As was the case with the Point of No Return pistols (see Auction Report, Part 7),when I was originally researching the Stembridge Collection catalog for Little John’s Stembridge Collection Auction, one of the few pieces on my “short list”, which I considered secondary to my two top wants (the T2 and True Lies pistols) was one of the pair of Heat sidearm pistols offered, which were attributed to use by Al Pacino in the Michael Mann film. [Read more…]
Trend: The “Hype Premium”
A trend that comes and goes with the theatrical release of hit films (and sometimes not so “hit” films) and “hot” films (i.e. a small but enthused following) is that of “Hype Premium”. This trend manifests itself in conjunction with the theatrical release of films that include complimentary promotion in the form of prop offerings by the studio or studio affiliate. Well, I just now made up the terminology – “Hype Premium” – but it’s descriptive enough…
This is an oft discussed trend – even in the midst of it actually occurring – but it rarely fails to deliver.
Companies like Hollywood Vault and Premiere Props often schedule auctions by 1) offering props from films at the time of the theatrical release and then, 2) offering additional props later, at the time of the DVD release.
This is done to maximize promotion of the film (in theaters and for home video release) via the sale of props and wardrobe pieces.
So what does this have to do with the “Hype Premium”?
The “Hype Premium” is the difference in price realized for the same or similar items offered at the theatrical release compared with the home video release. [Read more…]
Elstree Props Return of the Jedi Lightsaber Auction – Update 4
There is a news story, including an interview with Paul Harrison of Elstree Props, about the Luke Skywalker Return of the Jedi lightsaber at auction on SpecialistAuctions.com. This has had continuing coverage on the OPB (see Elstree Props “Original” Return of the Jedi Lightsaber at Auction, Update 1, Update 2, Update 3).
This is an interesting article, in that it provides more information from the viewpoint of Elstree Props and it illustrates the mainstream media’s lack of consideration regarding any challenge to authenticity. [Read more…]
Elstree Props Return of the Jedi Lightsaber Auction – Update 3
This is a follow-up to the other two topics (LINK, LINK, LINK) discussing the Elstree Props Luke Skywalker Return of the Jedi lightsaber offered at auction by Auction Specialists.
There has been ongoing discussions in dedicated topics on the Movie Prop Forum and Replica Prop Forum:
The Replica Prop Forum (the RPF): Elstree Props “Original” ROTJ Lightsaber
The Movie Prop Forum: ROTJ Lightsaber
The RPF is a great resource for learning the details and history of a great many props, those from Star Wars films in particular. [Read more…]
Original Prop Marketplace Oversight
One topic that comes up with original prop collectors now and again is the notion of “marketplace oversight”. Given the nature of these collectibles, where value is intrinsically tied to provenance and authenticity, how do we, as a hobby, move away from the “Wild West” environment, and perhaps implement some sort of oversight (whether organized or informal) to help guide and share information with new and seasoned collectors and identify those individuals or entities that trade in inauthentic pieces? [Read more…]
Anonymity, Transparency, & The “Real World”
There are several very interesting and very active topics running on the Movie Prop Forum, which have engaged hobbyists on a variety of important issues related to the hobby of collecting original props. [Read more…]
Elstree Props Return of the Jedi Lightsaber Auction – Update 2
Some additional information pertaining to this story reported last week (see “Elstree Props “Original” Return of the Jedi Lightsaber at Auction“, “Elstree Props Return of the Jedi Lightsaber Auction – Update 1“)…
Per a report on the Movie Prop Forum (see “ROTJ Lightsaber“), in addition to the Luke Skywalker Return of the Jedi lightsaber listed for sale with Specialist Auctions by Elstree Props, and the one on the Elstree Props website that appears to be a different version of the same prop (see comparison photos in Update 1 article), a hobbyist on the discussion forum claims that Elstree sold presumably a third Luke Skywalker Return of the Jedi lightsaber at a charity auction (I do not have any verification of this at this point). If this information and these observations are accurate, that would indicate Elstree Props has/had as many as three or more of these props. [Read more…]
Elstree Props Return of the Jedi Lightsaber Auction – Update 1
A few updates on this already… (see preceding article, Elstree Props “Original” Return of the Jedi Lightsaber at Auction)
There are two topics hosting a discussion on this auction:
The Replica Prop Forum (the RPF): Elstree Props “Original” ROTJ Lightsaber
The Movie Prop Forum: ROTJ Lightsaber
A few have made the astute observation that the Return of the Jedi lightsaber pictured on the Elstree Props website appears to differ from the photos seen in the listing at Specialist Auctions: [Read more…]