{"id":4761,"date":"2008-08-12T19:44:50","date_gmt":"2008-08-13T02:44:50","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.originalprop.com\/blog\/?p=4761"},"modified":"2008-12-08T14:05:32","modified_gmt":"2008-12-08T22:05:32","slug":"ebays-stonark-aka-corner-collectibles","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.originalprop.com\/blog\/2008\/08\/12\/ebays-stonark-aka-corner-collectibles\/","title":{"rendered":"eBay’s “stonark” (AKA “Corner Collectibles”)"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

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.\u00a0 The new, updated version of this article is recommended:<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

eBay seller “stonark” (“Corner Collectibles”) was referenced in the “Classic” Film & Television Prop and Wardrobe eBay Sellers<\/a> feature published in June.\u00a0 As noted, “stonark” is one of several companies on eBay that sell notable quantities of Hollywood-related memorabilia marketed as authentic.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n

Below I have assembled various letters of provenance that have been included in the auction and\/or sale of certain wardrobe pieces sold by “stonark”.\u00a0 With my research, I have been unable to verify the existence of any of these companies or individuals.<\/p>\n

“stonark”, AKA “Corner Collectibles”<\/h3>\n

The eBay seller, “stonark<\/a>“, has been an eBay member since May 1999.\u00a0 They have 100% positive feedback with a score of 2240.<\/p>\n

The “Corner Collectibles” Certificate of Authenticity samples that have been sent to me show a business address of:<\/p>\n

CORNER COLLECTIBLES
\nP.O.BOX 15081
\nBROOKSVILLE, FLORIDA 34604<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

From their eBay “me<\/a>” page (ARCHIVE<\/a>):<\/p>\n

” CORNER COLLECTIBLES ”<\/p>\n

Welcome!<\/p>\n

Looking for that diffrent piece of film or tv memorabila!. We just might have what your looking for. Most of the collectibles we have are rarely available to the general public. Especially our star owned jewelry and wardrobe. These pieces of memorablia are fun to collect and becomming a real investment!. Before we opened “Corner Collectibles” in 1989 we were collectors FOR OVER 30 years our selfs and still are!. Also we come from a SHOW BUSINESS FAMILY!. We specialize and have a Very Large Inventory of vintage star owned jewelry and wardrobe. We have pieces from Marilyn Monroe, Hedy Lamarr TO Basil Rathbone to Lon Chaney Plus Many other Great Movie & TV Stars!!. Many of the items you see come from people who have worked in the film and tv business for many years, Auction Houses, film studios, star estates and from noted film collectors here in the US and in Europe. We have been on Ebay for over 8 years and have sold hundreds of film star owned items to collectors all over the world!. About every 6 to 8 weeks we have a large auction here on Ebay with a LOW starting bid and NEVER a RESERVE!!. All items are GUARANTEED AUTHENTIC! and come with a COA from “CORNER COLLECTIBLES” And a LETTER OF AUTHENTICITY from the auction house OR place we received the piece. ALSO LOOK AT OUR FEEDBACK!<\/p>\n

Any Questions??
\nIf there are any questions about any items we have up for auction on Ebay please email us about it and we will tell you all we know about the piece. All items are described to the best of our ability. Bidder is responsible for asking any pertinent questions in advance of auction end as all items are SOLD AS IS ! ( ALL SALES ARE FINAL.. )…. It is our policy that we do not do “BUY IT NOW” due to the people that Dont Pay. WE DO NOT TAKE LAY AWAYS, PLEASE DONT ASK! ALL PAYMENTS FROM WINNING BIDDERS MUST BE RECEIVED WITHIN 10 DAYS FROM AUCTION END. We take PAYPAL, BANK CHECKS and MONEY ORDERS ONLY.. ( Sorry NO Personal Checks ).. All items are shipped by USPS Priority, insured and confirmed mail in the USA.. Out of the USA it goes by USPS AIR MAIL PRIORITY with Insurace IS EXTRA $, and time to get to you will be longer!. We will be happy to combine orders to save you on shipping cost… PLEASE!! ALLOW 2 TO 3 WEEKS for Delivery DUE TO THE NUMBER OF LARGE ORDERS WE HAVE. >>>> REMEMBER!!! THE USPS POSTAL RATES WENT UP AGAIN $$$… SO DONT YELL AT US!!.. DUE TO THE NUMBER OF DEADBEAT BIDDERS IN THE PAST FEW MONTHS, WE WILL NO LONGER TAKE BIDS IF YOU HAVE A ZERO ( NO FEEDBACK AT ALL ) >>> DONT EVEN ASK!!!! OR BAD NEGATIVE RATING OR IF YOUR FEEDBACK IS HIDDEN!!!!. IF YOU BID…. IT WILL BE CANCELLED & BLOCKED!!! THANKS AND GOOD LUCK!!<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Per goofbay.com public records (as of the date of this article), searching “stonark” eBay listings that resulted in sales, “stonark” sold 247 items for $39,284.53 over the past 90 days.<\/p>\n

That is an average of $154 per item sold, or $436 per day in sales; annualized it is $157,138.12.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Click for Full 90-Day Sales Activity List<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

All “stonark” eBay listings I have reviewed include the line:<\/p>\n

A COA & AUCTION LETTER COMES WITH THE PIECE (s ) WHICH GUARANTEES AUTHENTICITY TO THE BUYER.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The focus on my research is evaluating those “AUCTION LETTERS” upon which the authenticity and provenance is based.<\/p>\n

Silver Screen Film Society Auction (Actors Helping Actors)<\/h3>\n

One of the types of documents included with items sold as genuine and authentic by “stonark” is a letter of authenticity from “Silver Screen Film Society Auction”, with an “Actors Helping Actors” byline.<\/p>\n

Below are two such examples, one dated April 15, 1989 and the other dated November 16, 2001 – more than 12 years later:<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Click for Full Resolution<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Note with the second example above that the “Corner Collectibles” (“stonark”) COA corresponds to and incorporates the “Silver Screen Film Society Auction” as part of its “Item Number”, with “SSFSA” being the acronym for this source:<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Below is a side-by-side comparison between the 1989 and 2001 letters:<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Click for Full Resolution<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

In spite of the number of years separating the two documents, both employ the same style fonts, the same formatting, and the same template-driven content.<\/p>\n

The 1989 letter indicates a “Lot #7085-02” while the 2001 letter notes a “Lot #8062-03”.\u00a0 Assuming a sequential numbering system, this would seem to indicate the sale at auction of at least 1,000 items, as well as production of various auction catalogs over the years.<\/p>\n

Though this organization\/auction house would appear to be more than 12 years old going by the dates on these two letters, I have not been able to locate any collectors who have otherwise heard of this company, nor evidence of any auction events or event catalogs.<\/p>\n

In searching the Internet via Google, for “Silver Screen Film Society Auction”, I receive no results (search LINK<\/a>):<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

In searching the Internet via Google, for “Silver Screen Film Society” (sans “Auction”), I receive results for a non-profit 501(c)(3) in Martha’s Vineyard, established in 2002 (subsequent to the two dates of the example letters above), which is “dedicated to screening the best in independent films, movie classics, documentaries, and world cinema for a diverse audience of all ages<\/em>“.\u00a0 More details about Martha’s Vineyard Film Society can be found at mvfilmsociety.com<\/a>.\u00a0 This cannot be the same organization as the Hollywood, CA-based auction house characterized in the “stonark” letter of provenance.<\/p>\n

The authenticator who signed both letters is listed as “Dave Ritz (President of SSFS)” in Hollywood, CA.<\/p>\n

In my research, I’ve also found no Dave Ritz in Hollywood, CA.\u00a0 Searching the Internet via WhitePages.com, I receive no results (search LINK<\/a>):<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The 1989 document states that the item was donated by “Angevin Rostad of the Abon Film Gallery in paris france”.<\/p>\n

In searching the Internet via Google, for “Abon Film Gallery”, I receive no results (search LINK<\/a>):<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

In searching the Internet via Google, for “Angevin Rostad”, I receive no results (search LINK<\/a>):<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The 2001 document states that the item was donated by “George Chebitar, Director of the Hollywood Film Museum in hollywood Ca”.<\/p>\n

The only “Hollywood Film Museum” I am aware of is in Bottrop-Kirchhellen, Germany (see wikipedia entry<\/a>).<\/p>\n

If such a museum exists or existed in Hollywood, California, I would imagine that there would be some evidence of this, and that people would have attended it.\u00a0 I have found no material information affirming the “Hollywood Film Museum”.<\/p>\n

In searching the Internet via Google, for “George Chebitar”, I receive no results (search LINK<\/a>):<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

In my research, I’ve also found no George Chebitar in Hollywood, CA via WhitePages.com.\u00a0 In fact, in searching the entire United States for George Chebitar, I receive no results (search LINK<\/a>):<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Further, there are no results in the United States for anyone with the last name “Chebitar”.<\/p>\n

Performing a Google search on “Chebitar” returns three (non-English) results, and none indicate that this is a person’s name.<\/p>\n

Action Hollywood Auctions<\/h3>\n

Another type of document included with items sold as genuine and authentic by “stonark” is a letter of authenticity from “Action Hollywood Auctions”, with “Since 1963” incorporated into the letterhead.<\/p>\n

Below is one undated example, but given the fonts employed and formatting, it appears to have been produced by a desktop computer no earlier than 1990.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

This letter can be found in a current eBay listing reselling an Errol Flynn overcoat acquired from “Corner Collectibles” (see eBay Item #190243250222<\/a>):<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Click for Full Auction Archive<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

In searching the Internet via Google, for “Action Hollywood Auctions”, I receive one result (search LINK<\/a>), a discussion on eBay’s Trust & Safety (SafeHarbor) discussion forum questioning “stonark” eBay listings:<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Following the link brings up the full discussion among eBay members about the authenticity and provenance of offerings from eBay seller “stonark” (see eBay Answer Center: Authentic Billie Holiday Owned Jacket?\u00a0 Too good to be true???<\/a>):<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The question from the eBay member references a stonark listing (eBay item #120266293911<\/a>):<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Click for Full Auction Archive<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

“stonark” states in the marketing description:<\/p>\n

A COA & AUCTION LETTER COMES WITH THE PIECE (s ) WHICH GUARANTEES AUTHENTICITY TO THE BUYER.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The eBay member states in the Trust & Safety topic:<\/p>\n

Authenic Billie Holiday Owned Jacket? Too good to be true???
\nPosted: Jun-02-08 22:31 PDT
\nj_hughes1<\/p>\n

an update: I messaged the seller about the jacket’s origins and he says he got it from a place called “Action Hollywood Auctions” I googled that and found nothing. He also conveniently ignored my request for a scan of the COA and Auction letter. Thanks everyone for helping me out. It’s clear that this is most likely a bogus item. I definitely have decided not to bid and wait for something that is more concrete. Thanks again!<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Given that, per the document, this auction house has been around for decades, it is remarkable that there is no evidence that such a business exists or any records of such auction events.<\/p>\n

The letter shows a business address of:<\/p>\n

Action Hollywood Auctions<\/strong>
\n4872 Santa Monica Blvd.<\/strong>
\nWest Hollywood, 90046<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Per Google Maps, 4872 Santa Monica Blvd. is not in West Hollywood in the 90046 zip code, but Los Angeles in the 90029 zip code.<\/p>\n

Below are the “Street View” photos from Google Maps of 4872 Santa Monica Blvd. and adjacent areas.<\/p>\n

Landmark – this address is confirmed to be 4820 Santa Monica Blvd. – Junior Liquor Market – per LittleArmenia.com<\/a>:<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Per Google, this photo represents the approximate street address of 4864 Santa Monica Blvd.:<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Per Google, this photo represents the approximate street address of 4870 Santa Monica Blvd.:<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Per Google, this photo represents the approximate street address of 4876 Santa Monica Blvd.:<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Returning to the “Action Hollywood Auctions” document, the printed name of the “President of the AHA \/ Senior Authenticator” is not included, and the signature is not legible, so no further investigation is possible.<\/p>\n

Clarmont Auctions (Hollywood Props and Wardrobe)<\/h3>\n

Another type of document included with items sold as genuine and authentic by “stonark” is a letter of authenticity from “Clarmont Auctions”, with a “Hollywood Props and Wardrobe” byline and an “Est. 1981” incorporated into the letterhead.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

This letter is dated May 17, 2003, and lists a business name and address of:<\/p>\n

CLARMONT AUCTIONS Inc.
\nP.O.Box 16534
\nBurank, Ca 91506<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The document is signed by “Linda Clarmont”, President.<\/p>\n

In searching the Internet via Google, for “Clarmont Auctions”, I receive three results for keyword spam pages (search LINK<\/a>):<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

As in the case with “Silver Screen Film Society Auction”, this is presented as an auction house spanning decades, and there is no evidence of its existence.\u00a0 The document claims “Est. 1981” and is dated 2003, so it would appear to be more than 20 years old, yet there is no evidence of it as a business nor have any collectors I have spoken with heard of it outside of these “stonark” eBay auctions.<\/p>\n

In searching the Internet via Google, for “Linda Clarmont”, I receive no results (search LINK<\/a>):<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

In my research through whitepages.com, I’ve also found (as was the case with George Chebitar) there are no results for Linda Clarmont in searching the entire United States (search LINK<\/a>):<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Slone Brothers, Slone Arts and Auction Center<\/h3>\n

Another type of document included with items sold as genuine and authentic by “stonark” is a letter of authenticity from “Slone Brothers” of the “Slone Arts and Auction Center” in New York.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

This document is dated February 1999.<\/p>\n

The company is listed as:<\/p>\n

SLONE ARTS AND AUCTION CENTER
\nP.O BOX 13442
\nNEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK 10023<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

In searching the Internet via Google, for “Slone Arts”, I receive only one applicable result – the source of the example document posted above at montgomery-clift.blogspot.com<\/a>:<\/p>\n

The cufflinks arrive with three pieces of documentation: Auction tag from Slone Arts and Auction Center, New York; signed and dated certificate from Slone Arts and Auction Center; signed and dated certificate of authenticity from Corner Collectibles, Brooksville, Florida.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

In any event, searching the Internet for “Slone Arts” and “auction” return no other results.<\/p>\n

The two names on this document are:<\/p>\n

RICHARD LOWEE [?], ENTERTAINMENT DEPARTMENT<\/strong><\/p>\n

JEREMY SLONE, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

I am not certain of the spelling of the last name in the first example (copy unclear).<\/p>\n

Performing various searches on “Jeremy Slone” and “auction”, “arts center”, and other related words yields no results that match the profile of this document or entertainment memorabilia.<\/p>\n

The only records I can find of a “Slone Brothers” business is a 25 year old furniture store in Orlando Florida (see SloneBrothersFurniture.com<\/a>).<\/p>\n

R&R Auctions<\/h3>\n

There are a number of archived auction listings on the R&R Auction<\/a> website including items with “Corner Collectibles” certificates of authenticity.<\/p>\n

The two examples below are for the same or duplicate items, sold less than one year apart.<\/p>\n

Catalog 286, June 2004, Item 1844 – Jayne Mansfield (LINK<\/a>):<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Excerpt from the marketing description:<\/p>\n

Originally acquired from the Silver Screen Film Society auction in 1988, then passing on to the collection of Allen Stuart Jeffries, and accompanied by a letter of provenance from him. In fine condition. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity from Corner Collectibles and. RRAuction COA.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Catalog 296, April 2005, Item 2245 – Jayne Mansfield (LINK<\/a>):<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Excerpt from the marketing description:<\/p>\n

Originally acquired from the Silver Screen Film Society auction in 1988, then passing on to the collection of Allen Stuart Jeffries, and accompanied by a letter of provenance from him. In fine condition. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity from Corner Collectibles and. R&R COA.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

In searching the Internet via Google, for “Allen Stuart Jeffries”, the only result is a link to another one of the R&R Auction archives (search LINK<\/a>):<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Click for Full Resolution<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Excerpt from marketing description:<\/p>\n

Dress was originally acquired directly from Dors’ estate passing on to the collection of Allen Stuart Jeffries, and accompanied by a letter of provenance from him. In fine condition. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity from Corner Collectibles and. R&R COA included.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Another example introduces another set of names for provenance – “Simon Halpine” and “Mary Halpine”.<\/p>\n

Catalog 286, June 2004, Item 1323 – Bette Davis (LINK<\/a>):<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Excerpt from marketing description:<\/p>\n

Originally acquired by collector and CBS executive Simon Halpine at the Montreal film house in 1992. In fine condition. Accompanied by a letter of provenance from Mary Halpine, a Certificate of Authenticity from Corner Collectibles and RRAuction COA.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

There are no results for the “Montreal film house” as a business.<\/p>\n

In searching the Internet via Google, for “Simon Halpine”, I receive four results, mostly related to the aerospace industry (search LINK<\/a>):<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

In searching the Internet via Google, for “Mary Halpine”, I received one predominant result for a Mary Halpine that is President of the World Youth Alliance.\u00a0 I did contact her to inquire about the stated provenance in the R&R Auction listed above to determine if she was the noted Mary Halpine, and she responded to confirm that she is not, nor has she ever owned a Bette Davis coat.<\/p>\n

Outstanding Questions<\/h3>\n

Following my extensive research into all the the various cited sources of provenance for the example pieces sold by “stonark” AKA “Corner Collectibles” on eBay, I have been unable to verify the existence any<\/span> of these auction houses, principals, or other sources named in these documents.<\/p>\n

Does anyone have any material proof of the existence of any of the following businesses as presented in the documents above?<\/p>\n