The following is an updated version of compilation articles about eBay seller *stoneark* (aka stonark, aka Corner Collectibles) previously published on August 12, 2008 (Original Article) & September 18, 2008 (“2.0” Article). This “2.1” version is a compilation of the last “2.0” version along with material from related articles published subsequently.
The reason for this compilation-revision approach is that the original features are highly detailed and comprehensive, so building upon each published edition is the most productive manner in which to integrate the additional information and questions.
eBay seller “stonark” was originally referenced in the “Classic” Film & Television Prop and Wardrobe eBay Sellers feature published in June 2008. As noted, “stonark” is one of several companies regularly operating on eBay that sell notable quantities of Hollywood-related memorabilia, marketed as authentic.
The “stonark” offerings are generally characterized as the personal property of classic Hollywood stars.
The purpose of these articles is to research and examine some of the provenance attached to these wardrobe and prop pieces and jewelry and other memorabilia sold by “stonark” owner Anthony Shkutnick and to pose questions related to these documents and sources.
All related articles can be found here: Market Watch | stonark /*stoneark* (Corner Collectibles)
Since the last “2.0” update, Anthony Shkutnick of “Corner Collectibles” has changed his eBay username from stonark to *stoneark*, as explained below. For purposes of consistency, the majority of the article simply refers to the seller by the most commonly used name over the past 10 years: stonark.
For those stand alone articles added to this “2.1” compilation article, as well as existing “2.0” content, some edits and revisions have been made for the overall clarity of the article. Sections added include links to the original standalone articles. New content from recent articles are generally added to this compilation in the same sequence and order from the original referring articles.
eBay’s stonark Changes User ID To *stoneark*
LINK TO ORIGINAL ARTICLE (published 11/10/08)
One day following the publishing of the article, eBay’s “stonark” and “liieviione”: Comparing Joe King Signatures, LOAs), the seller changed their eBay member username from stonark to *stoneark*:
Below I have assembled various letters of provenance that have been included in the auction and/or sale of certain wardrobe pieces sold by “stonark”. With my research, I have been unable to verify the existence of the majority of these companies and individuals.
“stonark”, AKA “Corner Collectibles”
The eBay seller, “stonark“, has been an eBay member since May 1999. At the time the original compilation article was published in August 2008, they had a 100% positive feedback with a score of 2240.
The “Corner Collectibles” Certificate of Authenticity samples that have been sent to me show a business address of:
CORNER COLLECTIBLES
P.O. BOX 15081
BROOKSVILLE, FLORIDA 34604
From their eBay “me” page, as of August 2008 (ARCHIVE):
” CORNER COLLECTIBLES ”
Welcome!
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 house 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 ! ( ALL SALES ARE FINAL.. )…. It is our policy that we do not do “BUY IT NOW” due to the people that Dont Pay. WE DO NOT TAKE LAY AWAYS, PLEASE DONT ASK! ALL PAYMENTS FROM WINNING BIDDERS MUST BE RECEIVED WITHIN 10 DAYS FROM AUCTION END. We take PAYPAL, BANK CHECKS and MONEY ORDERS ONLY.. ( Sorry NO Personal Checks ).. All items are shipped by USPS Priority, insured and confirmed mail in the USA.. Out of the USA it goes by USPS AIR MAIL PRIORITY with Insurace IS EXTRA $, and time to get to you will be longer!. We will be happy to combine orders to save you on shipping cost… PLEASE!! ALLOW 2 TO 3 WEEKS for Delivery DUE TO THE NUMBER OF LARGE ORDERS WE HAVE. >>>> REMEMBER!!! THE USPS POSTAL RATES WENT UP AGAIN $$$… SO DONT YELL AT US!!.. DUE TO THE NUMBER OF DEADBEAT BIDDERS IN THE PAST FEW MONTHS, WE WILL NO LONGER TAKE BIDS IF YOU HAVE A ZERO ( NO FEEDBACK AT ALL ) >>> DONT EVEN ASK!!!! OR BAD NEGATIVE RATING OR IF YOUR FEEDBACK IS HIDDEN!!!!. IF YOU BID…. IT WILL BE CANCELLED & BLOCKED!!! THANKS AND GOOD LUCK!!
Per goofbay.com public records (as of the date of the original August 2008 article), searching “stonark” eBay listings that resulted in sales, “stonark” sold 247 items for $39,284.53 over the previous 90 days.
That is an average of $154 per item sold, or $436 per day in sales; annualized it is $157,138.12.
All “stonark” eBay listings I had reviewed at the time of the original August 2008 article included the line:
A COA & AUCTION LETTER COMES WITH THE PIECE (s ) WHICH GUARANTEES AUTHENTICITY TO THE BUYER.
The original focus of my research included an evaluation of those “AUCTION LETTERS” upon which the authenticity and provenance is based.
At the time of publishing this current article, a cursory review of listings shows the line has been revised to state:
A COA & LETTER OF PROVENANCE COMES WITH THE PIECE (s ) WHICH GUARANTEES AUTHENTICITY TO THE BUYER.
Silver Screen Film Society Auction (Actors Helping Actors)
One of the types of documents included with items sold as genuine and authentic by “stonark” is a letter of authenticity from “Silver Screen Film Society Auction”, with an “Actors Helping Actors” byline.
Below are two such examples, one dated April 15, 1989 and the other dated November 16, 2001 – more than 12 years later:
Note with the second example above that the “Corner Collectibles” (“stonark”) COA corresponds to and incorporates the “Silver Screen Film Society Auction” as part of its “Item Number”, with “SSFSA” being the acronym for this source:
Below is a side-by-side comparison between the 1989 and 2001 letters:
In spite of the number of years separating the two documents, both employ the same style fonts, the same formatting, and the same template-driven content.
The 1989 letter indicates a “Lot #7085-02” while the 2001 letter notes a “Lot #8062-03”. Assuming a sequential numbering system, this would seem to indicate the sale at auction of at least 1,000 items, as well as production of various auction catalogs over the years.
Though this organization/auction house would appear to be more than 12 years old going by the dates on these two letters, I have not been able to locate any collectors who have otherwise heard of this company, nor evidence of any auction events or event catalogs.
In searching the Internet via Google, for “Silver Screen Film Society Auction”, I receive no results (search LINK):
In searching the Internet via Google, for “Silver Screen Film Society” (sans “Auction”), I receive results for a non-profit 501(c)(3) in Martha’s Vineyard, established in 2002 (subsequent to the two dates of the example letters above), which is “dedicated to screening the best in independent films, movie classics, documentaries, and world cinema for a diverse audience of all ages“. More details about Martha’s Vineyard Film Society can be found at mvfilmsociety.com. This cannot be the same organization as the Hollywood, CA-based auction house characterized in the “stonark” letter of provenance.
The authenticator who signed both letters is listed as “Dave Ritz (President of SSFS)” in Hollywood, CA.
In my research, I’ve also found no Dave Ritz in Hollywood, CA. Searching the Internet via WhitePages.com, I receive no results (search results LINK):
The 1989 document states that the item was donated by “Angevin Rostad of the Abon Film Gallery in paris france”.
In searching the Internet via Google, for “Abon Film Gallery”, I receive no results (search results LINK):
In searching the Internet via Google, for “Angevin Rostad”, I receive no results (search results LINK):
The 2001 document states that the item was donated by “George Chebitar, Director of the Hollywood Film Museum in hollywood Ca”.
The only “Hollywood Film Museum” I am aware of is in Bottrop-Kirchhellen, Germany (see wikipedia entry).
If such a museum exists or existed in Hollywood, California, I would imagine that there would be some evidence of this, and that people would have attended it. I have found no material information affirming the “Hollywood Film Museum”.
In searching the Internet via Google, for “George Chebitar”, I receive no results (search results LINK):
In my research, I’ve also found no George Chebitar in Hollywood, CA via WhitePages.com. In fact, in searching the entire United States for George Chebitar, I receive no results (search results LINK):
Further, there are no results in the United States for anyone with the last name “Chebitar”.
Performing a Google search on “Chebitar” returns three (non-English) results, and none indicate that this is a person’s name.
Action Hollywood Auctions
Another type of document included with items sold as genuine and authentic by “stonark” is a letter of authenticity from “Action Hollywood Auctions”, with “Since 1963” incorporated into the letterhead.
Below is one undated example, but given the fonts employed and formatting, it appears to have been produced by a desktop computer no earlier than 1990.
This letter can be found in an August 2008 eBay listing reselling an Errol Flynn overcoat acquired from “Corner Collectibles” (see eBay Item #190243250222):
In searching the Internet via Google, for “Action Hollywood Auctions”, I receive one result (search results LINK), a discussion on eBay’s Trust & Safety (SafeHarbor) discussion forum questioning “stonark” eBay listings:
Following the link brings up the full discussion among eBay members about the authenticity and provenance of offerings from eBay seller “stonark” (see eBay Answer Center: Authentic Billie Holiday Owned Jacket? Too good to be true???):
The question from the eBay member references a stonark listing (eBay item #120266293911):
“stonark” states in the marketing description:
A COA & AUCTION LETTER COMES WITH THE PIECE (s ) WHICH GUARANTEES AUTHENTICITY TO THE BUYER.
The eBay member states in the Trust & Safety topic:
Authenic Billie Holiday Owned Jacket? Too good to be true???
Posted: Jun-02-08 22:31 PDT
j_hughes1an update: I messaged the seller about the jacket’s origins and he says he got it from a place called “Action Hollywood Auctions” I googled that and found nothing. He also conveniently ignored my request for a scan of the COA and Auction letter. Thanks everyone for helping me out. It’s clear that this is most likely a bogus item. I definitely have decided not to bid and wait for something that is more concrete. Thanks again!
Given that, per the document, this auction house has been around for decades, it is remarkable that there is no evidence that such a business exists or any records of such auction events.
The letter shows a business address of:
Action Hollywood Auctions
4872 Santa Monica Blvd.
West Hollywood, 90046
Per Google Maps, 4872 Santa Monica Blvd. is not in West Hollywood in the 90046 zip code, but Los Angeles in the 90029 zip code.
Below are the “Street View” photos from Google Maps of 4872 Santa Monica Blvd. and adjacent areas.
Landmark – this address is confirmed to be 4820 Santa Monica Blvd. – Junior Liquor Market – per LittleArmenia.com:
Per Google, this photo represents the approximate street address of 4864 Santa Monica Blvd.:
Per Google, this photo represents the approximate street address of 4870 Santa Monica Blvd.:
Per Google, this photo represents the approximate street address of 4876 Santa Monica Blvd.:
Returning to the “Action Hollywood Auctions” document, the printed name of the “President of the AHA / Senior Authenticator” is not included, and the signature is not legible, so no further investigation is possible.
A collector has sent me a second “Action Hollywood Auctions” Certificate of Authenticity and matching “Corner Collectibles” Certificate of Authenticity as well from an eBay auction that ended in August 2008:
Additional information is available upon review of the new “Action Hollywood Auction” COA.
The date of the COA is 01/04/97.
Given the “Since 1963” in the logo/header, that would indicate that the auction house is well over 30 years old. To date, I have found no collector, dealer, or auction house representative that has ever heard of “Action Hollywood Auction” in West Hollywood or elsewhere.
The “President of the AHA / Senior Authenticator” listed on the document is “Terry Omound”.
In searching the Internet via Google, for “Terry Omound”, I found only one result (search results LINK):
The one “Terry Omound” result – a human resources officer for S. Kidman & Co. Per the S .Kidman & Co website:
S. Kidman & Co Ltd is one of Australia’s largest beef producers with a herd of 200,000 cattle. The company has pastoral leases covering 120,000 square kilometres in three states and the Northern Territory. Kidman cattle stations produce grass-fed beef for export to Japan, the USA and South East Asia.
In my research, I’ve also found no results for “Terry Omound” in searching the entire United States (search results LINK):
Below is a direct comparison between the two signatures on the two “Action Hollywood Auctions” COAs:
The only other item of note on the new “Action Hollywood Auctions” COA example is the statement that the piece was acquired at the “Estate of Singer Ruby Keller, July of 1994”.
Additionally, the “Corner Collectibles” Certificate of Authenticity will be the subject of further analysis and comparison later in the article, under the “Cross-Referencing Documentation” section.
Clarmont Auctions (Hollywood Props and Wardrobe)
Another type of document included with items sold as genuine and authentic by “stonark” is a letter of authenticity from “Clarmont Auctions”, with a “Hollywood Props and Wardrobe” byline and an “Est. 1981” incorporated into the letterhead.
This letter is dated May 17, 2003, and lists a business name and address of:
CLARMONT AUCTIONS Inc.
P.O.Box 16534
Burank, Ca 91506
The document is signed by “Linda Clarmont”, President.
In searching the Internet via Google, for “Clarmont Auctions”, I receive three results for keyword spam pages (search results LINK):
As in the case with “Silver Screen Film Society Auction”, this is presented as an auction house spanning decades, and there is no evidence of its existence. The document claims “Est. 1981” and is dated 2003, so it would appear to be more than 20 years old, yet there is no evidence of it as a business nor have any collectors I have spoken with heard of it outside of these “stonark” eBay auctions.
In searching the Internet via Google, for “Linda Clarmont”, I receive no results (search results LINK):
In my research through whitepages.com, I’ve also found (as was the case with George Chebitar) there are no results for Linda Clarmont in searching the entire United States (search results LINK):
A collector has sent me a second “Clarmont Auctions” Certificate of Authenticity and matching “Corner Collectibles” Certificate of Authenticity:
In comparing the May 2003 document with the December 2004 document, different colored paper and a different logo/font is used, but the layout and content is consistent.
The December 2004 example lists a license number under the “Linda Clarmont Pres.” title and signature:
- Lic: # 795541-00093
This does not seem to correspond to any California business licenses. Generally, in California license numbers relate to contractors in the construction/building industries. Businesses in California are assigned an Employer Identification Number (or EIN), which utilizes a numbering convention of two digits, a dash, then seven digits (i.e. 00-0000000). Per the state “Application for Employer Identification Number” document (Form SS-4), it is for use by “employers, corporations, partnerships, trusts, estates, churches, government agencies, Indian tribal entities, certain individuals, and others”. See the California Tax Service Center page: LINK
Below is a direct comparison between the two signatures on the two “Clarmont Auctions” COAs:
Slone Brothers, Slone Arts and Auction Center
Another type of document included with items sold as genuine and authentic by “stonark” is a letter of authenticity from “Slone Brothers” of the “Slone Arts and Auction Center” in New York.
This document is dated February 1999.
The company is listed as:
SLONE ARTS AND AUCTION CENTER
P.O BOX 13442
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK 10023
In searching the Internet via Google, for “Slone Arts”, I receive only one applicable result – the source of the example document posted above at montgomery-clift.blogspot.com:
The cufflinks arrive with three pieces of documentation: Auction tag from Slone Arts and Auction Center, New York; signed and dated certificate from Slone Arts and Auction Center; signed and dated certificate of authenticity from Corner Collectibles, Brooksville, Florida.
In any event, searching the Internet for “Slone Arts” and “auction” return no other results.
One of the two names serving as a signatory on this document is:
JEREMY SLONE, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
Performing various searches on “Jeremy Slone” and “auction”, “arts center”, and other related words yields no results that match the profile of this document or entertainment memorabilia.
The only records I can find of a “Slone Brothers” business is a 25 year old furniture store in Orlando Florida (see SloneBrothersFurniture.com).
Another collector sent me additional “Slone Brothers, LTD” Certificates of Authenticity and matching “Corner Collectibles” Certificate of Authenticity:
In the first set of examples, the first of the two names listed as signatories on the document had a last name that was difficult to read. The second set of examples are higher resolution, so it is clear the first of the two signatories is “Richard Lower”.
There actually is one “Richard Lower” listing in the state of New York. I have attempted to contact this person via telephone, but have received no response as of September 2008.
Below is a direct comparison between the signatures on the three “Slone Brothers, LTD.” COAs:
R&R Auctions
There are a number of archived auction listings on the R&R Auction website including items with “Corner Collectibles” certificates of authenticity.
The two examples below are for the same or duplicate items, sold less than one year apart.
Catalog 286, June 2004, Item 1844 – Jayne Mansfield (LINK):
Excerpt from the marketing description:
Originally acquired from the Silver Screen Film Society auction in 1988, then passing on to the collection of Allen Stuart Jeffries, and accompanied by a letter of provenance from him. In fine condition. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity from Corner Collectibles and. RRAuction COA.
Catalog 296, April 2005, Item 2245 – Jayne Mansfield (LINK):
Excerpt from the marketing description:
Originally acquired from the Silver Screen Film Society auction in 1988, then passing on to the collection of Allen Stuart Jeffries, and accompanied by a letter of provenance from him. In fine condition. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity from Corner Collectibles and. R&R COA.
In searching the Internet via Google, for “Allen Stuart Jeffries”, the only result is a link to another one of the R&R Auction archives (search LINK):
Excerpt from marketing description:
Dress was originally acquired directly from Dors’ estate passing on to the collection of Allen Stuart Jeffries, and accompanied by a letter of provenance from him. In fine condition. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity from Corner Collectibles and. R&R COA included.
Another example introduces another set of names for provenance – “Simon Halpine” and “Mary Halpine”.
Catalog 286, June 2004, Item 1323 – Bette Davis (LINK):
Excerpt from marketing description:
Originally acquired by collector and CBS executive Simon Halpine at the Montreal film house in 1992. In fine condition. Accompanied by a letter of provenance from Mary Halpine, a Certificate of Authenticity from Corner Collectibles and RRAuction COA.
There are no results for the “Montreal film house” as a business.
In searching the Internet via Google, for “Simon Halpine”, I receive four results, mostly related to the aerospace industry (search results LINK):
In searching the Internet via Google, for “Mary Halpine”, I received one predominant result for a Mary Halpine that is President of the World Youth Alliance. I did contact her to inquire about the stated provenance in the R&R Auction listed above to determine if she was the noted Mary Halpine, and she responded to confirm that she is not, nor has she ever owned a Bette Davis coat.
Allen Stuart Jeffries
Another type of document included with items sold as genuine and authentic by “stonark” is a letter of authenticity from “Allen Stuart Jeffries”, with “New York, New York” incorporated into the letterhead.
While this source was mentioned in the R&R Auction section above, I have received additional examples of this document since the original article was published.
Below are two such examples from two different collectors who purchased items from “stonark” who supplied this documentation:
As noted in the R&R Auction section above, in searching the Internet via Google, for “Allen Stuart Jeffries”, the only result is a link to another one of the R&R Auction archives (search results LINK).
Both letters are undated, and include no address apart from “New York, New York”. While the “Corner Collectibles” COAs often reference the accompanying third party document, these “Allen Stuart Jeffries” documents make direct reference to “Corner Collectibles”:
Each piece is unconditionally guaranteed as authentic by me and Corner Collectibles as numbered and described below.
As was the case with Richard Lower of “Slone Brothers, LTD.”, there is one listing in New York for an “Allen Jeffries”. I have attempted to contact this person via telephone, but have received no response as of September 2008.
Below is a direct comparison between the two signatures on the two “Allen Stuart Jeffries” documents:
Joe King
One of the types of documents included with items sold as genuine and authentic by “stonark” is a letter of authenticity from “Joe King”.
Below is one such example dated July 24, 1992 and the accompanying “Corner Collectibles” COA (purchaser name obscured):
In the “Joe King” letter, he states:
I have been a costumer for United Artists studios and as a costumer for numberless of years…
While “Joe King” is a fairly common name, there is a Joe King with wardrobe and costumer credits listed in IMDb (LINK) who was identified as born in Russia in 1908, with credits in the 50s and 60s, and who died in 2002.
I don’t know that the writing style employed in the 1992 letter is consistent with a Russian-born (at the time) 84 year old. Also, the letter is obviously not produced by a typewriter but a computer, given the fonts, use of italics, and right and left justification.
Per the letter, Joe King acquired the costume from a charity auction “sponsored by William Markham of Universal pictures”. There is no “William Markham” listed in the IMDb. I also inquired with Rick Spector of Stairway to the Stars about this, and he said (and IMDb records that I checked affirm) that at that time, United Artists was a distribution company, not a production company.
eBay’s “stonark” and “liieviione”: Comparing Joe King Signatures, LOAs
LINK TO ORIGINAL ARTICLE (published 11/09/08)
eBay seller “stonark” has paired Letters of Authenticity and Certificates of Authenticity from auction houses and a variety of other sources. I have been unable to verify the existence of most of these firms and individuals, though one of those sources – Joe King – does seem to have been an actual person who worked in wardrobe as a costumer.
However, there is another eBay seller, “liieviione“, who has listed some pieces for sale with letters from Joe King as well, and the signatures from the “stonark” document and the “liieviione” documents do not match, along with other discrepancies.
Joe King
Rick Spector of Stairway to the Stars has found information about Joe King in a costumers annual dated 1957. This volume lists every costumer, at every studio, including all support staff as well as the staff at Bermans and Western.
Below is the cover of the “Motion Picture Costumers” annual and the page with Joe King’s biography:
Biography Text:
JOE KING – Nominated for: “THE PRIDE & THE PASSION”
Born in New York City, Joe King was educated in Philadelphia and has been identified with motion pictures since 1940. He began his climb up the ladder of costuming success at U-I, but after a short stay at the valley studio he went to Fox where he remained some 7 years.
Since 1945 Joe has devoted his activities exclusively in the independent production field, where he has achieved a distinguished reputation and rightly so, since he has costumed such notable pictures as “The Moon Is Blue,”, “Carmen Jones,” and the “Man with the Golden Arm.” He also costumed “Guys & Dolls” for Samuel Goldwyn. He has enjoyed an extremely close association with Stanley Kramer, for whom he has costumed “Cyrano,” (his favorite picture), “The Champion,” “Home of the Brave,” “High Noon” and “The Pride & the Passion.”
Of note, Joe King’s biography makes no reference to United Artists. Further, United Artists is not listed in the studio directory, which would indicate that they were operating as a distributor at the time, as of 1957.
“stonark” (AKA “Corner Collectibles”): Joe King Document
Below is a Letter of Authenticity included with a costume sold by “stonark” on eBay, along with their own Certificate of Authenticity (as “Corner Collectibles”). This Joe King letter example is dated July 24, 1992:
Based on the “Motion Picture Costumers” annual, it would appear that the IMDb assertion that Joe King was born in Russia may be incorrect, as the annual states Mr. King was “[b]orn in New York City”. Given that there are corresponding credits in the annual and the IMDb entry, and both note an association with Stanley Kramer, I assume it is the same Joe King.
Below is the full text from the “stonark” Joe King Letter of Authenticity:
July 24, 1992
To Whom It May Concern,
My name is Joe King, This embroidered white linen flock dress with wrap and belt was personally owned by actress Claudette Colbert. It was bought by myself from the Childrens Hospital Charity Auction held at the Graumans Chinese Theater in 1958. The auction was sponsored by William Markham of Universal pictures. The dress was donated to the auction by Miss Colbert along with many other top film stars who donated there personal wardrobe to the charity. It was kepted in beautiful condition in my collection that I started back then.
I have been a costumer for United Artist studios and as a costumer for numberless of years I have a vast amount of props, personal items and autographs given to me by various stars and studios in hollywood..
I attest and sear that this is an original piece owned by actress Claudette Colbert.
Please forgive this rather generic letter as I have so many items to sell to thin out my collection.
Joe King
“liieviione”: Joe King Document
eBay seller “liieviione” offered three items for sale on eBay in November 2008 with Joe King Letters of Authenticity:
“LANA TURNER CORO EARRINGS PERSONALLY OWNED W/ COA”
eBay Item Number: 110307799336eBay Auction Full Archive: LINK
“AUDREY HEPBURN CHIFFON SCARF PERSONALLY OWNED W/ COA”
eBay Item Number: 110309812878eBay Auction Full Archive: LINK
“AUDREY HEPBURN ACCESSORY CASE PERSONALLY OWNED W/ COA”
eBay Item Number: 110309818085eBay Auction Full Archive: LINK
Below are the three Joe King letters featured as provenance in these auction listings:
Below is the text from one of the letters above, to serve as an example (all three employ the same template format and share the same date – 03/10/98:
Mr. Joe King
Hollywood CostumerTo Whom It May Concern:
I worked in Hollywood as a make-up man for over 4 decades at all of the major studios in California. I met and worked with many of the biggest stars of the golden era.
While working with Acting Legend Audrey Hepburn in the 1960’s, we became good friends and stayed so, through the years. Audrey knew that I collected items from all of my celebrity clients, that is why she gave me this black chiffon scarf with gold threaded & multi-colored sequin accents.
I attest to the validity in all of the above.
Sincerely,
Joe King
3/10/98
Note that, in all three “illeviione” letters, Joe King describes himself as “a make-up man for over 4 decades”, when in fact he was not a “make-up man” but a costumer (and these letters even include “Hollywood Costumer” in the header.
Comparing the “stonark” and “liieviione” Joe King Letters
The most apparent difference between the “stonark” Joe King Letter of Authenticity and the “liiveiione” Joe King Letters of Authenticity relates to the signatures – they do not look anything alike.
Below is a comparison of the signatures:
Below is a comparison of the full documents from the two eBay dealers:
Note that in addition to the discrepant signatures, the writing style, word choice, grammar, punctuation, and other details are not consistent.
As noted above, the content of both letters also includes details that contradict the information found in the “Motion Picture Costumers” annual.
Wilson Hawks Auctions
One of the types of documents included with items sold as genuine and authentic by “stonark” is a letter of authenticity from “Wilson Hawks, Wilson Hawks Auctions”.
Below is one such example dated March 3, 1989:
Performing a Google search for “Wilson Hawks Auction” and “Wilson Hawks Auctions” yields no results (search results LINK):
There are 10 “W Hawks” in the WhitePages.com search, but none in Kansas, and no “Wilson Hawks” (search results LINK).
The document claims the wardrobe piece was donated by “Frank Milton of MGM Studios” (a real person with IMDb credits) to the “ANIMAL SOCIETY FREE HOSPITAL”, for which I can find no records.
William Lestico
One of the types of documents included with items sold as genuine and authentic by “stonark” is a letter of authenticity from “William Lestico”.
Below are two examples, one dated December 6, 2001 and the other undated:
The letters make the following statements:
I have been a set designer for the past 35 plus years till I retirered in 1992…
I have been a Set Designer for MGM, Universal and RKO studios here in Calf…
There is a “William Lestico” with one “uncredited” credit on IMDb (LINK):
In all my years using IMDb as a reference resource, I’ve never come across an entry consisting of just one “uncredited” credit, so I did inquire with IMDb directly about this, to learn their policies. I have archived this discussion for reference:
As noted in the discussion, it appears to be against their policy, apart from rare exception, to include an “uncredited” credit without first securing a verifiable credit.
I found no other applicable evidence of a “Willaim Lestico” in a Google search (search results LINK):
A search of “William Lestico” on WhitePages.com yields no results (search results LINK):
I have found no information on the “Nichie Auctions” referenced in one of the two letters. A Google search of “Nichie Auctions” returns no results (search results LINK):
Below is a direct comparison of the two signatures on the two example documents:
Following the publishing of the “2.0” version of this article, the “William Lestico” entry in IMDb was been removed. “William Lestico” no longer shows an uncredited “Set Decoration by” credit for the film, 36 Hours.
Dooble Auction House
Another type of document included with items sold as genuine and authentic by “stonark” is a letter of authenticity from “Dooble Auction House”. Below is an example from a collector:
This letter is dated July 16, 1992 and includes no business address or phone number.
In searching the Internet via Google, for “Dooble Auction House”, I receive no results (search results LINK):
I also found no results for “Kieth Dooble” or “Keith” with the proper/traditional spelling (search results LINK):
A WhitePages.com search for “Kieth Dooble” returns no results (search results LINK):
The letter in this case states:
From the Estate of silver screen producer, TODD RICHARDS.
There is not a “Todd Richards” with producing credits listed in the IMDb (search results LINK) only two actors with contemporary credits (not “since 1929”):
Cross-Referencing Documentation
In comparing these various “stonark” documents, I have compared and contrasted them in various ways and below are some observations.
LTC Broadway Engraved
I noticed that two documents – one of the “Corner Collectibles” COAs and the “Dooble Auction House” COAs both make use of the same font – LTC Broadway Engraved – in the header of the COA:
These documents were from two different collectors, for two different auction items.
Of the significant number of examples I have of the “Corner Collectibles” COA, this was the only one which features a header in LTC Broadway Engraved.
About LTC Broadway Engraved: MyFonts.com
“…is happy to inform you…”
Two of the different “auction house” documents open with the exact same line, “________ Auctions is happy to inform you [that you] have the winning bid on…”
Wilson Hawks Auctions
Clarmont Auctions (1 of 2 examples)
Comparing “Allen Stuart Jeffries”, “Joe King”, “William Lestico” Documents
Below is an analysis of three of the non-Auction House sources and four sample documents:
Similar comparisons can be made with the documentation from other sources as well, such as the non-capitalized “hollywood”, use of “Calf” for CA or California, random capitalization, etc.:
More Questions About Sources & Provenance
LINK TO ORIGINAL ARTICLE (published 11/20/08)
Below are archives of several more examples of Corner Collectibles letters from additional sources, as well as identification of matching vintage dresses, an update on negative eBay feedback circa November 2008, and October 2008 and November 2008 public eBay sales activity records. These are now broken into separate section, but presented in the original order and sequence.
Matching Dresses
Before outlining the various letters from additional sources, one reader sent me links to two *stoneark* auctions which represents a remarkable coincidence. With the two auctions only one month apart, with wardrobe pieces attributed to two different actresses – Linda Darnell and Marlene Dietrich – the two dresses appear to be the same/very similar, with matching patterns, apart from color.
“ACTRESS LINDA DARNELL OWNED VINTAGE DRESS”
eBay Item Number: 120294726916
eBay Auction Full Archive: LINK
“ACTRESS MARLENE DIETRICH OWNED VINTAGE DRESS”
eBay Item Number: 120316533923
eBay Auction Full Archive: LINK
Below is a direct comparison of the photos of the dresses from the two auctions:
Though both actresses are part of what is now considered “classic” Hollywood, they were born more than 20 years apart and lived very different lives, which makes the matching dresses (auctioned one month apart) that much more unusual.
From Wikipedia:
October 16, 1923-April 10, 1965 (Died Age 41)
December 27, 1901-May 6, 1992 (Died Age 90)
Robert Jiras, Hollywood of Fame – Sales and Auctions
An eBay member won an auction for a dress attributed to Gene Tierney in October 2008. He requested scans of the provenance pledged in the auction marketing description, and upon performing his own independent research and due diligence, was unable to verify the sources.
Below is the auction archive:
“ACTRESS MARLENE DIETRICH OWNED VINTAGE DRESS”
eBay Item Number: 120316922607
Below are the scans of the documents that were sent to him.
Robert Jiras
There is a Robert Jiras with IMDb credits as a makeup artist (July 28, 1922-January 7, 2000). The letter, addressed to Anna Hemkins (see next example below), invites the addressee to contact him, but does not provide a phone number or address in the letter.
Hollywood of Fame – Sales and Auctions
As was the case with other examples already covered, I can find no records of a “Hollywood of Fame – Sales and Auctions”. Nor any persons with the names “Michelle Winefiels” or “Anna Hemkins”.
The business address printed on the letter – 1771 S. Van Ness Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90249 – does not appear to exist.
I have not been able to verify the license number of 7622110-9983 to any State of California database (as was the case with a similar license number (795541-00093) on the “Clarmont Auctions” example.
Doris Galehouse
Below is an example from a reader of a letter from Doris Galehouse and accompanying Corner Collectibles LOA signed by Owner Anthony Shkutnick:
I have archived two more examples of Doris Galehouse letters below:
There is also a mention of this source on the for sale page of the imcrazyforlucy.com website, which also cites other “Corner Collectible” or stonark/*stoneark* sources of provenance archived in prior articles, such as Allen Stuart Jeffries, Clarmont Auctions, and Dave Ritz of the Silver Screen Film Society Auction.
Archive Page 1 of 2:
Archive Page 2 of 2:
Doumont Auction, World of Hollywood
Below is an example from a reader of a letter from “Doumont Auction, World of Hollywood” and accompanying Corner Collectibles LOA signed by Owner Anthony Shkutnick:
Though the letter of authenticity is dated 2005 – only 3 years ago – I can find no proof of existence of this company.
The address on the letterhead – 10777 Richards Street, Las Vegas, Nevada 89031 – does not appear to exist.
As is the case with the prior examples, I can find no records of a license number 688431-0981.
Linda Thomas is a common name, but found no matches related to Hollywood memorabilia or auctions.
Negative Feedback
In addition to the name change from stonark to *stoneark*, the eBay seller received his first negative feedback for transactions on eBay in October and November 2008.
Link to *stoneark* eBay feedback: LINK
Archive of Negative Remarks:
Buyer Feedback:
“Interesting COA and letter … full marks for creativity.”
Seller Reply:
“NEVER PAID FOR IT. OR RECEIVED IT. REAL AND TOTAL JERK. NOs NOTHING. GET A LIFE”
Buyer Follow-up:
“OK. Do you have a life that was owned by Jimmy Stewart? With COA, of course.”
Buyer Feedback:
“COA INFORMATION INCOMPLETE AND CANNOT BE CONFIRMED”
Seller Reply:
“REAL JERK! DOES NOT KNOW HOW TO GET INFO. SENT AL THE PAPERS IT CAME WITH!!”
However, *stoneark* still maintains an overall feedback percentage of 99.5% and 2325 ranking.
90-Day Sales Archives (October 2008, November 2008)
Below are Goofbay 90-day archives of stonark / *stoneark* eBay public sales activity.
As of October 25, 2008:
As of November 20, 2008:
The 90-day “Total Value Sold” on eBay, per Goofbay:
- $16,406.25 (average $182.29/day) as of October 25, 2008
- $16,832.25 (average $187.02/day) as of November 20, 2008
Outstanding Questions
Following my extensive research into all the the various cited sources of provenance for the example pieces sold by “stonark” AKA “Corner Collectibles” (currently selling as *stoneark* on eBay), I have been unable to verify the existence the majority of these auction houses, principals, or other sources named in these documents. And those that do appear to have real world counterparts – such as Joe King – there are several material outstanding questions and discrepancies.
Does anyone have any material proof of the existence of any of the following businesses as presented in the documents above?
- Silver Screen Film Society Auction (“SFSS”), Hollywood, CA (circa 1989-2001)
- Action Hollywood Auctions (“AHA”), West Hollywood (“Since 1963” to at least 1997)
- Clarmont Auctions, Burbank, CA (“Est 1981” to at least 2004)
- Slone Arts and Auction Center (AKA Slone Brothers, LTD), New York, NY (circa 1999-2001)
- Abon Film Gallery, Paris, France
- Montreal Film House
- Dooble Auction House (circa 1992)
- Wilson Hawks Auctions, Topeka, Kansas (circa 1989)
- Animal Society Free Hospital – Topeka, Kansas
- Children’s Hospital Charity Auction – Grauman’s Chinese Theater in 1958
- Nichie Auctions, Los Angeles, 1984
- Hollywood of Fame (Sales and Auctions)
- Doumont Auction (World of Hollywood)
Can anyone locate/identify the following principals/authenticators noted as sources in the example documents above?
- Dave Ritz, President, Silver Screen Film Society Auction (Actors Helping Actors)
- Angevin Rostad, Abon Film Gallery
- George Chebitar, Director of the Hollywood Film Museum in Hollywood, CA
- Linda Clarmont, President, Clarmont Aucitons
- Jeremy Slone, Executive Vice President, Slone Brothers, LTD
- Allen Stuart Jeffries, Studio Lighting Technician
- Simon Halpine, CBS Executive
- Mary Halpine, Daughter of CBS Executive Simon Halpine
- Terry Omound, President and Senior Authenticator, Action Hollywood Auctions
- Richard Lower, Entertainment Department, Slone Brothers, LTD
- Wilson Hawks, Wilson Hawks Auctions
- Joe King, Costumer, United Artists
- William Lestico, Set Designer for 35 Years
- Kieth Dooble, Jr., Dooble Auction House
- Todd Richards, “Silver Screen Producer”
- William Markham, Universal Pictures
- Robert Jiras, Make-Up Artist
- Michelle Winefiels, President, Hollywood of Fame
- Anna Hemkins, Vice President, Hollywood of Fame
- Doris Galehouse, William Morris Agency
- Linda Thomas, CEO, Doumont Auction
Given that “stonark” eBay listings start at $99.99 and, as of August 2008, there were 2,351 feedback received as a seller, can one extrapolate that they have sold hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of movie and television memorabilia citing these sources as provenance?
How does one reconcile these two contradictory policies as stated in the “stonark” eBay “me” page:
All items are GUARANTEED AUTHENTIC! and come with a COA from “CORNER COLLECTIBLES” And a LETTER OF AUTHENTICITY from the auction house OR place we received the piece.
Bidder is responsible for asking any pertinent questions in advance of auction end as all items are SOLD AS IS ! ( ALL SALES ARE FINAL.. )
What does “GUARANTEED AUTHENTIC” mean if “ALL SALES ARE FINAL”?
If anyone has any pertinent details with regards to the questions raised in this article, please publish a “Reader Comment” below or contact me.
Jason De Bord