By Jason DeBord
There is a news story in the New York Post about a collector who bid on and won items at the Christie’s “40 Years of Star Trek: The Collection” event in New York held in October 2006.
This was one of the biggest live auction events in the history of the hobby, with extensive press coverage. [Read more…]
By Jason DeBord
One of the most inherently problematic props, in terms of issues with authenticity, are of the “off the shelf” or “found” variety.
What are “off the shelf” props?
Props, wardrobe pieces, set pieces, and any other artifacts used in a production that are:
1) Mass produced (past or present),
2) for non-production purposes (i.e. not specifically manufactured for use in the production), and
3) are or were available for purchase from those not associated with the production. [Read more…]
By Jason DeBord
The Borehamwood & Elstree Times have published a news story yesterday about Elstree Props offerings at SpecialistAuctions.com, including the Luke Return of the Jedi lightsaber prop discussed in prior articles (see Elstree Props “Original” Return of the Jedi Lightsaber at Auction, Update 1, Update 2, Update 3, Update 4, Update 5) .
The initial 28-day auction at SpecialistAuctions.com ended November 12th with no bids (Expired Auction Link) and has since been relisted as a new 28-day listing (Relisted Auction Link) which currently shows as active, with 16 days remaining.
Obviously, the questions raised about the piece here, on the Movie Prop Forum (LINK), and the Replica Prop Forum (LINK) remain unanswered.
Interestingly, the article indicates that the lightsaber is no longer available for sale, though the listing is still active: [Read more…]
By Jason DeBord
It appears that the Elstree Props Luke Skywalker Return of the Jedi lightsaber prop at auction on SpecialistAuctions.com ended today with no bids (Expired Auction Link) and has since been relisted as a new 28-day listing (Relisted Auction Link). [Read more…]
By Jason DeBord
A trend that comes and goes with the theatrical release of hit films (and sometimes not so “hit” films) and “hot” films (i.e. a small but enthused following) is that of “Hype Premium”. This trend manifests itself in conjunction with the theatrical release of films that include complimentary promotion in the form of prop offerings by the studio or studio affiliate. Well, I just now made up the terminology – “Hype Premium” – but it’s descriptive enough…
This is an oft discussed trend – even in the midst of it actually occurring – but it rarely fails to deliver.
Companies like Hollywood Vault and Premiere Props often schedule auctions by 1) offering props from films at the time of the theatrical release and then, 2) offering additional props later, at the time of the DVD release.
This is done to maximize promotion of the film (in theaters and for home video release) via the sale of props and wardrobe pieces.
So what does this have to do with the “Hype Premium”?
The “Hype Premium” is the difference in price realized for the same or similar items offered at the theatrical release compared with the home video release. [Read more…]
By Jason DeBord
There is a news story, including an interview with Paul Harrison of Elstree Props, about the Luke Skywalker Return of the Jedi lightsaber at auction on SpecialistAuctions.com. This has had continuing coverage on the OPB (see Elstree Props “Original” Return of the Jedi Lightsaber at Auction, Update 1, Update 2, Update 3).
This is an interesting article, in that it provides more information from the viewpoint of Elstree Props and it illustrates the mainstream media’s lack of consideration regarding any challenge to authenticity. [Read more…]
By Jason DeBord
This is a follow-up to the other two topics (LINK, LINK, LINK) discussing the Elstree Props Luke Skywalker Return of the Jedi lightsaber offered at auction by Auction Specialists.
There has been ongoing discussions in dedicated topics on the Movie Prop Forum and Replica Prop Forum:
The Replica Prop Forum (the RPF): Elstree Props “Original” ROTJ Lightsaber
The Movie Prop Forum: ROTJ Lightsaber
The RPF is a great resource for learning the details and history of a great many props, those from Star Wars films in particular. [Read more…]
By Jason DeBord
One topic that comes up with original prop collectors now and again is the notion of “marketplace oversight”. Given the nature of these collectibles, where value is intrinsically tied to provenance and authenticity, how do we, as a hobby, move away from the “Wild West” environment, and perhaps implement some sort of oversight (whether organized or informal) to help guide and share information with new and seasoned collectors and identify those individuals or entities that trade in inauthentic pieces? [Read more…]