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.
Challenging The Hobby: The COA & The Guarantee
Certificates of Authenticity, Letters of Authenticity – signed, stamped, notarized, studio endorsed…
Of what value are these documents?
Money Back Guarantee… Lifetime Guarantee…
What exactly does this mean?
As with most things in the Original Prop Hobby, there are no absolutes.
Origins of the COA
As far as I know, COAs came into use and practice with original prop collecting by mimicking such use in other hobbies focused on collectibles and memorabilia.
Additionally, provenance and authenticity are difficult concepts to grasp, understand, and put into use. COAs make it easy for the seller to explain (or get around providing material information and details), and the buyer to accept [see the article Trend: “I Want to Believe”].
One problem is that the term “authentic” (in regards to a Certificate of Authenticity) in other hobbies is an entirely different concept in comparison to what the term “authentic” means in the context of the hobby (i.e. “original”).
Generally, in closely related hobbies (by subject matter – films and television collectibles), COAs are certifying that a product is officially produced and authorized under license. Obviously, this has no relation to the collection of original props, in that, in the context of this hobby, “authenticity” speaks to the piece being original to the production [see article What is “Original”?].
So while COAs often relate to products that are created and designed for the solitary purpose of serving as a collectible or memorabilia, original props are made for use in a film or television production. Original prop artifacts from these productions can subsequently become collectibles, but this function is secondary to the original intended use.
In everyday practice, I think even people with the best of intentions don’t give a lot of consideration as to what commitments that they are actually conveying and what they are certifying to in issuing a COA. It just sounds good, in a generic sense.
Worse, I don’t believe that a lot of hobbyists really consider the validity of COAs on a case by case basis. Many collectors are accustomed to just accepting a COA at face value, which is highly problematic. I think the frequency with which a customer asks a dealer to outline and define what exactly their COA means – questioning the substance of it – is very rare.
Most COAs are generated from “Professional Dealers”, “Studio Resellers”, and other prop-related businesses.
One increasing trend is that of individual collectors issuing their own personal COAs and LOAs (Letters of Authenticity). I think this trend is growing because: 1) it is easy to do, 2) it elevates the private seller’s status, 3) it can be used as a marketing tool, 4) it can be used as a substitute for actual provenance, and 5) because many hobbyists expect it and are less questioning of any piece by the mere presence of a COA, regardless of who has granted it.
All COAs use different language and expressions of use, and some are more specific than others. Generally, most I have seen 1) certify the piece in question as being from the production in question, 2) cite the issuing individual or company as an authority, and 3) provide little more or nothing in addition to those basics.
The “Guarantee” (Money Back, Lifetime)
Along with the COA (and sometimes incorporated into the COA), many dealers/sellers pledge guarantees, from vague/contradictory to specific. Sometimes the guarantee is characterized as a “money back” guarantee, sometimes it is offered as a “lifetime” guarantee, others just offer a “guarantee”.
Unfortunately, upon close review of these guarantees, they are frequently vague and unclear, and again, in my opinion, are more about marketing than substance and function.
And, again, collectors rarely question what these guarantees are about or challenge the sellers for specifics as to what is required to exercise this option.
With non-collectible products (such as consumer electronics), manufacturer and well as retailer/reseller warranties and guarantees are offered (sometimes as a given, sometimes for purchase). With such offerings, there are always very clear guidelines and definitions of what these guarantees and warranties represent: when they begin, when they expire, what faults or defects are covered or not covered, conditions and requirements to exercise and take advantage of these policies, etc.
With original prop dealers and businesses, typically all that is offered in terms of guarantees is a line or two that is non-specific, open to interpretation, and lacking the basic information necessary to know what is covered, how long it is in effect, and what is required to take advantage of it.
I thought it would be of use to review some of the various dealer websites and offerings to analyze the notion of “guarantee” in the hobby. If anything, the exercise will provide hobbyists an opportunity to reflect on what they’ve purchased and what the associated guarantee, if any, is worth. Perhaps by bringing greater awareness to these issues, hobbyists can be more discerning and encourage dealers to make their policies more clear, regardless of what those policies are.
Also of interest is that since I last raised this topic on the Movie Prop Forum (see topic, “COA, Money Back Guarantee, Lifetime Guarantee, What does this mean to the collector?“) some of these stated policies have changed. I wonder how any changes are applied to pieces sold prior to the change? If the policy is less favorable to the customer, is the older, “time of purchase” policy still in effect? If such guarantee policies are only on dealer websites – not on the COAs issued with the piece – of what value is that, since web pages change frequently? How can a hobbyist prove what the policy was that was in effect at the time of original purchase?
The Studio Reseller COA & Guarantee
“Studio Resellers” are businesses that obtain props directly from the studio/production, generally have exclusive rights to sell from certain properties, have some type of official sanctioning from the studios/productions, sometimes sell in partnerships of some sort with the studio/production, and often have some type of endorsement from the studio with an “official” COA or even a “Studio COA” (i.e. COA issued by the studio exclusively/directly).
The main function of the Studio Reseller COA is to provide some level of studio endorsement, which accomplishes two things:
1) it speaks to authenticity, by virtue of providing a direct link to the studio and production, and
2) it declares the piece “free and clear” of any legal/ownership issues (i.e. the piece is officially released into the marketplace and not stolen).
The following are the stated policies of the primary Studio Resellers and language/excerpts from their websites and/or auctions that speaks to their COAs and guarantees (if any), followed by my subjective analysis of those citations/policies.
This auction is brought to you by It’s a Wrap! LLC. in conjunction with CBS Paramount Television/Star Trek. These items have been authenticated as having been purchased for use in the production represented, thus each item sold will be accompanied by an It’s A Wrap! Certificate of Authenticity (COA). Some items have been directly worn or used by the actors in the production; others are used as set dressing or back drops to add to the production story line. The photographs used on this auction description page are not included with the item.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS: All sales are final.
[citations from Sample eBay Listing: LINK]
Analysis – It’s a Wrap COA: This COA is of value in that it is “in conjunction with CBS Paramount Television/Star Trek”. While I do not possess an It’s a Wrap COA, it sounds from the description as though it is produced in partnership with the studio/production, which is very good for provenance and authenticity for the original purchaser (the customer that buys directly from It’s a Wrap with no intermediary or not in resale).
Analysis – It’s a Wrap Guarantee: As is common with Studio Resellers, it has no stated guarantee, using the “all sales are final” language. This is likely due to the fact that everything they sell is obtained directly from the studio, so there is little to no chance that is isn’t “from the production”. The strength of the studio endorsed COA and fact that it is the first such offering (not in resale or via an intermediary) makes a guarantee unnecessary in some ways. However, Studio Resellers can still make mistakes in terms of accurately describing the piece, or, if selling from multiple productions, making errors. The studio that they are relying on can also make such mistakes.
We pride ourselves in being the only company to carry the productions that we show here. We are the only one, which means that if you see costumes from our productions somewhere else, they are being sold second hand. We also send with costume purchases a certificate of authenticity which will guarantee to you that the costume you purchase is actually from a film or television production.
[citations from policy on webpage: LINK]
Analysis – Back Lot Props and Costumes COA: As is the case with It’s a Wrap, it appears that Back Lot Props has a similar studio arrangement. I have not personally seen a Back Lot Props COA, so I can’t speak to the strength of that relationship/endorsement. I know David is a reader of the OPB, so perhaps he can clarify and I will update this article accordingly.
Analysis – Back Lot Props and Costumes Guarantee: The term “guarantee” is used to describe the COA, but it does not give any indication of what that means, so I am left to interpret it as generic use of that word, rather than describing an “if / then” set of circumstances in which an inauthentic piece would be taken back by the dealer. Again, it sounds as though the circumstances are the same as with It’s a Wrap, in that the pieces are obtained directly from the studio/production, so a guarantee (against fraud) is generally unnecessary, though mistakes are still possible.
This item was received from Fox and comes with an Official Certificate of Authenticity.
SALES ARE FINAL. All sales are final and all merchandise is provided “As Is”. Some items may vary from actual picture.
[citation from sample eBay listing: LINK and Auction Terms of Use Page: LINK]
Analysis – VIP Fan Clubs COA: VIP is a direct reseller for Fox, so the COAs are actual Fox Studio COAs, arguably one of the highest forms of COA in the hobby.
Analysis – VIP Fan Clubs Guarantee: As is the case with It’s a Wrap, the strength of the COA and circumstance of the items being first offerings render any guarantee irrelevant, outside of misidentification errors. As with It’s a Wrap, the stipulation “sales are final” is noted in all offerings.
All items include a Certificate of Authenticity signed by Premiere Props. All items come directly from the set of the film and are 100% guaranteed authentic. Premiere Props is the only authorized selling agent of the above referenced motion picture.
Every piece of memorabilia sold from Premiere Props includes a special signed Certificate of Authenticity to ensure the integrity of each item. Premiere Props works directly with major film studios and production companies, and each Certificate of Authenticity is the official document to accompany every collectible.
Premiere Props is proud to offer one-of-a-kind genuine items. This is why each Certificate of Authenticity is presented with an embossed Premiere Props stamp that also represents the movie studio’s seal of approval, and preserves the authenticity of these truly unique props and costumes, which come direct from the set for you to enjoy for years to come!
[citations from sample eBay auction: LINK, Premiere Props website: LINK]
Analysis – Premiere Props COA: As with It’s a Wrap and others, Premiere Props is the only reseller for certain pieces from certain studios, with the pieces coming direct from those studios via an exclusive arrangement. This makes for a strong COA with these first to the market offerings.
Analysis – Premiere Props Guarantee: Premiere Props uses the term “guaranteed authentic”, but makes no claims of any guarantee going into effect in the event a piece is found to be inauthentic or misidentified. I have read some complaints from hobbyists that pieces from Premiere Props have been misidentified – either not used in the given production as described, or marketed as from one production but found to be from another. Again, I have not had first hand experience with this, but have read such accounts on the Movie Prop Forum.
This fabulous movie memorabilia will come with a Certificate Of Authenticity from Revolution Studios.
ALL SALES ARE FINAL
[citations from sample eBay auction: LINK]
Analysis – Hollywood Vault COA: As with It’s a Wrap and others, Hollywood Vault promotes itself as the exclusive reseller for certain studios, with pieces coming direct from those studios with a co-endorsed COA. This makes for a strong COA with these first to market offerings. Having recently acquired a prop from Hollywood Vault, I was disappointed with the “blanket”-style COA offered – a generic COA issued for all pieces from the given production, with absolutely no customization. This practice undermines much of the strength of their offerings, in that a customized and specific COA would be of much more value. I have not made purchases from other Studio Resellers of late, so am unsure as to their practices in regards to customizing COAs to each piece, so the same issue may be in play for some of these other businesses.
Analysis – Hollywood Vault Guarantee: As with It’s a Wrap, it notes and “all sales are final” condition on all offerings. Again, guarantees are not as relevant with Studio Resellers given that the pieces are coming directly from the studios/productions with official endorsements.
The Professional Dealer COA – Issues of Lost Provenance
“Professional Dealers” are businesses that obtain props from various sources, including directly from the studio/production, from crew or principals from various productions, via consignment, from collectors, or through retail channels and opportunities (such as eBay, Studio Resellers, auction houses, other Professional Dealers, etc.).
The main function of the Professional Dealer COA is to certify the piece as original.
Another function, which is not typically discussed, is that it frequently “reinitializes” provenance – which restarts history of ownership for both new to market pieces as well as “resale” pieces. Each piece is essentially “reborn” from the newly established Professional Dealer point of ownership going forward, and the prior history of the piece is lost to the new owner.
One of the inherent issues with Professional Dealers buying, trading, and selling original props is that the history of the piece is typically rendered confidential. This is because dealers are typically very proprietary about information.
This is an information intensive hobby – information is power – so to share information about sources (whether an original source, a consignor, etc.) can cost the dealer money and revenue.
If a dealer reveals a source, he cannot prevent other competitors or hobbyists (customers) from circumventing the dealer (an intermediary) and going to the original source or consignor directly to get the piece or similar pieces independently, sans the dealer margin, mark-up, and/or commission.
So while I can empathize with the dealer, from a pure business stand point, this is problematic to the hobbyist, the piece itself, and the hobby overall, in the that history of ownership, origins, paper trails, issues of legal ownership, and other such information that directly involves provenance and authenticity is severed from the actual piece. In these circumstances, which are the norm, business considerations often trump the very information and proof of authenticity collectors covet most.
There are a few exceptions in which some such information is shared with the customer (in limited/concentrated form). Usually, this is because certain bits of history and alternative paperwork serve as marketing and pedigree which can result in a higher value in selling the piece – such as a letter from a principal from the production (i.e. a star or producer) or a previously issued studio COA or similar paperwork. Again, these decisions are typically business/money driven.
However, those circumstances are not the norm, and are out of the ordinary. More frequently, Professional Dealers keep any and all paperwork and information that comes to them with the piece confidential. This, unfortunately, does not serve the piece and in many ways is detrimental to the hobby. But, for the Professional Dealer, the hobby is a business first and foremost and they have business interests to protect.
Professional Dealer COA Questions
Having addressed the provenance aspect of Professional Dealers and COAs, I’ve found that COAs issued by Professional Dealers don’t answer the following vital questions:
- How do I know it’s real?
- What if it is not real?
These questions lead to the use of the term “certification”.
The Professional Dealer, by issuing a COA, is certifying that the piece is authentic (i.e. original).
Authenticity is “certified”, i.e. confirmed formally as true, accurate, or genuine; in fact, a guarantee is implied in issuing such certification, whether stated explicitly or not.
In practice, Professional Dealers are essentially trading on their reputations by issuing COAs, in that a COA is only as good as the company issuing it. Publicly disclosed questionable practices made by dealers erode reputations, just as positive experiences shared among collectors boost their credibility.
So if a piece does prove to not be original, where does that leave the buyer?
If the dealer does pledge to provide a “money back guarantee”, is it only to the original, direct buyer (who purchased directly from said dealer), or does the “guarantee” go with the piece, from sale to sale, transaction to transaction?
How does the word “lifetime” fit in? Who’s lifetime? The seller? The seller’s company? The buyer? The prop?
If the dealer doesn’t mention “money back guarantee”, but issues a COA, is the former assumed to come with the latter regardless, since the piece has been “certified”?
Also, under what precise circumstances will the purchase price be returned to the buyer if the buyer feels the piece is not as described/marketed? Pieces being “trumped up” in stature seems to be fairly common in the hobby… There is a world of difference between “guaranteed authentic” and “guaranteed as described”.
In not original, would the buyer have the burden to prove the piece is not original?
If, as in most cases, the Professional Dealer has information and documentation that is not shared, does that not leave the buyer questioning a piece at a severe disadvantage in having a material discussion about the authenticity of the piece?
Professional Dealer Guarantees
In reviewing websites and auctions, I’ve found the following language from various Professional Dealers that speaks to guarantee. Again, I thought it would be of benefit to analyze these citations and compare and contrast the “guarantees” of the various Professional Dealers.
Bruce Hubbard AKA The Williams Collection AKA Bedlum.net
ALL SALES ARE FINAL!!!!!
Unless it is proven to Myself ( MPA,UMCG) or other well known Source (well known in the business by other members of the MPA,UMCG) that the item “was not made for the movie” Then The Williams Collection will offer a refund of the full price to the client. This being the client’s sole remedy of claim. This is for the original seller ONLY!!!!!!
IF it is proven to be real then you the client must pay for ALL charges. The Williams Collection is not responsible for any charges involving that investigation.
If we are acting as a middle man the williams collection will help you in getting back your money if it turns out to be other then “made for the film”. If we are acting as a middle man then we CANT offer back your money as we The williams collection did not get the money and was passed on from us to the 3rd party. We will help you to get it back if there is a problem and we will talk with any Lawyers(s) you hire. We also have the right to get our attorney in on ANYTHING having to do with that case. We will disclose any and all info regarding that prop and all parties involved.
[citation is from the Bedlum.net website: LINK]
Analysis – The Bruce Hubbard/Williams Collection/Bedlum.net Guarantee: I think the first line is the key (“all sales are final”). The rest does not make sense to this reader. My personal interpretation of this policy is that there are no guarantees of any kind, so the policy is of no value.
We offer full 100% guarantees on all our pieces, and a full stamped and signed Studio COA is issued with every piece. Without proper provenance a prop is worthless, please be careful when buying from private individuals, if the COA isn’t from a film studio or production company, it is worthless!
[citation is from sample eBay auction: LINK]
The Elstree Props Guarantee: I find this one particularly interesting, in that Elstree Props claims a COA is “worthless” if it is not from a studio or production company, yet many of the pieces Elstree Props sells have no ties whatsoever to Elstree Studios (and I’m still unclear on the relationship between Elstree Props and Elstree Studios). More, given that fact, I think the offering of a “Studio COA” is misleading if the studio in question had nothing to do with the production. How can an unrelated studio certify authenticity to a piece with no connection to that studio, acting as a studio? Also, it does not address what a 100% guarantee means, in the event a piece is discovered to be non-original. I would assume it is a money back guarantee, but can only guess. Taking just the first line, it is vague and, I feel, of little to no value in the event a piece is determined to be described incorrectly or inauthentic.
Q. Do you provide a Certificate of Authenticity (COA)?
A. Yes, ScreenUsed will supply a documented certificate with each item with the official ScreenUsed stamp and logo. This certificate has an original signature from one of the ScreenUsed owners.
[citation from the ScreenUsed website: LINK]
Analysis – The ScreenUsed Guarantee: ScreenUsed does not address the notion of “guarantee” anywhere on their website, so there does not appear to be a publicly stated policy of any kind in regards to one of their pieces being found to be inauthentic or not as described. In short, the buyer receives a piece of paper with a stamp, logo, and signature. With no stated policy in regards to a piece being found misidentified or inauthentic, this appears to be of little to no value.
We sell quality merchandise and do our upmost to describe things accurately,all our items are obtained directly from production companies,crew members,auction houses or private collections , items are thoroughly checked and researched to ensure that we are 100% confident about the history and authenticity of all items that we sell, a COA is included for all film used items,please reassure yourself by looking at our feedback as that speaks for itself,
[citation is from the RareProps eBay “Me” page: LINK]
Analysis – The RareProps Guarantee: While RareProps claims to be “100% confident”, they do not explicitly “guarantee” the authenticity of their pieces, but seems to instead issue a COA to memorialize their confidence in their offerings. Again, as a policy in the event of a discovery that the piece is not authentic, this stated policy appears to be of little to no value.
Your Propmasters Certificate Of Authenticity also acts as your Money Back Guarantee.
If, for any reason, you are not happy with your purchase, within 31 days of receipt, the cost of the item will be refunded to you in full in the same manner as it was processed (i.e. payment plans refunded in same instalments), upon return of the item. Unfortunately any postage costs involved can not be refunded.
In addition, the Propmasters Money Back Guarantee covers the guaranteed authenticity of each item for a full year. If for any such independently proven and valid reason you are not happy with the authenticity of the item purchased, you may return it within twelve months of purchase for a full refund of the original cost of the item.
[citations are from the Propmasters.net website: LINK]
Analysis – The Propmasters Guarantee: I have respect for the fact that this policy is specific in both timelines and course of action. Of course, the important points are that any issues must be discovered and addressed directly with the dealer within one year of purchase. Also, any issues must be independently proven, which means the burden is on the buyer to prove it is inauthentic via a third party expert. So while not the most ideal set of circumstances (in terms of being favorable to the customer), it is, in comparison to other dealer policies reviewed here, the most clearly written and easiest to understand. I would rate this as one of the better written guarantee policies and as one of the higher value policies in terms of guarantee against inauthentic pieces.
Each item researched prior to listing on our site, to the point where we are proud to offer it and entirely confident to supply it, complete with a lifetime money back Certificate of Authenticity. Please remember that you are not just buying a collectible, but a piece of movie history.
[citation is from the Prop Store of London website: LINK]
Analysis – The Prop Store of London Guarantee: I have had an opportunity to discuss this with Stephen Lane both publicly (in the aforementioned MPF topic) and privately, as well as his mention in the recent Featured Interview, and Stephen has stated that this guarantee extends beyond the original purchaser (i.e. the one who acquired the item via PSoL), which is a solid policy. Stephen also clarified that “lifetime” relates to the lifetime of the PSoL business. In talking with Stephen, he said he would include the more specific language I recommended to reflect the two components not specified in the policy on the web page (the extension to subsequent owners and the “lifetime” of the business, PSoL). This appears to be the most “customer friendly” of all Professional Dealer guarantees, and once expanded in writing via their web update, should be more clear and detailed as well. I would rate this policy as one of the higher value policies in terms of guarantee against inauthentic pieces.
All props & autographs come complete with a COA (Certificate of Authenticity) which we stand by by 100%. Each Prop and Autograph is fully investigated and authenticated before purchase, so you can rest assured that your purchase is original.
1. What guarantees do you make about the products for sale?
All items listed that require a COA are guaranteed authentic. We stand by our COA’s 100%. If at any time an item we have sold is proven by a reliable source (Christies, Sotherbys) that’s its not genuine we will offer a full refund or exchange.
2. What is a Certificate of Authenticity?
A COA is our guarantee your purchase is original. Please keep your COA safe, if at any stage you sell-on you piece of memorabilia it will help the buyer if the COA is still available with the item. Unlike most other dealers we take great care in offering a useful COA that shows the actual picture of your item purchased, with a sale date and written information about it. And its laminated to protect it.
[citations are from the MovieBits website: LINK]
Analysis – The MovieBits Guarantee: MovieBits also has a very clearly stated guarantee, in that it notes it is in effect and applicable “at any time” and the requirements to a “full refund” require having it proven by a reliable third party expert. Along with The Prop Store of London, very customer-friendly and as with Propmasters, clearly written. I would rate this policy as one of the higher value policies in terms of guarantee against inauthentic pieces.
Yes, EVERYTHING we sell is accompanied by a COA. A copy of the picture used to illustrate the item on our website is included as part of the COA. No other Certificate of Authenticity is more respected than a COA from Reel Clothes & Props— including certificates from studio auctions. Reel Clothes has sold hundreds of props and wardrobe pieces to Planet Hollywood. Planet Hollywood has resold and continues to offer for sale many of those pieces via eBay. Every major memorabilia dealer buys from Reel Clothes, and resells what they buy accompanied by their own COAs. Experienced dealers and collectors know who to trust for authenticity. The same dealers/collectors buy from us time and time again.
We know the truth behind every piece we sell, and share that information with our customers. The proliferation of individual to individual online auction services such as eBay has resulted in the exchanges vast amounts of wardrobe and props, often by persons who misrepresent the authenticity of what they have for sale. As pieces are resold, their backgrounds or the matter in which they were used on screen are often reshaped by the imaginations of unscrupulous seller’s to fit whatever profile will enhance the piece’s perceived value.
[citations are from the Reel Clothes website: LINK]
Analysis – The Reel Clothes Guarantee: Reel Clothes does a great job of outlining and addressing many of the issues and concerns I raise in the opening of this article, in the very comprehensive page they have on their site dedicated to these issues. Unlike the traditional Professional Dealer, Reel Clothes characterizes their approach as very forthcoming with history and information about each piece it offers for sale. More along the line with Studio Resellers, it seems their approach may be more comparable to the operations of those companies, in that the “guarantees” are not really addressed, but the source of the pieces is presented as direct from the studios. If I have Reel Clothes misidentified as a “Professional Dealer” rather than “Studio Reseller”, I will edit this article accordingly. As far as guarantees go, it is not really addressed on the page.
Q: How do I know its real?
A: Star Wares Collectibles has been business for over fifteen years and in that time we have worked very hard to maintain a reputation of offering only authentic pieces. We stand behind every piece we sell. Each item is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity which is recognized by auction houses, memorabilia dealers and collectors the world over. By working so closely with the entertainment industry most of our items come from a direct source.
[citation is from the StarWares website: LINK]
Analysis – The StarWares Guarantee: The seller says that they “stand behind every piece [they] sell”, which sounds like a guarantee. Because it is vague, it is difficult to judge what exactly it means or to assign value to it.
How do we know that we have the AUTHENTIC article?
We go to great lengths to authenticate our memorabilia and positively identify them through physical evidence, personal verification by those directly involved in the items usage, and also rely on a vast resource of photographic and film evidence. All items are authenticated prior to sale and are provided with signed letter of authenticity, documenting the source, use and production.
[citation is from the Golden Closet website: LINK]
Analysis – The Golden Closet Guarantee: The seller does not address a “guarantee” in any way.
~
Overall, none of the dealers address the issue of misrepresented or “trumped up” pieces in any way, or any remedy for such issues. The only “guarantees” speak to originality/authenticity, not use and type (i.e. “hero” vs. “stunt”, or who used it in the film, or whether it is used or a back-up, etc).
The one dealer that offers by way of written policy an unconditional return (in the first 31 days) is Propmasters, though I believe several of the other dealers above would likely extend a similar opportunity, if asked.
Any Professional Dealer or Studio Reseller is welcome to contact me or respond to the article directly if you would like to clarify any policy or update the article with any policy or description changes quoted above. Whatever a dealer’s policy might be, I think it is in everyone’s benefit that it is clear and easily understood.
Individual & Private Seller COAs, LOAs
What is the value of an individual (not a professional dealer or company) offering a COA or LOA or guarantee of some sort on a piece?
In my opinion, very little, unless such documents provide material information about the provenance of the piece in question. The notion of exercising a “guarantee” with an individual is not very practical/plausible, but it is really a case-by-case circumstance.
Auction House COA & Guarantee
It is my understanding that auction houses typically do not issue COAs for pieces sold at their events. Transacting with auction houses will be the topic of a full article in the future.
Conclusion: A Challenge to Buyers & Sellers
If anything, this article illustrates that there are many issues surrounding the notions and functions of both COAs and “guarantees” in the hobby. The biggest weakness is the overwhelming lack of clarity and articulation on behalf of the prop selling businesses. A vague, incomplete, or poorly written policy is no better than the absence of a policy, in my opinion.
Further, no dealer addresses the issue of misidentified, misrepresented, and “trumped up” pieces in any way. I believe that misidentified pieces is a huge problem in the hobby, regardless of source or intent, and there is a complete lack of acknowledgment of this issue on the part of those selling original props, with no publicly stated policy or mechanism by which to resolve such issues.
My hope is that by raising these issues, hobbyists will be more careful in considering these issues and rethink what the COA and/or guarantee means to them when evaluating a potential purchase. My advice to buyers of original props, especially higher end pieces, is to clarify guarantee and return policies with the dealers directly, on a case-by-case basis – in detail, in writing, and in advance of sending payment. I would very much recommend making this process part of your specific contract for each purchase, with custom terms and conditions that provide the comfort level that should accompany any such purchase.
I believe that these dealer-specific issues warrant a reevaluation for these businesses in how they present their company and their efforts. I challenge any prop seller to consider each of these questions and incorporate the answers into a clearly written, dated, and numbered policy, posted on their website, with each change publicly archived, and each policy number assigned to every COA issued.
1) What is your “guarantee” policy?
2) When does it start? When does it end?
3) What does it cover? Does it cover a piece if found to be non-original? Does it cover a piece if found to be misidentified (wrong property), misrepresented (wrong use), or “trumped up”?
4) In what specific way must the buyer demonstrate that the piece is not as described? Through his own efforts and research? Via a third party expert? If the latter, who qualifies? If via third party expert, who absorbs the costs, if any?
5) Does the guarantee transfer from original buyer to subsequent owners?
6) In the event of a change of policy, how does that affect previously sold product?
Whatever a dealer’s policy, whether it be “pro seller”, “pro buyer”, or somewhere in-between, at the very least it should be clearly written, easy to understand, and leave no questions unanswered.
For those dealers that do pledge “guarantees”, I think, in reviewing these policies, that the piece that is most frequently unaddressed is the very mechanics of how such a policy would function. Without a road map, does a guarantee “in spirit” have any value if there is no way to actually apply it and enforce it?
For those dealers that do not pledge “guarantees” or warranties, of what value, purpose, or function is your COA?
As to the practice of restarting provenance, perhaps there is a way to, at the very least, uniformly “genericize” prior history and ownership, in order to share information that speaks to provenance as well as protect sources and information.
I would be very interested in feedback from all parties.
Jason De Bord