such as the Lord of the Rings Legolas bow going for $372,000 with Buyer’s Premium, Kate Winslet’s dress from Titanic selling for $330,000 with BP, and an X-Wing model from Star Wars realizing approximately $270,000 with BP).  Based on a spreadsheet compiled by a friend, focusing on Lots 433-902 (the second half of the catalog, following classic Hollywood photos, etc.), about 40% of the items were not sold.  [Read more…]

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Southern California’s NBC-4 “I-Team” Investigation into Julien’s Auctions Michael Jackson Autographs from Costume Designer Michael Bush

NBC-4 in Southern California have broadcast a report on their news program and published an accompanying story on their official site looking into claims made by third parties that items offered for sale by Julien’s Auctions, sourced from Michael Jackson’s costume designer Michael Bush, feature Michael Jackson autographs that are not authentic.  [Read more…]

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Original TV and Movie Prop & Costume, Hollywood Entertainment, & Pop Culture Memorabilia Live Auction Events Calendar

Below is the latest updated list of upcoming original movie and television prop, wardrobe, and memorabilia auction events. Please contact me if you are aware of any coming events of interest to collectors. Please also note that I update changes/additions to the calendar until the next update, in order to maintain as up to date as possible. [Read more…]

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New York Daily News Update on Mastro Auctions Scandal: Bill Mastro To Plead Guilty To Fraud, Altering Memorabilia

As the latest significant update to this ongoing high profile memorabilia auction house fraud scandal, the lead journalists covering the story for the New York Daily News today reports that William Mastro of Mastro Auctions will be changing his plea to guilty on one fraud count, and will admit that he “altered the world’s most valuable trading card, a Honus Wagner T206 that has fetched millions of dollars in a series of high-profile transactions”.  It’s last sale was to Ken Kendrick, the owner of the Arizona Diamondbacks, who paid $2.8 million for the baseball card.  Mastro originally purchased the card for $25,000. [Read more…]

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Opinion/Editorial: Free Advice for Premiere Props – Seven Tips To Improve Live Auction Business

Premiere Props has been around since 2001…  about a year longer than I have been collecting.  So they’ve been a fixture in the hobby for my collecting “lifetime”.  In fact, one of the first original props I ever purchased I bought from Premiere Props on eBay (one of The Shoveler’s shovels from Mystery Men).  While they have demonstrated longevity, I’m actually kind of surprised at how little they have evolved over the years.  Today I find myself inspired to offer some third party tips, in the form of free advice, that would make a positive impact on their business and standing in this art market.  My intention is not to be snarky, but underline some issues that have been painfully obvious over the years (to me anyway).  Seven simple changes could vastly improve the company (it was originally going to be three, but as I started writing this, it grew; still, it is not intended to be comprehensive).  The following is my list, based on my personal observations and opinions. [Read more…]