This is a follow-up to previous articles (see kellysheroesmilitaria Original Props…, Update 1, Update 2, Update 3, Update 4, Update 5, Update 6) in which “original prop” auctions by “kellysheroesmilitaria” on eBay were compared with non-movie prop matching items available for sale from online retailers, as well as non-movie prop purchases made on eBay by “kellysheroesmilitaria” and items that appear to match being offered for sale as “original props” from the same eBay account. The series of articles also served as a case study to illustrate to futility of reporting such activity to eBay with an expectation of any consequences to follow. This update analyzes a COA issued to one of the auctions already addressed in prior articles.
I have recently corresponded with the buyer of the German helmet attributed to the film Patton. Coincidentally, the buyer has a friend in the movie business who actually worked on the movie Patton (as well as other war films including The Battle of the Bulge & The Bridge at Remagen). His friend examined the helmet and confirmed that it was not used in Patton – the production used Spanish Army equipment including Spanish helmets painted Afrika Korp tan since the movie was filmed in Spain.
The buyer was kind enough to scan the Certificate of Authenticity that was included with the helmet sold on eBay by kellysheroesmilitaria.
To preface the “anatomy” of this COA document, I first have copied the applicable archived material from the previous article covering this listing, kellysheroesmilitaria Original Props: Update 3:
eBay Purchase By “kellysheroesmilitaria”
Auction Title: “GERMAN HELMET .DAK REPRO SHELL WITH SAND GOGGLES.“
Auction Item Number: 260229890842
Purchase Date: 04/16/08
Purchase Price: $41.61
Full Auction Archive: “GERMAN HELMET .DAK REPRO SHELL WITH SAND GOGGLES.”
Description:
YOU ARE BIDDING ON A NICE REPRO M35 DESERT CAMO DAK SHELL.THIS IS IDEAL FOR REENACTMENT AND COMES WITH GREAT PAIR OF REPRO DAK SUN GOGGLES, AND TWIN DECALS.THIS IS AN ORIGINAL GERMAN FIRE SERVICE HELMET THAT HAS BEEN REFURBED AS A DAK SHELL,I HAVE MEASURED AROUND THE SHELL AND ITS APPROX 67 / 68 CMS.THE GOGGLES ALSO COME WITH THEIR OWN CASE,GRAB A BARGAIN AND CHECKOUT MY OTHER HELMETS AND ITEMS.
Photo:
eBay Sale By “kellysheroesmilitaria”
Auction Title: “Patton Movie German Africa Corp. Helmet Prop; RARE! Picked up from a collector recently…“
Auction Item Number: 190221202303
Sale Date: 05/12/08
Sale Price: Sold for $99.99
Full Auction Archive: “Patton Movie German Africa Corp. Helmet Prop”
Description:
This was recently aquired approx. 1 year ago from a collector in IL. It was part of his vast collection of military items, this was used during the filming of Patton the blockbuster movie starring George C. Scott, it was used in the beginning scenes where Patton is commanding the US Forces for the first time. This helmet I believe original, it has been painted camo, with decals applied, along with an original wire net and German Original eye wear and case. There is NO liner, he had a few of these and none had liners, it does show scratches consistent with movie use and comes with a nice frameable Certificate Of Authenticity.
I will ship overseas on this item.
Photo:
Photo Comparison – Helmet Purchased 04/16/08 (RED) and Helmet Sold 05/12/08 (BLUE):
Click for High Resolution Comparison
Inside Helmet Direct Compare:
Click for High Resolution Comparison
eBay Purchases By “kellysheroesmilitaria”
eBay Auction Listing: “12 packs, 25 certificates per pack, seals included, wow”; eBay Item #130214899395
eBay Auction Archive:
eBay Auction Listing: “Heavy Duty Personalized Desk Embosser (Ideal Model M)”; eBay Item #230239094033
eBay Auction Archive:
Buyers History Archive:
Embosser Die Plates Archive:
Given the publicly available information above, and the scan from the buyer of the helmet, one can see the origins of the Certificate of Authenticity included with the “original prop” purchased on eBay and resold less than one month later.
Below is the scan of the kellysheroesmilitaria COA:
The Certificate of Authenticity reads:
Patton
Directed By Franklin F. Shaffner
Run Time 170 MinutesOfficial Movie Prop
This movie prop was used during the filming of Patton as either a backdrop, stunt item, or promotional piece, and is considered a Limited Edition Movie Prop.
Prop Origin: Los Angeles, CA. Obtained July 2005
Certified Authentic By Scarfino Collections
Prop ID NUmber 8117 *** German Helmet[SEAL]
OFFICIAL SCREEN USED MOVIE PROP – CERTIFIED
Comparing the archived auction listings of COA-related material purchased by kellysheroesmilitaria with the COA included with the “Patton” helmet demonstrates that the materials purchased on eBay match the COA document produced and included with the “original prop” sold on eBay:
Again, in that eBay has not acted on the information that has been provided, you can continue to buy “original props” from kellysheroesmilitaria today:
kellysheroesmilitaria eBay Store
Jason De Bord