eBay seller “unisusu“, who has identified himself as Luke Harrison, grandson of Norman Harrison and son of Paul Harrison, has been selling entertainment memorabilia with Norank Engineering/Elstree Props/”Danziger Collection” lineage/provenance. Also of interest is the website norank.co.uk, more presumably unlicensed replica props attributed to Raiders of the Lost Ark, a large supply of gold-plated “production made” crew gifts from Walt Disney’s Return to Oz, and other newly produced (presumably unlicensed) “for sale” replica pieces from the same film.
Negative remarks targeting myself and the Original Prop Blog prompted me to begin to monitor these for sale offerings in early March of this year. In that this new sales activity raises a number questions and issues (new and old alike), this will be the first of several new articles to examine and revisit these topics.
Out of Retirement?
In November 2007, the owners of Elstree Props announced their retirement on eBay (see Elstree Props Retiring, Offering Business For Sale and Update). Per the new owner, Steve Wickenden (see Elstree Props, New Ownership, Announcement On Redesigned Website), he acquired Elstree Props in early 2008.
I would be curious to know if any sort of “non-compete” clause was part of the purchase agreement. In any event, I have found a website which appears to be fashioned to promote and sell bootleg/unlicensed replica props and solicit buyers that is managed by the Harrisons under the “Norank” brand:
- see: norank.co.uk
Per a WhoIs search, the domain name is owned by Paul Harrison.
The only contact information on the unfinished site is [email protected], so one would assume that the objective of the site is the sale of the featured items.
Items listed as available for sale on the Norank Engineering site are also being sold on eBay by another person characterizing himself as a member of the Harrison family, and, as can be seen in this side by side comparison, the same marketing photos are featured on both norank.co.uk and on eBay under the “unisusu” dealer account:
![Return-to-Oz-Norank-Engineering-unisusu-eBay-Sales-Figures Marked [x425]](https://www.originalprop.com/blog/dylsoagh/2009/06/Return-to-Oz-Norank-Engineering-unisusu-eBay-Sales-Figures-Marked.jpg "Return-to-Oz-Norank-Engineering-unisusu-eBay-Sales-Figures Marked [x425]")
A significant quantity of items from the 1985 Walt Disney film Return to Oz – pieces characterized as original crew gifts – have been sold publicly on eBay (and archived below) via the “unisusu” account.
Elstree Props “God of Light” Unlicensed Prop Replicas from Raiders of the Lost Ark
One of the items sold by “unisusu” on eBay in early March was a “God of Light” replica from Raiders of the Lost Ark (eBay Item # 260368063685):
Many of these unlicensed replica props were sold by the Harrisons on eBay prior to their retirement.
The eBay prop dealer, Luke Harrison, made the following comment in his marketing description for this example of their run of unlicensed replica Lucasfilm props:
(My father says the confusion was caused by some idiot wannabee film fan called Jason who has a blog where he picks apart auctions on eBay, he couldn’t tell the difference between a fibreglass replica on eBay for a couple of hundred dollars and the real thing in Profiles which was passed by LucasFilm, made of plaster, obviously old and sold for around $4000! Just so there is no confusion this time, THIS IS A REPRODUCTION, that’s why it’s in the REPRODUCTION section of the film prop category. If you want to know more about this plonker, read this excellent article at http://startrekpropauthority.blogspot.com/2008/04/jason-debord-followup-angry-hang-up.html : )
Per the Oxford English Dictionary, “plonker” is a defamatory British slang term and defined as follows (LINK):
a. The penis.
b. A man who sanctions sexual relationships between his girlfriend and his male friends.
c. foolish, inept, or contemptible person.
In actuality, I published three articles directly related to these unlicensed “bootleg” replica Raiders of the Lost Ark “God of Light” props in late 2007:
- Raiders of the Lost Ark “God of Light” Prop Wall Plaque
- Raiders of the Lost Ark “God of Light” Prop Wall Plaque – Update 1
- Raiders of the Lost Ark “God of Light” Prop Wall Plaque – Update 2
With regards to the Harrison’s claims about me, this website, and the articles in question, these are excerpts from the Original Prop Blog articles on the subject:
In my opinion, based on these two photos, they do appear to be from the same source, or one a casting of the other.
This is a good example of the consequences and impact on original prop collecting concerning direct castings made of original props.
In this case, with the information available, I can offer no guidance apart from recommending diligence in determining authenticity. At best, the Profiles offering is the original from which copies were produced, but I would think additional material information would be required to demonstrate that contingency.
I also raised the question of whether “hencheese” was another (then) Elstree Props account (who officially sold under the account “e11e”), given that this unlicensed run of copyright infringing replicas were being sold in quantity from both eBay accounts as well as via the alternative auction site, SpecialistAuctions.com.
Following those two articles, Profiles in History appropriately amended their item description to include the following additional information and clarification, in light of the number of bootleg copies being concurrently being sold into the marketplace by their consignor:
Note: this prop is not to be confused with the light-weight fiberglass replicas cast from this original mask. This mask is constructed of solid plaster, rope meshing, wood and vermiculite.
The concerns about these pieces offered for sale were based on the reputation and track record of items sold by Elstree Props when under ownership of the Harrisons, prior to their retirement and sale of the business last year.
It was also newsworthy on the basis of the parallels with the lawsuit filed by George Lucas and his Lucasfilm Ltd. against Andrew Ainsworth and his Shepperton Design Studios, in that both the Harrisons and Andrew Ainsworth were and are both selling unlicensed “bootleg” replicas based on their work in films produced or directed by George Lucas.
Norank Engineering “Return to Oz” Large Quantity of 20+ Year Old ‘Crew Gifts’
I’ve found some sales activity of interest with the “unisusu” account, including a number of Return to Oz prop gold keys to Emerald City. Nine (9) of these have been sold since March 1, 2009. The source of each piece varies in the marketing descriptions (as highlighted). These are described in the auction marketing descriptions as “solid metal 24K gold plated” crew gifts produced more than 20 years ago.
WALT DISNEY RETURN TO OZ FILM PROP GOLD KEY TO PALACE
eBay Item #: 260367444338
Sold: 03/01/09
Winning Bid: £195.00Full Auction Archive:
Marketing Description Excerpt:
A lot of workers from the film industry watch these auctions and have started to offer me things to sell. I will happily do that for a percentage, so if you have any bits like this gathering dust in the attic or shed, get in touch
WALT DISNEY RETURN TO OZ FILM PROP GOLD KEY TO PALACE
eBay Item #: 260370460436
Sold: 03/02/09
Winning Bid: £120.00Full Auction Archive:
Marketing Description Excerpt:
A lot of workers from the film industry watch these auctions and have started to offer me things to sell. I will happily do that for a percentage, so if you have any bits like this gathering dust in the attic or shed, get in touch
WALT DISNEY RETURN TO OZ FILM PROP GOLD KEY TO PALACE
eBay Item #: 260372171589
Sold: 03/10/09
Winning Bid: £122.05Full Auction Archive:
Marketing Description Excerpt:
I have already sold a couple of these and because they went so well other crew members have asked me to sell theirs for them. This one belonged to one of the plasterers who helped build the Emerald city set. If you worked on any films and have props to sell, get in touch! I am also on the trail of the key you see on Belina at the end of the film, this is half the size and is set with emeralds!
WALT DISNEY RETURN TO OZ FILM PROP GOLD KEY TO PALACE
eBay Item #: 260375470215
Sold: 03/11/09
Winning Bid: £120.05Full Auction Archive:
Marketing Description Excerpt:
I have already sold a couple of these and because they went so well other crew members have asked me to sell theirs for them. This one belonged to one of the plasterers who helped build the Emerald city set. If you worked on any films and have props to sell, get in touch! I am also on the trail of the key you see on Belina at the end of the film, this is half the size and is set with emeralds!
WALT DISNEY RETURN TO OZ FILM PROP GOLD KEY TO PALACE
eBay Item #: 260387279720
Sold: 04/07/09
Winning Bid: £100.00Full Auction Archive:
Marketing Description Excerpt:
I have already sold a couple of these and because they went so well other crew members have asked me to sell theirs for them. This one belonged to one of the chippies who helped build the Emerald city set. If you worked on any films and have props to sell, get in touch! I am also on the trail of the key you see on Belina at the end of the film, this is half the size and is set with emeralds!
WALT DISNEY RETURN TO OZ FILM PROP GOLD KEY TO PALACE
eBay Item #: 260394692531
Sold: 03/21/09
Winning Bid: £100.00Full Auction Archive:
Marketing Description Excerpt:
I have already sold a couple of these and because they went so well other crew members have asked me to sell theirs for them. This one belonged to one of the sfx guys who helped build the Emerald city set. If you worked on any films and have props to sell, get in touch! I am also on the trail of the key you see on Belina at the end of the film, this is half the size and is set with emeralds!
WALT DISNEY RETURN TO OZ FILM PROP GOLD KEY TO PALACE
eBay Item #: 260405617151
Sold: 05/10/09
Winning Bid: £107.00Full Auction Archive:
Marketing Description Excerpt:
I have already sold a couple of these and because they went so well other crew members have asked me to sell theirs for them. This one belonged to one of the workers who helped build the Emerald city set. If you worked on any films and have props to sell, get in touch! I am also on the trail of the key you see on Belina at the end of the film, this is half the size and is set with emeralds!
WALT DISNEY RETURN TO OZ FILM PROP GOLD KEY TO PALACE
eBay Item #: 260417750562
Sold: 05/31/09
Winning Bid: £104.50Full Auction Archive:
Marketing Description Excerpt:
I have already sold a couple of these and because they went so well other crew members have asked me to sell theirs for them. This one belonged to one of the workers who helped build the Emerald city set. If you worked on any films and have props to sell, get in touch! I am also on the trail of the key you see on Belina at the end of the film, this is half the size and is set with emeralds!
![WALT DISNEY RETURN TO OZ FILM PROP GOLD KEY TO PALACE Ended 05 31 09 [x900]](https://www.originalprop.com/blog/dylsoagh/2009/06/WALT-DISNEY-RETURN-TO-OZ-FILM-PROP-GOLD-KEY-TO-PALACE-Ended-05-31-09-x900.jpg "WALT DISNEY RETURN TO OZ FILM PROP GOLD KEY TO PALACE Ended 05 31 09 [x900]")
WALT DISNEY RETURN TO OZ PROP GOLD KEY TO EMERALD CITY
eBay Item #: 260420694407
Sold: 06/01/09
Winning Bid: £102.50Full Auction Archive:
Marketing Description Excerpt:
I have already sold a couple of these and because they went so well other crew members have asked me to sell theirs for them. This one belonged to one of the workers who helped build the Emerald city set. If you worked on any films and have props to sell, get in touch! I am also on the trail of the key you see on Belina at the end of the film, this is half the size and is set with emeralds!
![WALT DISNEY RETURN TO OZ FILM PROP GOLD KEY TO PALACE Ended 06 01 09 [x900]](https://www.originalprop.com/blog/dylsoagh/2009/06/WALT-DISNEY-RETURN-TO-OZ-FILM-PROP-GOLD-KEY-TO-PALACE-Ended-06-01-09-x900.jpg "WALT DISNEY RETURN TO OZ FILM PROP GOLD KEY TO PALACE Ended 06 01 09 [x900]")
In addition to the nine (9) Gold Key Original Crew Gifts, a large number of other pieces attributed to Return to Oz have been sold on eBay by “unisusu” over the past several months – all described as gold plated:
Twelve (12) Tik Tok Robot Original Crew Gifts (archives below):
- “RETURN TO OZ MINIATURE GOLD TIK TOK ROBOT ORIGINAL” (Ended 02/20/09)
- “RETURN TO OZ MINIATURE GOLD TIK TOK ROBOT ORIGINAL” (Ended 03/10/09)
- “RETURN TO OZ MINIATURE GOLD TIK TOK ROBOT ORIGINAL” (Ended 03/11/09)
- “RETURN TO OZ MINIATURE GOLD TIK TOK ROBOT ORIGINAL” (Ended 03/26/09)
- “RETURN TO OZ MINIATURE GOLD TIK TOK ROBOT ORIGINAL” (Ended 03/27/09)
- “RETURN TO OZ MINIATURE GOLD TIK TOK ROBOT ORIGINAL” (Ended 03/28/09)
- “RETURN TO OZ MINIATURE GOLD TIK TOK ROBOT ORIGINAL” (Ended 04/21/09)
- “RETURN TO OZ MINIATURE GOLD TIK TOK ROBOT ORIGINAL” (Ended 04/27/09)
- “RETURN TO OZ MINIATURE GOLD TIK TOK ROBOT ORIGINAL” (Ended 05/31/09)
- “RETURN TO OZ MINIATURE GOLD TIK TOK ROBOT ORIGINAL” (Ended 06/13/09)
- “RETURN TO OZ MINIATURE GOLD TIK TOK ROBOT ORIGINAL” (Ended 06/14/09)
- “RETURN TO OZ MINIATURE GOLD TIK TOK ROBOT ORIGINAL” (Ended 07/04/09)
Nine (9) Tik Tok Robot Backplate Original Crew Gifts (archives below):
- “RETURN TO OZ TIK TOK GOLD BACKPLATE ORIGINAL FILM PROP” (Ended 03/01/09 1st)
- “RETURN TO OZ TIK TOK GOLD BACKPLATE ORIGINAL FILM PROP” (Ended 03/01/09 2nd)
- “RETURN TO OZ TIK TOK GOLD BACKPLATE ORIGINAL FILM PROP” (Ended 03/10/09 1st)
- “RETURN TO OZ TIK TOK GOLD BACKPLATE ORIGINAL FILM PROP” (Ended 03/10/09 2nd)
- “RETURN TO OZ TIK TOK GOLD BACKPLATE ORIGINAL FILM PROP” (Ended 04/02/09)
- “RETURN TO OZ TIK TOK GOLD BACKPLATE ORIGINAL FILM PROP” (Ended 04/10/09)
- “RETURN TO OZ TIK TOK GOLD BACKPLATE ORIGINAL FILM PROP” (Ended 04/22/09)
- “RETURN TO OZ TIK TOK GOLD BACKPLATE ORIGINAL FILM PROP” (Ended 05/10/09)
- “RETURN TO OZ TIK TOK GOLD BACKPLATE ORIGINAL FILM PROP” (Ended 05/25/09)
Three (3) Tik Tok Robot Chest Badge Original Crew Gifts (archives below):
- “RETURN TO OZ FILM PROP CHEST BADGE TIK TOK WALT DISNEY” (Ended 04/13/09)
- “RETURN TO OZ FILM PROP CHEST BADGE TIK TOK WALT DISNEY” (Ended 04/21/09)
- “RETURN TO OZ FILM PROP CHEST BADGE TIK TOK WALT DISNEY” (Ended 05/10/09)
Note that all of these “crew gifts” sold in recent months are gold plated, as are the Raiders of the Lost Ark “Staff of Ra” headpieces that have recently surfaced in the marketplace, including one sold under this “unisusu” eBay account last month, which will be the focus of a future article. The latter was described as having been recently gold plated.
Norank Engineering “Return to Oz” Unlicensed Run of Replica Props
More Return to Oz pieces are offered for sale on the norank.co.uk website (LINK), including the “set of Oz figures” also being sold on the “unisusu” eBay account (direct comparison photo as shown above) as well as Lion statues such as these seen below:
Description:
Below are pictures of the set of 10 Return To Oz lions we have had made from the original mold for those eBayers who expressed an interest when we sold the real one. These are hand made from the original mold in a special resin to keep the weight down. The bases are heavier for stability. Each one has been professionally painted by a studio artist to match the original seen on the roof in the ruined Emerald city. These are available to order by those who pre-booked. Contact me at [email protected] if you want one. They will cost £170 each, slightly more than we estimated, mainly due to the complexity of the mold and the hand painted finish. We are building special crates to ship them, the cases will cost £15 each. Shipping within the UK will be £25 each, to the USA it’s £47 and to Australia it will be £65. UPDATE: We have THREE left!.
Paul Harrison is listed as the sales contact for the unlicensed Disney replicas.
Luke Harrison has sold the same pieces on eBay as “unisusu”, and below is an example of a currently active listing (see eBay Item #260443695591):
Marketing Description:
I’m a student at Southampton Uni, but my parents and grandparents all worked or work in the film industry. My Grandad and Dad both worked on Return To Oz at Elstree Film Studios during the 1980’s, and my other listings have original pieces from the film.
A few months back I sold the original stone Oz Lion that you see on the roof in the ruined Emerald city. Whilst it was up many Oz fans contacted me and asked if I could make a less expensive and lighter version from the original. So before it went off to the winner in the USA (Cheers Aaron :) I got the sculptors down the studio to make a mold from it.
Then they made this version in a special resin which weighs 5 kilos as opposed to the originals hefty 30 kilos! This has been professionally finished to look just like the one on the roof with a clever combination of air brushing and colours, there is even a teeny bit of greenish algae! Every feature of the original is here, every little chip and flaw is faithfully reproduced. Remember it was the ruined Emerald City!
I have a list of eBay members who said they wanted one of these but eBay only lets me contact one a day so if you people want to email my dad on [email protected] then he will list yours specially. I am having special crates made today to transport these all over the world safely. Once I know the exact costs I will update this listing. Due to the saving in weight it should be possible to ship this as far as Australia for £55. I will only know exactly once I crate one up and weigh it with all the packaging. In the UK it will be £20.
There are only ten of these in the world, and seven are sold! So have a bid!
Outstanding Questions
Again, future articles will address other questions and concerns regarding this recent marketplace activity, including a direct examination of one of the Raiders of the Lost Ark “Staff of Ra” headpieces that was recently sold on eBay by “unisusu” for less than $500, which appears similar to or the same as one recently offered for sale on Craigslist (along with a German hat) for $30,000.
Some of the new and outstanding questions include…
- Do the Harrisons/Norank have a license with either Walt Disney Studios or Lucasfilm Ltd. to produce and sell replicas from the Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and/or Return to Oz franchises?
- Were all 30-40+ Return to Oz pieces sold on eBay truly produced in the mid-1980s, gifted to crew members, and all collected back from those dozens of crew members in the past few months for resale on eBay?
- Do the Harrisons have the capability to reproduce exact duplicates today, as the have done with other runs of unlicensed replica props?
- How many of each of these Return to Oz pieces were originally produced back in 1984/1985?
- Does Norank Engineering continue to do work in film and television today, or simply produce and resell unlicensed prop replicas?
- Who is “N. Harrison” – the name signed on the “Danziger Collection” certificates of authenticity issued by the former owners of Elstree Props – Nick Harrison or Norm Harrison? Why are these signatures discrepant/inconsistent?
- Why does a purported 1982 “Danziger Collection” COA match those produced as late as 2007, yet an example from 2001 is substantially different?
- What is the status of the “100% Unconditional Guarantee” of the Certificates of Authenticity issued by Elstree Props prior to the sale of the company last year? As such pieces still guaranteed original?
- What is the Harrison position on the “Staff of Ra” headpiece props sold into the marketplace (three or more)? When were they produced? When were they finished? Were they produced for the studio? Were they delivered to the studio? Were they used on set?
- Why do these “Norank” Ra headpieces differ from the original seen in the book, “Best of the Lucasfilm Archives”? How do they differ from the crew gift versions produced?
- How do they differ from the piece consigned to and sold by Profiles in History for $60,000+?
- How does the one sold via the “unisusu” account on eBay for $500 differ from the one offered for sale on Craigslist for five figures?
- Do any of these “Norank” Ra headpieces meet the OPB strict definition of “Original“?
- How many are left? Have any post production replicas ever been produced?
- Is the primary function of the norank.co.uk website to sell runs of unlicensed prop replicas?
- Are the Harrisons active prop dealers again, or retired?
Jason De Bord