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

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eBay’s “stonark” (AKA “Corner Collectibles”)

UPDATE: A “Version 2.1” edition of this article has been published on 12/05/08, which includes the original article below with additional information.  The new, updated version of this article is recommended:

eBay seller “stonark” (“Corner Collectibles”) was referenced in the “Classic” Film & Television Prop and Wardrobe eBay Sellers feature published in June.  As noted, “stonark” is one of several companies on eBay that sell notable quantities of Hollywood-related memorabilia marketed as authentic.  The “stonark” offerings are generally characterized as the personal property of Hollywood stars and notable famous figures from history. The purpose of this follow-up article is to research and examine some of the provenance attached to these pieces by “stonark” and to pose questions related to these documents and sources. [Read more…]

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“Screen Used” Hannibal Lecter Mask – Update

Over a year ago, I published an article about a Hannibal Lecter mask described by the seller as “a SCREEN USED PROP – actually Worn / Used in the Film“.  This was listed on eBay for $14,000.00 and differed in a variety of ways from the mask seen on screen in the movie, Hannibal.  This mask offered for sale had very specific and noticeable damage to it and included a Star Wares COA.  It appears that this mask has resurfaced on eBay, now offered by Star Wares (starwarescollectibles) starting at $4,999.99.  If the same piece, it appears that the mask has suffered considerable damage since the May 2007 auction. [Read more…]

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Instruments of Authenticity & The Chain of Provenance

As discussed in the prior article, Authenticity & Burden of Proof, I’ve found the notion that a piece is authentic, unless proven otherwise, to be faulty (as a buyer and collector, anyway). [Read more…]

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The Original Prop Purchase Checklist & Questionnaire

Article Summary: The rationale for and development of an “Original Prop Purchase Checklist & Questionnaire” for discerning prop collectors to use in contemplating the purchase of a prop or costume. [Read more…]

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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…]

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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…]