Since publishing my lengthy and comprehensive article last night (see “Questions About Superman Costumes in the Marketplace: Authenticity, Sources, Quantity“), which raises questions about the number of “original” and “authentic” Superman costumes in the marketplace, another such auction has been listed on eBay since completing the article: [Read more…]
The L.A. Times Asks Gov. Schwarzenegger About His Movie Guns
A short little bit was published in the L.A. Times today in which Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger was asked about the weapons he used in his films… [Read more…]
Second Wave of NBC Universal Studio Auctions Begin January 21, 2008
As discussed in prior articles (“Reported Plans for NBC Studio Auction Event“, “NBC Universal Auctions Live“, “First Wave of NBC Auctions: Results (11/19-12/3)“), NBC Universal launched a website offering direct from the studio auctions back in November. The first set of two week auctions listed included props and wardrobe and set-pieces from Heroes, The Office, 30 Rock, Friday Night Lights, and Las Vegas.
More details can be found at www.nbc.com/shop/auctions/ [Read more…]
Profiles in History Hollywood Auction 31: March 27 & 28
The Profiles in History website shows that the next auction will be March 27 & 28, 2008: [Read more…]
Questions About Superman Costumes in the Marketplace: Authenticity, Sources, Quantity
Costumes from the classic Christopher Reeve Superman films have long been one of the most “inherently problematic” wardrobe pieces for original prop collectors to acquire. One, the studio that owns the property and produced and distributed the films was Warner Bros. Warner Bros. is known to be very careful of keeping control of its assets and diligent in pursuing key pieces that have entered the collector’s market improperly. Two, there are many accounts from a number of collectors who have purchased Superman costumes marketed as “Original” that they claim are replica costumes.
There is an ongoing topic at the Movie Prop Forum touching on some of these issues titled: “Superman Wardrobe and Super38 Armando“. [Read more…]
Florida Man Faces Felony Charges in eBay Art Fraud Scam
A very interesting article was posted today at the Saint Petersburg Times website which is directly relevant to the original prop collecting hobby.
Per the report, citing Tampa and New Jersey police, a man was suspected of selling fraudulent art on eBay. One of the Tampa police detectives posed as a customer and won two auctions on eBay, paid the seller, and received the artwork, described as original and authentic works by Pablo Picasso and Marc Chagall, for $3,500.
The works were received, along with fraudulent certificates of authenticity.
Following an assessment from a local appraiser that the pieces were not authentic, a warrant was issued and the eBay seller, Ethem Ulge, “turned himself in to a Hillsborough County jail on felony charges, including grand theft in the third degree, organized fraud less than $20,000 and fraudulent use of personal information.” [Read more…]
Star Trek Christie’s Lawsuit – A Four Day News Story?
As covered in several previous articles (see “Star Trek Collector Sues Christie’s, CBS & Paramount Studios for $7 Million Dollars“, “Star Trek Christie’s Lawsuit Story, Fundamentals of Authenticity, & The Mainstream Media“, “Star Trek Christie’s Lawsuit – The Official Data’s Poker Visor Description Amendment“), a collector is suing CBS and Paramount Studios and Christies for $7 million dollars, claiming that the pieces won at the 40 Years of Star Trek: The Collection auction event were “fake” or inauthentic. [Read more…]
Website Reviews: The Star Wars Helmet Archive, The Sci-FI Movie Helmet Archive
This is actually a joint review of two websites from the same creator/owner:
Website Name: Star Wars Helmet Archive
Website URL: http://www.starwarshelmets.com
Website Description: “Welcome to www.StarWarsHelmets.com the helmet, armor and costume archive from the Star Wars galaxy. This site is a showcase of the very best Star Wars props; Original, Licensed and Fan-made.” [Read more…]