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…]
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…]
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…]
Star Trek Christie’s Lawsuit – The Official Data’s Poker Visor Description Amendment
As previously reported (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“), 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…]
Star Trek Christie’s Lawsuit Story, Fundamentals of Authenticity, & The Mainstream Media
As reported here Friday (see “Star Trek Collector Sues Christie’s, CBS & Paramount Studios for $7 Million Dollars“), 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…]
Star Trek Collector Sues Christies, CBS & Paramount Studios for $7 Million Dollars
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…]
eBay’s puttieface & Entertainment Movie Props
For years, I have received countless unsolicited e-mail messages, private messages on other websites, reader comments on this forum, etc., from an individual/individuals connected to the website EntertainmentMovieProps.com and/or eBay’s puttieface.
A variety of names, usernames, and e-mail addresses have been used, but many are easily connected to one another by IP address, writing style (all caps, all lowercase, non standard word fragments, unusual punctuation, etc.), unique word usage (“cheers”, “mate”, “int”, etc.), and content (consistent comments about specific props, experiences, etc.).
I’ve never transacted with either prop dealer, and have generally completed ignored him/them, but given my experiences, hopefully making note of it here in summary will be informative to other hobbyists. [Read more…]
“Off The Shelf” and “Found” Props & Wardrobe
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…]