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“Classic” Film & Television Prop and Wardrobe eBay Sellers

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There are several companies on eBay that sell notable quantities of props and memorabilia attributed to use in classic and vintage film and television productions, as well as items characterized as personal property of Hollywood stars and notable famous figures from history. The purpose of this article is to identify these companies and include information about their public offerings.

Since the provenance and authenticity of these pieces are generally based on an accompanying certificate of authenticity (or COA), I would think it is critically important to understand as much as possible about the companies authenticating the pieces and issuing the documents, as well as those selling them. Also of interest, in some cases, are the stated warranties and return policies, in that formally certifying something authentic implies a warranty in the event the associated piece proves otherwise.

Auction Depot LA (auctiondepotla1) & Global Antiques

Auction Depot LA (auctiondepotla1 on eBay) and their Global Antiques authenticated offerings have been the subject of a number of articles on the Original Prop Blog. Until very recently (see ““Global Antiques” Memorabilia Listings Pulled From eBay“), Auction Depot LA has offered a large number of items on a regular basis (often exceeding 100 concurrent listings on eBay). Based on research (see links to articles below), there have been a number of pieces offered for sale in which the date of manufacture of the item does not appear to match the stated attribution to film, movie, celebrity, and/or public figure to which it is assigned. In other instances, items offered for sale as film and television props have counterparts at retail stores that appear to be the same.

Based on study of a two week sales period, Auction Depot LA averaged more than $1,000.00 per day of sales activity on Global Antiques items sold under the eBay category, “Entertainment Memorabilia” (see “Auction Depot L.A. & Global Antiques Entertainment Memorabilia – Two Weeks of eBay Listing/Sales Activity“).

These collectibles, attributed to film/television use and/or ownership by Hollywood stars and public/historic figures, are apparently consigned and authenticated by “Global Antiques” (also referred to as “City of Los Angeles Global Antiques”).

For example, many of these items are described as “original” and “authentic” props from “Gone With The Wind”, “The Wizard of Oz”, “Casablanca”, “I Love Lucy”, “Star Trek”, “Star Wars” “James Bond”, “Lord of the Rings”, “The Matrix”, and other films and television programs, as well as many collectibles and antiques marketed as owned by John Wayne, Marilyn Monroe, Lucille Ball, Shirley Temple, Vincent Price, and other classic and iconic Hollywood stars as well as objects previously owned by public figures such as Sigmund Freud, Babe Ruth, Mark Twain, Thomas Edison, Al Capone, Andy Warhol, and others.

Who is “Global Antiques”? This question is not addressed very clearly in the Auction Depot LA listings:

Global Antiques is the curator of all of the props available for auction through Auction Depot LA. They acquire these props from collectors and studio personnel. The item is authenticated by Global Antiques after its provenance has been validated and certified. Every prop we sell is accompanied by a Silver (used in production) or Gold (personally owned property) Certificate of Authenticity. No other documents are included with the auction.

~

We act as an agent for Global Antiques and would be happy to answer any other questions you have. We cannot disclose contact info for our private sellers but you are welcome to call us toll free at (877) 337-6852

This is the Auction Depot LA stated “Return Policy”:

* All items are sold AS IS.

* Returns are accepted ONLY if the item was not as described in the auction.

* Buyer must contact us via the eBay message system

* Buyer is responsible for all shipping charges, including return shipping charges.

Further, in the eBay “Returns” field, it further notes that items must be returned in 3 days.

Under the heading, “Legal”:

* Auction Depot LA is not the owner or seller of this item. We are a consignment agent acting on behalf of the seller to facilitate the sale of this item by holding the item until the auction ends. We then process payment, pack and ship the item to the winning bidder or coordinate a pick-up of the item.

However Auction Depot LA characterizes their company, by registering for eBay and listing items for sale, they are in fact the “seller” of these items, at least within the terms and policies outlined by eBay.

Example eBay Listing Archive List:

Related OPB Articles:

Auction Shop USA (auctionshopusa) & Global Antiques

Like Auction Depot LA, Auction Shop USA (auctionshopusa on eBay) is also based in Culver CIty, CA and also sells collectibles attributed to film/television use and/or ownership by Hollywood stars and public/historic figures, apparently consigned and authenticated by “Global Antiques” (also referred to as “City of Los Angeles Global Antiques”).

Auction Shop USA also sells items from the same television shows, movies, and celebrities and public/historic figures as Auction Depot LA.

Auction Shop USA does differ from Auction Depot LA in that their auctions include no information about “Global Antiques”. However, they do publish photos showing the full Global Antiques COA with some of their auctions.

Example #1 (from “Original PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN Movie Film Prop NR!!”, eBay Item #350060718487):

Certificate of Authenticity Text:

City of Los Angeles
Global Antiques
Silver Certificate of Authenticity

Congratulations! You are the proud owner of some Hollywood memorabilia! A piece of demolished movie set. A part of Hollywood history. This film set relic is a movie souvenir and is not intended for investment or resale purposes, but a keepsake and rare find for any movie prop collector! It is intended for entertainment purposes only. No additional information can, or will be given regarding this collectors item. Strict privacy agreements prohibit.

Sincerely yours,

G. Jones, Chief Curator
Global Antiques

Example #2 (from “Original THE GODFATHER Movie Film Prop Memorabilia NR!!”, eBay Item #350060722041):

Certificate of Authenticity Text:

City of Los Angeles
Global Antiques
Silver Certificate of Authenticity

Congratulations! You are the proud owner of a relic from an American historical figure. This is from a political or entertainment personality, which may a scientist or great literary figure from the past. This piece of history from a popular figure is not intended for investment or resale purposes, but a keepsake and rare find for any history lover, gathered through years of oral history, handed down from generation to generation, Global Antiques has made every effort to verify the existence of these items to the best of our ability, they are as we claim. No additional information can, or will be given regarding this collectors item. Strict privacy agreements prohibit.

Sincerely yours,

G. Jones, Chief Curator
Global Antiques

This is the Auction Shop USA stated “Return Policy”:

Regarding auctions of our items that are guaranteed authentic:

Buyer has 3 days from day the item was delivered to inspect/authenticate item from an authorized dealer of that product if they wish. If an item is to be returned, buyer is responsible for return shipment cost and must include a notarized letter from the authorized dealer stating that the item is not indeed authentic. We take pictures not included in the auction to verify that the item coming back is the same one that was sent out. If the item returned does not match our pictures, serials numbers, etc., eBay and the authorities will be notified. This is just a precautionary measure to protect us, our customers and the eBay community from fraudulent buyers.

All items are sold AS IS. Returns are accepted ONLY at our discretion. We are very fair and will work with you to to reach a suitable solution. Buyer must contact us at [email protected] or through eBay to initiate a return within 3 days of receiving the item. Buyer is responsible for ALL return shipping charges.

*Please contact us first before leaving feedback if you are not satisfied with your item. Items must be dramatically different then described for returns. If we receive negative feedback with out any attempt to contact us for a resolution, YOU will automatically receive negative feedback.

Under the heading, “Legal”:

AUCTION SHOP USA IS NOT THE OWNER OR SELLER OF THESE GOODS, BUT MERELY A BAILEE ACTING ON BEHALF OF THE SELLER TO FACILITATE THE SALE OF THE GOODS BY HOLDING THE GOODS UNTIL SUCH TIME AS A SALE IS COMPLETED AND THE GOODS ARE SHIPPED TO THE BUYER.

As is the case with Auction Depot LA, Auction Shop USA declares that their company is not the owner nor seller of the items that they list for sale on eBay.

A few of the OPB articles related to Auction Depot LA also relate to Auction Shop USA:

“Auction Depot LA, Auction Shop USA, Global Antiques: The Lord of the Rings and “Big Lots!”“

““Global Antiques” Memorabilia Listings Pulled From eBay“

The latter reports on Auction Shop USA ending all of their current Global Antiques-related listings early, noting:

The seller ended this listing early because the item is no longer available for sale.

Example eBay Listing Archive List:

jsnent (John Tarter, L.A. Prop & Wardrobe Co.)

eBay seller jsnent on eBay is not identified as an individual or company, but I personally purchased one item from this seller on November 1, 2002:

The PayPal record excerpt above showed the payment recipient to be John Tarter, known as one of the owners of L.A. Prop & Wardrobe Co.

You can confirm this transaction occurred by searching for the mutual feedback left between jsnent and my jdebord eBay account on November 8, 2002:

High Resolution Archive: jsnent eBay Feedback left for jdebord

Items offered for sale by jsnent include items characterized as authentic and attributed to use in Bewitched, The Brady Bunch, The Love Boat, The Andy Griffith Show, Murder She Wrote, Magnum P.I. Star Trek, The Ten Commandments, The Munsters, Little House on the Prairie, Gunsmoke, Rifleman, The Cosby Show, Green Acres, and other film and television productions.

This is the only information generally stated regarding provenance in the listings is as follows:

This screen issued item was acquired from one of the largest wardrobe supply houses in the US. They furnished wardrobe items for 1000’s of movie and television productions. Accompanying this piece is the Certificate Of Authenticity (COA) from the wardrobe company it was acquired from.

L.A. Prop & Wardrobe Co. were the focus of an investigation by WFAA-TV and reporter David Schechter (see “WFAA Television News Report on Heritage Auction Galleries, L.A. Prop and Wardrobe: “Systematic Misrepresentation of Provenance”“).

See WFAA-TV Investigative Report Broadcasts:

02/06/08 Television Report

02/08/08 Television Report

Following the investigative reports and television broadcasts, Heritage Auction Gallery filed suit against L.A. Prop & Wardrobe Co. and purported owners John Tarter and Billie Null (see “News Reports: Heritage Filed Suit Against L.A. Prop & Wardrobe in Dallas County District Court Wednesday“).

This is the official response from Steve Ivy, CEO & Co-Chairman, Heritage Auction Galleries:

High Resolution Archive: Heritage CEO & Chairman Letter Concerning L.A. Prop & Wardrobe Co.

The following report is the result of a search of the public Dallas County Courts Records Inquiry at courts.dallascounty.org:


High Resolution Archive: Register of Actions Case No. DC-08-01654

These public records list John Tarter and Billie Null as defendants with both “L A Prop & Wardrobe Co” as well as “Studio West Prop & Wardrobe” listed as DBAs.

Example eBay Listing Archive List:

Related Articles:

jnsmcmahan

eBay seller jnsmcmahan offers much of the same type of merchandise as jsnent. Comparing eBay auctions from the two sellers, the auction listings match in many significant ways.

jnsmcmahan eBay Listing Example, “1800’S STYLE CEDAR JEWELRY BOX FROM T.V.’S GUNSMOKE!” (eBay Item #370053728817):

Full Listing, High Resolution Archive: eBay Seller jnsmcmahan “1800’S STYLE CEDAR JEWELRY BOX FROM T.V.’S GUNSMOKE!”

jsnent eBay Listing Example, “1800S STYLE ELIXIR BOTTLE FROM T.V.’S GUNSMOKE!” (eBay Item #300226405768):

Full Listing, High Resolution Archive: eBay Seller jsnent “1800S STYLE ELIXIR BOTTLE FROM T.V.’S GUNSMOKE!

Similarities between jnsmcmahan and jsnent eBay Listings:

  • Both offer props from some of the same film/television productions
  • Both utilize ALL CAPS in the eBay listing title, as well as exclamation points
  • Both start auctions at $24.99
  • Both use US Postal Service Priority Mail as default shipping option
  • Both list “Northwest, United States” as the item location
  • Both feature Auctiva’s free showcase at the top of the listing description
  • Both repeat the ALL CAPS listing title as the marketing description title, followed by a single centered photo
  • The description layout, order, and language is used in both listings
  • The same explanation under “Authenticity” is used in both listings, word for word
  • The same explanation under “General Notes” is used in both listings, word for word
  • Both employ the “Sellatron” counter at the bottom of the listing
  • Both use Auctiva’s free listing templates
  • Both host images with Auctiva
  • Neither specify a return policy in the related eBay field

Example eBay Listing Archive List:

Studio West Prop & Wardrobe

As noted above, the Heritage Auction Galleries lawsuit filed in Dallas, Texas names “Studio West Prop & Wardrobe” as well as “L A Prop & Wardrobe Co” as DBA’s of John Tarter and Billie Null. I have not verified this information, but note this here as Heritage Auction Galleries and L.A. Prop & Wardrobe Co. had a formal business relationship.

Studio West Prop & Wardrobe sells on eBay as studiowestprops and studiowestprops02 and also on a separate website, www.StudioWestPropsAndWardrobe.com.

While there are many similarities to the jsnent and jnsmcmahan eBay auction listings, there are several distinct differences as well, most notable being that the “Item Location” (Bakersfield, CA).

Also, unlike jsnent and jnsmcmahan, Studio West Props maintains a retail website with a large inventory of items for sale.

The following information is from the StudioWestPropsAndWardrobe.com website, under FAQ:

How do I know the item is authentic?

Authentication is a way of determining whether an item is genuine and described appropriately. Because of their training and experience, experts can often detect counterfeits from subtle details. However, you should know that two expert authenticators may differ on the authenticity of the same item. Proof of authenticity can take many forms, including: Tags: Studio tags, a costumer’s tag, or the name of an actor or actress written in the collar of a particular wardrobe piece. Studio markings: Studio markings on props. Photographs: Still photographs of individuals wearing a certain item or signing a certain item. Testimonials: The personal word of someone associated with the film, the television show, the band, etc. Certificates of Authenticity: Certificate of Authenticity (COA) from the studio or issued by an authenticator with industry credibility or by an entity that has a proven track record of experience and integrity. Some COAs come from divisions of publicly traded companies while others come from individual dealers and collectors offering their own personal guarantees. The credibility of a COA depends on the issuing party’s track record. You may want to use an authentication and grading service to evaluate an item before bidding on or buying movie or T.V. memorabilia. For example, an independent, experienced evaluator can help examine a listing on our site and point out potential problems with an prop, wardrobe piece, or autograph for a small fee.

There are items on the Studio West Props and Wardrobe website with L.A. Prop & Wardrobe Co. provenance, such as this stunt pistol attributed to The Bourne Identity with an L.A. Prop & Wardrobe Co. asset tag:

High Resolution Archive: Studio West Props and Wardrobe – Bourne Identity

Example eBay Listing Archive List:

Hollywood Prop Supply

Hollywood Prop Supply sells as “hollywoodpropsupply” on eBay and operates the website HollywoodPropSupply.com.

The eBay “Me” page states:

Hollywood Prop Supply, LLC.

My wife and I founded the company in the late 1990’s with a rental truck full of items from Ellis Props and Graphics. Ellis was the oldest and the largest Prop House in California until it’s liquidation. We expanded into wardrobe sales a short time later after purchasing a substantial amount of inventory from the Costume Collection. The Costume Collection was actually a group of wardrobe houses, designers and costumers that liquidated their inventory in 2000. We continue to purchase prop and wardrobe items directly from celebrity estates, auctions, the studios and trusted collectors.

Since our modest beginning, we have slowly expanded and have developed a working relationship with trusted industry leaders such as SONY, Hollywood CPR, Eastern Costume, Reel Clothes, Premiere Props, Rainmaker, Starwares, Hollywood Movie Costumes, etc. In addition to our EBay sales, our items have been sold through such auction houses as Profiles In History, Heritage Auction Gallery, Universal Rarities, Vintage Authentics, Sotheby’s of New York, etc. We are a state licensed LLC and we are listed in Hollywood film directories as a prop and wardrobe sales and rental company. Happy Collecting !

A public WhoIs search of the domain HollywoodPropSupply.com reports the registrant is located in Meridian, MS.

According to the Dallas Morning News article by Roy Appleton (see “Dallas’ Heritage Auction Galleries: Hollywood items were bogus“), L.A. Prop & Wardrobe Co. are also based in Meridian, MS. [Dallas Morning News – Article Archive]

In monitoring eBay auctions over the years, I have found photos of letters pertaining to Hollywood Prop Supply and L.A. Prop & Wardrobe Co. The following three articles were posted in a prior article (see “More on Heritage Auction Galleries, L.A. Prop & Wardrobe“).

This is a letter from October 2004 included with “Gone with the Wind” wardrobe, on Hollywood Prop Supply letterhead, with John Tarter signing at the “Issuing Authority”:

High Resolution Archive: Hollywood Prop Supply Sample Letter

What follows is another letter on L.A. Prop & Wardrobe Co. letterhead from January 2007, also with John Tarter signing as “Issuing Authority”:

High Resolution Archive: L.A. Prop & Wardrobe Co Sample Letter 1 of 2

Both the Hollywood Prop Supply letter and the L.A. Prop & Wardrobe Co. letters feature the same style gold seal (but with “L.A. Prop & Wardrobe Co.” instead of “Hollywood Prop Supply” along the tops, respectively):

This third letter from January 2004 includes information about both L.A. Prop & Wardrobe Co. and Hollywood Prop Supply:

High Resolution Archive: L.A. Prop & Wardrobe Co. Sample Letter 2 of 2

The body of this letter states:

As of October 2005, John Tarter and fellow prop Handler’s and investor’s Richard Gatewood, and Billie Null purchased all but 5% of the assets of Hollywood Prop Supply LLC (HPS) from Mark Sullivan. John Tarter was an original founder and partner in HPS, and now along with the above-mentioned partner’s are the owner’s of the L.A. Prop & Wardrobe Co (LA&P).

Mr. Tarter, Null, and Gatewood are well respected in the Hollywood Community and have more than 35 years experience dealing with the Studios, Costumers, Studio Employee’s and Executives. Over the years they have acquired tens of thousands of pieces used in productions from the Silent Era to Current Productions. L.A. Prop & Wardrobe continues to acquire pieces on a regular basis and is also one of the only working Prop House’s located in the southern United States.

L.A. Prop & Wardrobe will continue to conduct business as Hollywood Prop Supply LLC did. We will be a supplier of premium Props, Set Dressing, and Wardrobe items, to collector’s, dealers, and the most prestigious Auction House’s in the US. Our items will continue to be offered through Profiles in History, Heritage Galleries, and Goldberg Auctions of Beverly Hills. A number of our pieces under the (HPS) name have been mentioned of featured in Forbes Magazine, T.V. Guide, The Los Angeles Times, and countless other publications.

With the assistance of Studio employees, prop masters, and respected members of the film industry, you can feel comfortable that your item was used in the production stated on the attached COA.

We hope you will enjoy this item for many years to come.

Example eBay Listing Archive List:

Stonark, “Corner Collectibles”

eBay seller “stonark” offers costume and wardrobe attributed to classic Hollywood stars and actors.

The eBay “ME” page states:

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 OR place we received the piece. ALSO LOOK AT OUR FEEDBACK!

Any Questions??
If 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 !

Reviewing a sampling of offerings, I did not find any information related to the source of the pieces that would speak to the provenance of the wardrobe pieces, other than a pledge to include a COA and “Auction Letter”.

The listings I reviewed noted the following in the marketing descriptions:

ALL SALES ARE FINAL!

Example eBay Listing Archive List:

Miscellaneous

Of course, there are any number of eBay sellers offering “vintage” and “classic” film and television memorabilia in smaller quantities.

Of note are the very high value (four to five figure) pieces with little information provided as to provenance.

As an example, eBay seller “historydirect” (AKA HistoryForSale.com) has several high priced, Buy It Now items for sale on eBay and their website – all three with “authenticating letter from L.A. Prop and Wardrobe Co.”.

This item is listed with a $29,999.00 Buy It Now price:

JOHN “THE DUKE” WAYNE – EPHEMERA UNSIGNED (eBay Item #290137995355)

Full Auction High Resolution Archive: eBay historydirect – JOHN “THE DUKE” WAYNE – EPHEMERA UNSIGNED

From the auction marketing description:

Accompanied by authenticating letter from the L.A. Prop and Wardrobe Co. attesting that the gloves were used in the film and stored in studio archives after completion of the film. Gloves lightly worn from use in the film. Fine condition.

This item is listed with a $34,999.00 Buy It Now price:

JOHN “THE DUKE” WAYNE – HAT UNSIGNED (eBay Item #290137995423)

Full Auction High Resolution Archive: eBay historydirect – JOHN “THE DUKE” WAYNE – HAT UNSIGNED

From the auction marketing description:

Accompanied by authenticating letter from the L.A. Prop and Wardrobe Company.

This item is listed with a $17,999.00 Buy It Now price:

JAMES DEAN – EPHEMERA UNSIGNED (eBay Item #290137962988)

Full Auction High Resolution Archive: eBay historydirect – JAMES DEAN – EPHEMERA UNSIGNED

From the auction marketing description:

Accompanied by authenticating letter from L.A. Prop & Wardrobe Co.

The State of the Classic Film & Television Memorabilia Marketplace

Obviously, those who collect original props and wardrobe from classic film and television must be diligent and discerning when evaluating potential purchases and sources, regardless of the seller.

I am not an expert in the area of classic film and television, but I thought it would be appropriate to review the state of the marketplace on eBay by making note of those sellers with many public offerings and to share this information, as well as to provide links to recent mainstream media reports and investigations and other developments.

Jason De Bord