A reader pointed out some interesting original prop auctions by “kellysheroesmilitaria” on eBay and matching retail props available for sale at website Jas Townsend & Son, Inc. (www.jas-townsend.com). Some of the eBay auctions also feature the same photos found at Jas Townsend & Son. [Read more…]
A collector has sent me photos from the “Superman Celebration 2006″ and Superman Celebration 2008” events, both of which featured live auctions for Superman costumes/costume parts marketed as original and authentic from the Superman films of the 70s and 80s staring Christopher Reeve. Interestingly, these auctions and costume parts relate back to previous OPB articles. [Read more…]
Bermans & Nathans of England (acquired by Angels Costumiers in 1992) made the costumes worn by Christopher Reeve in the Superman films of the 1970s and 1980s. As such, one of the components of provenance and authenticity are the wardrobe or asset tags affixed to costumes at the time of production. Of the confirmed authentic costumes I am aware of, these pieces have wardrobe tags. However, some costumes which have been trading in the marketplace exhibit tags that are not consistent with photos of authentic tags I have assembled for my own reference. [Read more…]
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”. For all such items listed in June 2008, via eBay and auction house events, please also reference these articles: [Read more…]
Elstree Props (e11e on eBay) is marketing another very expensive “original” prop auction with pieces claimed to have been “prototypes” in the production of Star Wars: A New Hope. This new eBay offering is a set of lightsabers, attributed to a January 1976 meeting. Comparing the claims made in the auction listing with J.W. Rinzler’s The Making of Star Wars raises many questions about these vintage camera flashguns being offered for sale starting at $19,938.00. [Read more…]
As reported in past articles, Julien’s held their “Entertainment Sale Hollywood Memorabilia” auction at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas on June 21 (LINK). One of the items featured prominently in their marketing raised some questions on the Movie Prop Forum, with Rick Spector of Stairway to the Stars questioning the date on the clapboard (or clapperboard) attributed to use in The Godfather, as well as the “I” in the film title. I’ve since picked up a copy of The Godfather Legacy by Harlan Lebo which seems to raise further questions about the markings on this piece that realized $4,500.00 at auction (plus 25%-27.5% Buyer’s Premium). [Read more…]
This is a continuation of the first article looking at the “SCREEN-USED ENDOSKELETON HEAD FROM THE 1984 FILM “TERMINATOR” STARRING ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER”. I have compiled high resolution screen captures from The Terminator Blu-Ray Disc. I have also researched the great detail about the development and filming of the Terminator endoskeleton and skull by Stan Winston Studios in the book, “The Winston Effect” (see Book Review: The Winston Effect). These images and information are compared and contrasted with the endo skull offered at auction that is “MADE COMPLETELY OUT OF METAL”. [Read more…]
Over the past several years, one issue that has been discussed among hobbyists from time to time relates to questions about Stormtrooper helmets characterized as “prototypes” and attributed to the production of the first Star Wars film, A New Hope. A number of hobbyists do not believe these helmets are indeed prototypes (precursors to the helmets made for and used in A New Hope) but made following that production, which would classify them as non-Original or replicas. [Read more…]