This is part of the ongoing series of articles about costumes in the marketplace attributed to use by Christopher Reeve in the Superman films of the 70s and 80s (see “Questions About Superman Costumes in the Marketplace: Authenticity, Sources, Quantity“).
As previously discussed, The Prop Store of London, which recently sold an original Superman costume with a Certificate of Authenticity from Warner Bros. (see “Authentic Superman Costume In The Marketplace – The Prop Store of London“), has recently showcased a complete costume on their website (currently on display at the Movieum of London – see related article).
Of particular interest is the Prop Store description of the manufacture of the (at the time of production) “radical, brand new, specially formulated fabric” on the “single, now defunct weaving machine in Germany”. As shown in prior articles, “Original Superman Costume Reference Archive: Fabric Comparison“, and ““Prop Store Collection” Superman Costume, Fabric Discussion Continued“, “…Fabric Discussion Continued, Part 2“, samples of fabric (”Original Fabric Sample”) that is claimed to have been the same kind used to produce the original costumes for the films is very unique and distinct in weave, color, weight, and other attributes, and differs significantly from standard/modern spandex.
There were also striking differences between the “Original Fabric Sample” material and the material used to make the “Superman III Reference Costume” sent to me by another collector for examination (see “High Resolution Photo Reference Archive: “Original Superman III Christopher Reeve Costume”“). The ”Original Fabric Sample” is top, the “Superman III Reference Costume” fabric is bottom (comparison to same scale):
The costumes with Warner Bros. paperwork sold by ScreenUsed (see “Superman III Body Suit“) and The Prop Store of London (see “Superman III Body Suit“) both appear to be made of material that resembles the “Original Fabric Sample” type shown in the photos above and other examples in the previous articles.
In the last article, the “Original Fabric Sample” type was shown to appear to match the fabric of the “Prop Store Collection Superman Costume” on display at the Movieum in London:
High Resolution Archive: “Prop Store Collection” Movieum Display Shorts, Waist
Below is a comparison of the “Original Fabric Sample” (inset) and a close-up of the “Prop Store Collection Costume” photo above:
High Resolution Archive: Comparison – “Prop Store Collection Costume” vs. “Original Fabric Sample”
Superboy Costume Material Comparison
In the previous article, I posted comparison photos between the “Prop Store Collection” costume and the “Superman III Reference Costume”, including close-up photos of the chest area and “S” emblem.
Since publishing the article, I am now in receipt of a close-up photo of the chest area of the “Superboy” costume sold by Profiles in History in their “Hollywood Auction 28”, August 2-3, 2007. This costume was attributed to use by John Haymes Newton in his role on the Viacom television series “Superboy” airing 1988-92. Provenance included a letter of authenticity from the star, John Haymes Newton.
Obviously such a costume would not be expected to match a costume worn by Christopher Reeve in the Superman films. However, interesting to me is comparing attributes and photos of all three costumes – 1) the “Prop Store Collection” authenticated Superman costume, 2) the “Superman III Reference Costume”, and 3) the “Profiles 28 Superboy” costume.
Of particular note, both the “Prop Store Collection” costume and the “Profiles 28 Superboy” costume both consistently use the same style/weave/weight/type of fabric for all three colors – blue, red, and yellow – in each respective costume. While the fabric of these two costumes do not match each other, consistent use of the same style/weave/weight/type of fabric is present in each independent costume.
The “Superman III Reference Costume” uses a heavier, more textured spandex for the red and yellow parts, but a finer, lighter fabric with a tighter/smaller/more narrow weave for the blue components of the suit:
The “Profiles 28 Superboy” and “Superman III Reference Costumes”, comparing to each other, both appear to use a very similar and distinct style/weave/weight/type of spandex fabric for the red and yellow components (though the colors do not match) as well as the blue on the Superboy-only; the blue fabric used in the “Superman III Reference Costume” is unique to that specimen and the blue fabric used appears to be very different from both the “Profiles 28 Superboy Costume” and the “Prop Store Collection Superman Costume”.
High Resolution Archive: Superman/Superboy Chest Comparison
High Resolution Archive: Superman/Superboy “S” Emblem Comparison
Comparison Summary:
- Both the “Superman III Reference Costume” and the “Profiles 28 Superboy Costume” appear to use fabric that differs from the very unique “Prop Store Collection Costume” fabric in manufacture, weave, and color.
- The “Profiles 28 Superboy Costume” appears to use the same style/weave/weight/type of spandex fabric for all three colors – Blue, Red, and Yellow.
- The “Superman III Reference Costume” appears to use the same style/weave/weight/type of spandex fabric for two colors – Red and Yellow – and an entirely different fabric for the third color – Blue.
- The shades of color used in the “Superman III Reference Costume” appears much brighter than either of the other two costumes.
- The “Superman III Reference Costume” blue fabric differs from fabric used in the other two costumes.
ooo
Jason De Bord
Additional Related Articles: Market Watch | Superman