Movie Prop Collecting with Jason DeBord's Original Prop Blog Film & TV Prop, Costume, Hollywood Memorablia Pop Culture Resource

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Studio Reseller Certificates of Authenticity: Premiere Props & Hollywood Vault

Over the past several years, the Certificates of Authenticity (COAs) issued by two of the biggest “studio resellers” – Premiere Props and Hollywood Vault – have evolved. Unfortunately, the changes made have been to the detriment of provenance and is a significant missed opportunity given that these companies are in the position of releasing props and wardrobe into the marketplace that are sourced direct from the studios in a fully authorized capacity (making the pieces both authentic and with clear title).

I thought it would be informative to compare and contrast COAs issued by Premiere Props and Hollywood Vault to see exactly what changes have been made over the years, and the current state of certification and provenance offered by these two dealers. [Read more…]

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WFAA Television News Report Update: Heritage Auction To Sue L.A. Prop and Wardrobe

A second report was broadcast by WFAA TV’s Channel 8, based on David Schechter’s investigation into items consigned by L.A. Prop and Wardrobe Company and sold by Heritage Auction Galleries (see Heritage Auction Galleries & L.A. Prop & Wardrobe Company, WFAA Television News Report…, More on Heritage Auction Galleries, L.A. Prop & Wardrobe).

In this update, Mr. Schechter reports that Heritage Auction Galleries will “sue L.A. Prop for knowingly providing bogus items for sale and damaging the auction house’s reputation”.

Here is a link to the full video report at WFAA.com: [Read more…]

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More on Heritage Auction Galleries, L.A. Prop & Wardrobe

I have many thoughts and reactions to the WFAA Television investigative report that aired last night, as covered in the article posted this morning, (see WFAA Television News Report on Heritage Auction Galleries, L.A. Prop and Wardrobe: “Systematic Misrepresentation of Provenance”). [Read more…]

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WFAA Television News Report on Heritage Auction Galleries, L.A. Prop and Wardrobe: “Systematic Misrepresentation of Provenance”

Dallas/Fort Worth’s WFAA TV Channel 8 aired a report last night about Heritage Auction Galleries and L.A. Prop and Wardrobe, based in part on Rick Spector’s research and investigation early last year (see OPB article, “Heritage Auction Galleries & L.A. Prop & Wardrobe Company“), and Rick Spector is interviewed and featured in the news investigation.

I was also contacted last week by WFAA reporter David Schechter, and supplied him with e-mails from my correspondence with Heritage Auction Galleries as part of their investigation, and as evidence that myself and other collectors questioned the provenance of certain offerings and the consignor, L.A. Prop & Wardrobe. [Read more…]

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Questions About Superman Costumes in the Marketplace: Update

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…]

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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…]

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300: Did They Reuse Props/Designs from Other Films? – Update 4

This is an additional update to these articles:

300: Did They Reuse Props/Designs from Other Films? – Update 1 – Update 2 – Update 3

Here are some comments from David of Back Lot Props, reposted from his reader comment posted in Update 2: [Read more…]