There are several very interesting and very active topics running on the Movie Prop Forum, which have engaged hobbyists on a variety of important issues related to the hobby of collecting original props. [Read more…]
Elstree Props Return of the Jedi Lightsaber Auction – Update 2
Some additional information pertaining to this story reported last week (see “Elstree Props “Original” Return of the Jedi Lightsaber at Auction“, “Elstree Props Return of the Jedi Lightsaber Auction – Update 1“)…
Per a report on the Movie Prop Forum (see “ROTJ Lightsaber“), in addition to the Luke Skywalker Return of the Jedi lightsaber listed for sale with Specialist Auctions by Elstree Props, and the one on the Elstree Props website that appears to be a different version of the same prop (see comparison photos in Update 1 article), a hobbyist on the discussion forum claims that Elstree sold presumably a third Luke Skywalker Return of the Jedi lightsaber at a charity auction (I do not have any verification of this at this point). If this information and these observations are accurate, that would indicate Elstree Props has/had as many as three or more of these props. [Read more…]
Elstree Props Return of the Jedi Lightsaber Auction – Update 1
A few updates on this already… (see preceding article, Elstree Props “Original” Return of the Jedi Lightsaber at Auction)
There are two topics hosting a discussion on this auction:
The Replica Prop Forum (the RPF): Elstree Props “Original” ROTJ Lightsaber
The Movie Prop Forum: ROTJ Lightsaber
A few have made the astute observation that the Return of the Jedi lightsaber pictured on the Elstree Props website appears to differ from the photos seen in the listing at Specialist Auctions: [Read more…]
Elstree Props “Original” Return of the Jedi Lightsaber at Auction
Many hobbyists have long been puzzled by the images and story on the Elstree Props website pertaining to their Luke Skywalker lightsaber purported to be original and from unseen scenes from Return of the Jedi.
This prop now appears listed for sale on the website Specialist Auctions, with a “Snap it Up” price of 30,000 GBP (over $55,000).
I would be interested in learning more details about this piece from Elstree Props, LFL, or any collectors with insights and opinions about the prop or the notion of this scene from the film as described on the Elstree website and in marketing of this piece for sale. [Read more…]
The “Other” Dealer Issue: Communication & Good Will
Most of my opinion pieces on the blog involve issues of provenance and authenticity. That really goes to the heart of the hobby, and makes up much of the minefield that original prop collectors navigate as they transact in the marketplace.
The “Other” issue, which gets less attention here and on the discussion forums, is one just as prevalent and much easier to resolve: Business Practices & Customer Service [Read more…]
Work in Progress: The Ultimate Original Prop COA, Part II
I had initiated a discussion topic on the Movie Prop Forum related to my previous article (see “Work in Progress: The Ultimate Original Prop COA, Part I“), which can be found here: [Read more…]
Authenticity & Burden of Proof, Part II: Inauthentic Props
This is a follow-up to an article I wrote back in May, “Authenticity & Burden of Proof“.
In the prior article, I made the argument that a discerning collector should approach a potential prop or costume or other artifact acquisition as an unknown, or inconclusive in terms of it’s being “Original” (see What is “Original”?). Authenticity must then be proven. This is a different perspective from those that believe what they are told about a piece, without question. [Read more…]
eBay’s “Entertainment Memorabilia Buying Guide” & Original Prop Authentication
One interesting section of content on the eBay website is what they call the “Entertainment Memorabilia Buying Guide“.
Of the sections, of particular interest to original prop hobbyists is titled “Research Entertainment Memorabilia“: [Read more…]