I have started a series of more comprehensive profiles of the original props in my own collection, and the second piece to be showcased is a hero Walther PPK from the James Bond film “Licence To Kill” staring Timothy Dalton. [Read more…]
Superior Court Lawsuit Filing: Michael Jackson’s MJJ Productions, Inc. vs Julien’s Auction House, LLC
As widely reported in the mainstream media, Michael Jackson has filed a lawsuit against Julien’s Auctions for the return of personal property from the Neverland Ranch that was consigned to the auction house with a sale planned for April 22-April 25, 2009 in Beverly Hills. Below is a PDF of the complaint filed in California Superior Court. [Read more…]
Mastro Auctions Closes In Midst Of FBI Investigation Into Shill Bidding & Fraud Allegations
Mastro Auctions, the largest sports memorabilia auction house, has closed amid an FBI fraud investigation. Three Mastro executives have purchased the company’s assets and will launch a new company called Legendary Auctions. Part of the investigation by law enforcement is focused on charges of “shill bidding”. [Read more…]
Latest Version of New York State Assembly Bill A01730: Seeks Prohibition of Auction House “Sham” Bids Without Disclosure
An article published in 2007 (see Auction House Buying Considerations, Part II: Chandelier Bid (“Sham Bidding”) Legislation) discussed proposed legislation related to “sham” or “chandelier” bids, described by a New York legislator as “chicanery perpetrated by auction houses,” with auction house Sotheby’s opposed to the legislation. [Read more…]
TrekCore “FUNdraiser”, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Tribbles Auctions
The website TrekCore, which offers a significant amount of free resources that is of value to original prop and wardrobe collectors, is having a fundraiser to raise capital to operate the site and keep it advertising free. [Read more…]
eBay’s Feedback System: Why It’s Broken
Back when I first joined eBay (over 10 years ago), I remember that member feedback seemed to have real meaning. I believe the original intent behind the system was to quantify how people do business, which would create some semblance of an “online reputation”. [Read more…]
Comic-Con Intl’ 2009: 4-Day Passes Nearly Sold Out
Comic-Con International in San Diego for 2009 has nearly sold out of the 4-day passes for attendees, having been on sale for less than a month. Comic-Con (formerly “San Diego Comic Con”) is generally considered to be “the” pop culture event of the year. [Read more…]
Auction Network Pulls The Plug On Julien’s Auctions Amid Michael Jackson Lawsuit Controversy
As reported Thursday, Michael Jackson has filed a lawsuit against Julien’s Auctions over the upcoming auction event in April, liquidating Jackson’s personal property and memorabilia from Neverland Ranch. Now Auction Network, the online bidding service provider, has announced on their website that they are withdrawing as a partner in the auction “unless or until the controversy is resolved”. [Read more…]