Questions have recently been raised among collectors about attributions made on a Spider-Man costume described as “worn on screen in the 70’s TV Series SPIDER MAN“, which is slated to end at auction on eBay tomorrow morning. Prop dealer Star Wares today added information to the marketing description which, following research, would seem to indicate that the suit was not made for and used in the series, but a promotional suit used for publicity and advertising. [Read more…]
Based on recent events on eBay, it would appear that long-time original movie prop dealers Startifacts and Star Wares have had some business conflicts that have spilled over into the public space. Following a rash of eBay negative feedback remarks left for Star Wares, many remarks have been expunged by eBay and the startifacts account now shows a suspended “NARU” status (Not A Registered User). [Read more…]
I published a few Market Watch articles in 2007 and 2008 focused on the sale of Hannibal Lecter masks, specifically from the film, Hannibal. This feature updates the state of the marketplace for these pieces with an archive of proof that exact replicas cast from an original source exist in the marketplace, making it very challenging for the authentication of any original masks. [Read more…]
I’ve been in communications with Marcia Tysseling, founder of Star Wares Collectibles, and Kevin Martin of Piece of the Past, Inc. about Mr. Martin’s majority acquisition of Star Wares, Ms. Tysseling’s role, and the future of the company. I have received a few questions and heard various rumors recently, so I thought I would seek clarification to share with hobbyists in this report. [Read more…]
The information and advertisement below is being distributed by Star Wares, with regards to “A Major Wardrobe / Prop House Entertainment and Memorabilia Sale”, in connection with “Estate Sales Los Angeles”, on August 23-24 in Agoura Hills, CA. [Read more…]
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…]
I missed the broadcast, but if I can find the video on the Internet, I’ll post an update with the link.
In any event, Bill Geist of CBS visited both Profiles in History and StarWares in covering movie props and costumes, given that tonight is the Academy Awards.
While I can only speak to the print version of the story, it is somewhat typical of mainstream media coverage of the hobby – focused on price and value with no mention of the importance of authentication.
The print version of the story appears in it’s entirety at CBSNews.com (LINK): [Read more…]
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…]