I’ve noticed a number of trends on the rise of late, in the marketing and sale of original movie and television props and costumes in the marketplace, that are to the detriment of consumer hobbyists. [Read more…]
Rock Island Auction Company “Premiere Firearms Auction” – December 6-8, 2008 in Moline, IL
Rock Island Auction Company is holding their “Premiere Firearms Auction” December 6, 7, and 8 in Moline, IL. Among the 2,700 lots of “historical, rare and unique firearms” are a few pieces previously sold at the Little John’s “World Famous Stembridge Armory Collection“. [Read more…]
Art Dealers Plead Guilty to Crimes Involving Misrepresentation & Fraudulant COAs
Rick Spector of Stairway to the Stars directed me to an interesting article on the Maine Antique Digest website about art dealers who have plead guilty to a scheme involving their passing off art with manufactured origins, fictitious artist names and identities, and fraudulent certificates of authenticity (COAs). [Read more…]
Cross-Hobby Buzz & Questions About Unfinished/Incomplete Stormtrooper Helmet
In October, there was a significant amount of buzz, discussion, and questions about a Stormtrooper helmet presented to hobbyists publicly and described as original and attributed to Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. These debates resulted from the owner of the helmet, “JoeR”, initiating discussions about the newly acquired piece on several original and replica prop hobby discussion forums. [Read more…]
stonark / *stoneark*: More Questions About Sources & Provenance
As has been noted in past features (see Market Watch | “stonark” / “*stoneark*” (Corner Collectibles)), eBay seller *stoneark* (recently changed from stonark) has paired Letters of Authenticity and Certificates of Authenticity from auction houses and a variety of other sources. I have been unable to verify the existence of most of these firms and individuals, which has raised a number of questions as to provenance. [Read more…]
Profiles in History “Collectors Book Store Auction″ Catalog Available Online
The Profiles in History “Collectors Book Store Auction” catalog is now available (as a download in PDF) for their next auction, to be held at their offices in Calabassas Hills, CA on December 12-14, 2008. [Read more…]
Bonhams: Entertainment Memorabilia Auction – Los Angeles, December 21, 2008
Bonhams next Entertainment Memorabilia auction will be held in Los Angeles on December 21, 2008. [Read more…]
High Definition Screencaps: Blu-Ray Disc Update
The arrival of high definition format products in the marketplace has been a huge development for original prop and wardrobe hobbyists. The availability of film and television programs in HD is a very powerful tool for research and authentication. [Read more…]