This is the third in my ongoing series (see News, Part 1, Part 2, Featured Interview Preview) of articles about the Little John’s Auction Service featuring the World Famous Stembridge Armory Collection.
This article focuses on my experiences participating in this live auction, my first as a bidder, in person.
The Preview & First Impressions
So this was the first live auction I’ve ever attended in person. It was a fantastic experience.
The auction itself was held at the Phoenix Club in Anaheim, CA. The room was fairly large. Going in, given the nature of the collectibles (firearms!), I expected a ton of security and the pieces to be organized behind glass or secured to the table. I could not have been more wrong…
Walking in, there were weapons everywhere – in racks, on tables, in cases – I didn’t know where to begin. There didn’t appear to be any uniformed security at all, and the weapons were all loosely displayed, available to be examined hands on with no apparent restrictions. As I began to walk around the tables, I started piecing together that everything for the day was out, including the “Session II” weapons (i.e. non film and movie prop weapons).
As I got my bearings, I figured out where the Session II items ended, and the Session I items began. Then I learned that the pieces on display were completely random. How could anyone find what they were looking for, with 500+ pieces spread across a giant conference room?
It became a “Where’s Waldo?” process, with random pieces stacked upon one another…
Over the course of an hour, I was eventually able to locate every piece on my list. It was exhilarating to interact with all these pieces, having stared at and examined the PDF and print catalogs, with low resolution mediocre, grayscale, one-sided photos for the past month.
Holding the two “A-List” pieces I was there for in particular was very exciting. With each, I wondered if that would be the first and last time, or would they soon be a part of my own collection? Every time I spied someone else examining them, I felt a rush of adrenaline… Does this guy want it as much as I?
The registration process was simple – sign the form and disclosures, furnish a driver’s license, and receive a copy of the Terms, which had my bidder number on the back.
I was found by fellow U.K collector Dave Abberly at some point, who was with Brandon Alinger and Stephen Lane of Prop Store of London. I had seen Dave and Brandon each, separately, in the last few months; I hadn’t seen Stephen since our group visit to Bob Burn’s Basement in late 2005. They were the first original prop collectors I encountered at the auction. I knew Brandon was hoping for a win on the Han Solo blaster [see article Stembridge Auction Report, Part 2: Han Solo Blaster Excitement & Drama].
The Planning Process
So, what was I hoping to accomplish?
Well, I had a definite game plan. To back up a little…
I learned of this auction more than a month before. The person who shared the news with me had asked me to keep it confidential, so I kept that pledge, in that I was asked, and would not have otherwise learned of the auction with enough advance notice to perform appropriate research.
The great thing about collecting original firearms is the nature of the pieces, and how they are used in the industry. Because live fire weapons are owned by armories (in this case, originally, Stembridge), they are rented to the film and television productions, and hence, the utilization of rental agreements. Because firearms must be licensed, each has a unique serial number and they must be registered. This is also how the pieces are identified on rental agreements. More, these pieces were never owned by the film and television productions, so ownership is “in the clear”. A perfect set of circumstances for the discerning original prop collector concerned about authenticity and provenance first and foremost.
So, one would think, all of the pieces in this auction would be impeccable!
And there’s the rub. For the most part, these pieces were accompanied with no rental agreements (the strongest form of provenance, with firearms). More, the catalog and terms of auction warn as follows:
All sales final. Buyer must satisfy his own condition, provenance, movie history, and any buying requirements before bidding. NO REFUNDS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES IN THIS SALE.
As I began to extensively research and vet the pieces of interest to me, I was very surprised that many clearly differed from what was seen on screen. My lists of “passes” was much longer than the “maybes” and “confirmed”.
By the time auction day arrived, having reviewed dozens of pieces, those I was 100% confident about that were of interest to me I could count on one hand.
Implementation of the Plan
So, getting back to the event, I had my bidder’s card, I had my list in hand, with the hands on preview, everything checked out as expected. The auctioneers were settling up on the stage, one on each side, with large monitors below to display the image and lot number of the current piece being offered.
My list consisted of one “sleeper” piece, two (in my view) “A-List” pieces, and a couple of pieces of lesser interest, including my one certain “consolation” piece (certain in that, if everything leading up to it was a bust, I was prepared to pay more than it was worth, just so I wouldn’t go home empty handed).
My primary goal was to attempt to get one of the two “A-List” pieces for around $10,000. I was confident both would achieve and close at around that mark, but there was a good chance they might go for much more, which was impossible to prepare for. Short of securing one or the other, perhaps one or two of the lesser pieces would be the take for the day.
The Prop Store group held me a seat at the back row, so we settled in as things got underway. I also sat next to a very friendly and interesting older gun collector, so it was nice to chat with him throughout and get a pure gun collector’s perspective and take on the activity. The room was very highly attended and jumping, and I expected prices realized to be high.
The first lot, a set of three stunt weapons from Terminator 2, I thought, was of no interest. One of very few non-gun rubber stunt pieces in the auction, and for some strange reason, in terms of placement, at the very start (most were reserved for the end). I had seen these during the preview, and noted they were in bad shape, apart from being comparatively uninteresting, uncompelling rubber pieces.
But, instead of blowing past it at opening bid, there was an extended bidding war! Over beat up stunt weapons. I couldn’t believe it. In the end, they closed at $5600 plus buyer’s premium, for the set of three rubber stunt weapons.
This turn of events – at the outset – I felt was a bad sign of things to come. If stunts realized such values, I feared what would happen with the real hero pieces.
I watched with interest as the next few pieces came and went. Some of the first pieces were Berettas – of which there were many (five in total) spread throughout the catalog that were attributed to Lethal Weapon. For me, without rental agreements, it was too risky a proposition. I think others generally agreed, with pricing on all from $1,300-$2,600.
The first piece on my own list was Lot 8, the .45 cal. Colt MK IV Series 70 Gov’t Model. The film and use attributed to it in the catalog was Steven Seagal: On Deadly Ground.
LOT 8 – Colt MK IV Series 70 Gov’t Model semi-auto pistol, .45 cal., 5” barrel, #70S15842. The barrel is adapted for firing blanks, approx. 85% blue finish remaining with wear primarily on the grip straps, modified magazine well entrance and grip safety, replaced King brand magazine, white outline rear sight, checkered black wood grips. From the Stembridge Arms inventory with tag noting “On Deadly Ground; Steven Segal”. A prop attributed to one of the Steven Segal NYPD series of movies. Est.: $750-$1,500
I am not a Steven Seagal fan. I’ve never seen the film. So why on earth is this piece on my short list? It was my “sleeper” piece.
Because I have the Stembridge rental agreements and other key documentation speaking to live firearm usage in Terminator 2: Judgment Day, I found that the serial number on this piece was on the paperwork I had for T2, and it was rented to T2 Productions. I think it was used by Linda Hamilton as Sarah Connor, but will need to do more hands on examination once I have the piece in hand.
So my hope was to perhaps “steal” this weapon for a few thousand dollars.
As the lot came up for bid, I was ready. My plan? Well, it was against the advice I got from a seasoned auction veteran… But my plan was just to keep my hand in the air, and see what happens.
So it opened, my bid was acknowledged, and after just a few bids, I had won! For only $1,000! (plus Buyer’s Premium and sales tax) That couldn’t be right, I thought, but the auctioneer confirmed it and noted my paddle as the winning one.
I couldn’t believe it. Not only did I win, but I won at a steal! The Plan was off to a great start, and I found I couldn’t stop smiling.
I was thrilled to be one for one. So much so, I elected to skip the next piece on my list, one of the “consolation”-type pieces, in hopes of perhaps securing one of my two “A-List” props.
The next prop on my list was Lot 37, the Detonics framed Colt Series 70. In the catalog, this was properly attributed to Terminator 2: Judgment Day.
LOT 37 – Detonics framed Colt Series 70 slide semi-auto pistol, 9mm, two-tone finish, Pachmayr grips, #CRM2502. Pistol remains in good overall condition with a blank firing adapter installed, stainless steel or bright lower frame, blue slide showing light edgewear, wrap-around grips, rubber mainspring housing, rubber Pachmayr beavertail web safety, no magazine. Used by Arnold Schwarzenegger in “Terminator II”. Est.: $750-$1,500.
Again, with my Stembridge rental agreements, I knew it was good, having been rented to T2: Productions. More, of the two pieces of this type rented, I knew this was used extensively, as the second had the notation “DAMAGED THROUGHOUT” on the paperwork. This is the pistol used by both Linda Hamilton and Arnold Schwarzenegger throughout the film. For me, though not on the one sheet as the shotgun I already have is, it is just as desirable piece. More, already having one of the hero shotguns and my earlier win in the day, it would make an incredible set.
One quick note: earlier in the day, Stephen Lane had mentioned to me that he was planning to bid on this same piece, and asked if I was as well (knowing I’m a huge T2 fan). I told him I was, and it was actually one of the two top pieces I was going for. Stephen quickly commented that if I were bidding, he’d take it off his list and not bid. I was very appreciative of his graciousness and consideration, and thank him again here for electing to step aside for another collector.
Anyway, of my two “A-List” pieces, I thought I had the best shot at this one, in that there were two other T2 prizes – the Arnie shotguns – and I already had one. So, I figured, a T2 fan would likely hold out in hopes of securing one of the two of those, which came later in the auction.
So, finally, Lot 37 opened. I used the same strategy that worked with the first lot, and held my number in the air, and watched the bidding unfold, almost like a spectator.
The bids crawled up slowly, and I just kept my hand up, waiting, as I didn’t, in my mind, have any decision to make until it hit around $10,000 – then I wasn’t certain what I would do.
It started slowing down in bidding…
I waited – who’s next?
No one?
Going once, going twice…
Sold!
I couldn’t believe it. I was astounded that I won. It was amazing.
I had actually won one of my “A-List” (to me anyway!) pieces. Plus my “sleeper” piece. And all for, in my opinion, incredible prices.
So now I was in a position of having what I expected to have at the end, best case scenario, and the auction had hardly begun.
Now I faced what was to me, unthinkable. I could actually make a run at my second “A-List” piece.
What was that? It excited me more than any piece in my first run through the catalog, as it is a favorite film, and “the” key piece, as it’s on the one sheet poster and promo material – Harry Tasker’s (Arnold Schwarzenegger’s) signature pistol from True Lies. Lot 159, the Ruger Model P90.
LOT 159 – Ruger Model P90 stainless steel semi-auto pistol, .45 cal., 4-1/2” barrel, #660-00947. Gun is in overall fine condition showing little handling, barrel is adapted for firing blanks. From the Stembridge Arms inventory with tag noting “True Lies-Arnold also used in daily variety full page ad (w/Arnold)”. A great prop attributed to use in one of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s popular action movies. Est.: $700-$1,400.
Another 90s James Cameron film, another Arnold Schwarzenegger film…
In this case, I did not have any rental agreements. It did look right. However, there is the poster and publicity material. I wondered if the serial number could actually be seen on the poster.
In my research, I found that the serial number on the poster, DVD, etc. was as follows:
660-00947 (actual)
640-00967 (poster)
A “4” was made a “6” and vice versa in the sequence, but I thought that might be for legal reasons, so that the prop could not be “known” or tracked to anyone paying that much attention to the poster. Because of the way in which firearm serial numbers are sequenced, the chances of another piece having the number with the two numbers “flipped” as well as be in the Stembridge armory is astronomical. For those reasons, I have no doubt that this was a match.
Getting back to the auction, again, I expected this to be one of the top modern day pieces in the event. Because I did so well on my first two lots, and had just this piece and a “consolation” piece left on my list, I was prepared to go to $10,000 on this one as well.
Again, the lot opened, and I held my card in the air, unrelenting. As the bidding progressed, I noticed this time it was down to me and another bidder, Jeff from ScreenUsed [note: I did get a chance to introduce myself to Jeff in person later in the show – nice guy].
He ultimately bowed out, and I was again, astonished, at my good fortune.
Later came my “consolation” prop, the second of two of the same piece. I had no paperwork, but screen-matched the second of two of the same type of piece, attributed to the same film. One, what I would call an anomaly with the bidding rules is that if there were two of the same prop or same type of prop listed back to back, the winner of the first was offered the second for the same price. In the case of this one prop I had interest in, I did not want the first, and the second was offered to the winner of the first, so there was no opportunity to bid. Given all my good fortune, I could honestly care less at that point.
In the end, I got both my “A-List” pieces and my “sleeper” piece for, collectively, what I was prepared to spend on one of the two top pieces. I never would have imagined such an outcome.
What follows are some screen caps of my new “A List” pieces…
Terminator 2: Judgment Day – Lot 37: Detonics framed Colt Series 70 
True Lies – Lot 159: Ruger Model P90
Jason De Bord