As discussed in prior articles (”Guernsey’s Auction: “The Pugliese Collection“”, “Guernsey’s Auction: “The Pugliese Collection” – Delayed to Early Next Year“, “Guernsey’s Pugliese Pop Culture Collection Auction: Las Vegas, NV – March 15-16, 2008“), this appears to be an interesting auction event, and the full catalog is now available to view online. It appears that movie-related memorabilia will be auctioned on the first day of the event, Saturday March 15th, in two sessions, while television and all other categories will be auctioned in two sessions on Sunday March 16th.
I received an e-mail today from Guernsey’s informing me that the hard copy version of the catalogs would likely be mailed out today to those who have ordered them.
The catalog can be viewed online at LiveAuctioneers.com:
These items can also be found on eBay: LINK
The “Prohibitive Lots” catalog can be downloaded in PDF format from the Guernsey’s website:
About the Pugliese Pop Culture Collection
As described in the listings:
The Pugliese Pop Culture Collection may well be the finest collection focusing on 20th Century pop culture ever privately assembled. Approximately eight hundred and fifty of the most extraordinary objects imaginable from the worlds of motion pictures, popular music, magic, television and politics were gathered over several decades by Anthony Pugliese, a man who might well be described as a true visionary. A small sampling of the Collection’s treasures include Houdini’s straightjacket, the Maltese Falcon statuette, Christopher Reeves’ Superman suit, John Lennon’s Abbey Road suit, Elvis Presley’s personal rifle collection and the gun that Jack Ruby used to kill Lee Harvey Oswald. Indeed, Mr. Pugliese is sharing his wonderful Collection with the rest of the world as he shifts his interests towards the creation of Destiny, the nation’s largest eco-sustainable community currently being sensitively created in central Florida. A portion of the proceeds from this remarkable event are earmarked for the Audubon Society, long known for its important environmental work. If you have any questions about this one-of-a-kind Collection or the auction itself, please contact Guernsey’s.
Terms & Conditions: “As Is”
It is important to consider the following, from the Terms and Conditions for the auction event:
1. All properties are sold as is, and neither we nor the Consigner make any warranties or representations with respect to any lot sold including but not limited to the correctness of the catalogue or other description of the origin, physical condition, size, quality, rarity, attribution, authorship, importance, medium, provenance, exhibitions, literature or historical relevance of the property, and no statement anywhere, whether oral or written, shall be deemed such a warranty or representation. All sizes listed are approximate and listed in inches, unless otherwise specified. Prospective bidders should inspect the property before bidding to determine its condition, size, and whether or not it has been repaired or restored. WE AND THE CONSIGNOR DISCLAIM ANY AND ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE. NO WARRANTIES ARE MADE THAT ANY OF THE MERCHANDISE COMPLIES WITH ANY APPLICABLE GOVERNMENTAL RULES, REGULATIONS OR ORDINANCES OF ANY KIND OR NATURE WHATSOEVER. Neither Guernsey’s as agent nor the Consigner is responsible for any faults or defects in any lot or the correctness of any statement as to the authorship of any origin, authorship, date, age, attribution, genuineness, provenance or condition of any lot.
This is very standard disclaimer language for auction houses (see “Auction House Buying Considerations, Part 1“, “Part 2“, “Part 3“), but it cannot be emphasized enough that the items are offered and sold “as is” and there are no warranties from the auction house nor the consignor as to the description, authenticity, and/or provenance of any item.
It is incumbent upon buyers to do their own research to determine authenticity. As I’ve explained in many articles (see “Authenticity and Burden of Proof“, “…Part II: Inauthentic Props“), my approach is to assume any offering to be inconclusive, as to authenticity, and prove it to be either authentic or inauthentic based on research and material facts available.
Provenance, Sources, Authenticity
I have just begun to go through the catalog online, but citations as to provenance, sources, LOAs/COAs, etc., is inconsistent. Some lots list a source while others have no statement as to chain of ownership or sources.
Of note is that a number of items state:
Together with a COA from the L.A. Prop and Wardrobe Co.
Together with a LOA from the L.A. Prop and Wardrobe Co.
Together with a LOA from the L.A. Prop and Wardrobe Co. (formerly Hollywood Prop Supply)
These items include:
- Gary Cooper Hat From “Sergeant York”
- James Cagney Hat From “13 Rue Madeleine”
- Steve Mcqueen Hat From “Soldier In The Rain”
- “Patriot” Peg Leg
- Heath Ledger “Patriot” Costume
- Marilyn Monroe Beaded Purse
- Steve Mcqueen Hat From “Wanted: Dead Or Alive”
- Roy Rogers Stetson
- “Dances With Wolves” Prop Rifle
- “Patriot” Musket
In regards to some of the high profile pieces, many I recall being from other auction house events, but in many cases, this is not noted in the descriptions.
I will have more thoughts about this auction event as I have more time to review the catalog and conduct research.
Jason De Bord