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…]
“Planet of the Apes” Statue of Liberty Prop – Restoration Information, Outstanding Questions
As discussed in prior articles (see Profiles in History Auction 28 Catalog Available Online, Profiles in History 28 Held Yesterday, Today, Heritage Music & Entertainment Memorabilia Auction – October 6-7, 2007, October’s Heritage Auction Addendum: “Planet of the Apes” Statue of Liberty Prop Removed from Catalog), a Statue of Liberty prop head – attributed to use in Planet of the Apes (1968) – was consigned with Profiles in History (where it failed to sell) and, subsequently, Heritage Auction Galleries (where it was pulled prior to auction).
This piece has generated much discussion in the hobby, yet many questions remain unanswered. [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…]
Elstree Props Return of the Jedi Lightsaber Auction – Update 6
The Borehamwood & Elstree Times have published a news story yesterday about Elstree Props offerings at SpecialistAuctions.com, including the Luke Return of the Jedi lightsaber prop discussed in prior articles (see Elstree Props “Original” Return of the Jedi Lightsaber at Auction, Update 1, Update 2, Update 3, Update 4, Update 5) .
The initial 28-day auction at SpecialistAuctions.com ended November 12th with no bids (Expired Auction Link) and has since been relisted as a new 28-day listing (Relisted Auction Link) which currently shows as active, with 16 days remaining.
Obviously, the questions raised about the piece here, on the Movie Prop Forum (LINK), and the Replica Prop Forum (LINK) remain unanswered.
Interestingly, the article indicates that the lightsaber is no longer available for sale, though the listing is still active: [Read more…]
Elstree Props Return of the Jedi Lightsaber Auction – Update 5
It appears that the Elstree Props Luke Skywalker Return of the Jedi lightsaber prop at auction on SpecialistAuctions.com ended today with no bids (Expired Auction Link) and has since been relisted as a new 28-day listing (Relisted Auction Link). [Read more…]