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…]
Trends: Original Prop Pricing & Values, Selling Options
One interesting element of the Original Prop Hobby is that of “value”.
What determines the value of a prop?
How are prices determined?
What is the best place to sell original props?
For the purpose of this article, I will not go into issues of authenticity and provenance in any depth. [Read more…]
Fox Letter & MovieMania Response
A reader identifying himself as MovieMania has responded to the article in regards to the “Fox letter” included with an Aliens piece at auction, as discussed in this article, Questionable “Letter from 20th Century Fox”. [Read more…]
Questionable “Letter from 20th Century Fox”
An eBay auction ended a few days ago for an “ORIGINAL PROP FACEHUGGER FROM ‘ALIENS’ (1986)” (eBay Item #320120640219). The subtitle of the auction listing claimed: “Displayed – with COA & letter from film studio” [Read more…]
Challenging The Hobby: The COA & The Guarantee
Article Summary: An opinion piece about original prop Certificates of Authenticity and dealer/retailer “guarantees”, including the Origins of the COA, The “Guarantee” (Money Back, Lifetime), The Studio Reseller COA & Guarantee, The Professional Dealer COA – Issues of Lost Provenance, Professional Dealer COA Questions, Individual & Private Seller COAs & LOAs, and the Auction House COA & Guarantee. [Read more…]
Buyer Precautions & Considerations, Part I: The Mechanics of the Deal
Article Summary: Personal observations and recommendations for collectors to consider in acquiring original props, including an overview of contracts, documentation, eBay, PayPal, use of credit cards and alternate payment methods, insurance, shipping, and other considerations. [Read more…]
The Red Flags of Authenticity
Article Summary: A discussion and analysis of various seller tactics I’ve witnessed over the years, and my names for them and reactions. These are all potentially problematic marketing techniques that should not be dismissed by the discerning original prop collector. [Read more…]
Heritage Auction Galleries & L.A. Prop & Wardrobe Company
Article Summary: A report on Rick Spector’s findings discussed on the Movie Prop Forum related to concerns of props and costumes consigned to Heritage Auction Galleries by L.A. Prop and Wardrobe being inauthentic. [Read more…]