In addition to pieces showcased by Profiles in History and The Prop Store of London, there are a number of original movie props on display at San Diego Comic Con this year. Below is a compilation of many of the displays and exhibits I found on the show floor. Additional articles covering Profiles in History, The Prop Store of London, and Disney will be published soon. [Read more…]
This is an update to a series of articles about two prop lightsabers marketed by Paul Harrison, at the time owner of Elstree Props, which were described as original pieces made for the film, Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. No such lightsabers appear in the finished film. Though it has been some time since the last update, published in late 2007, I have obtained new information. Included in this feature are photos of one of the props that I’ve been told were taken in late 2005, of a newly made custom replica lightsaber, prior to delivery to Paul Harrison. The prop in these photos clearly matches one of the two Elstree Props lightsabers. Was a newly made replica prop listed for sale to the public for $50,000.00? [Read more…]
Today Profiles in History has officially announced their upcoming auction for Disney & ABC’s “LOST”, which will include original props and costumes from the very popular television series. The show is scheduled to concluded with its season finale in May 2010. A special preview of these items will be on display at San Diego Comic Con later this week.
As a continuation of recent articles, the focus of this feature is the recent activity in the marketplace concerning the “Staff of Ra” headpiece props attributed to Raiders of the Lost Ark – all of which appear to have originated from the Harrison family (who retired from and sold the “Elstree Props” business in early 2008 and now sell unlicensed replica props as “Norank Engineering” and on eBay as “unisusu”). With one purchased for $450 and another offered for resale for $30,000 (along with a German hat), it certainly raises a number of questions and concerns, and warrants investigation, debate, and discussion. [Read more…]
Below is the latest updated list of upcoming original movie and television prop, wardrobe, and memorabilia auction events. Please contact me if you are aware of any coming events of interest to original prop collectors.
[Read more…]
As a continuation of the article published a few days ago (see ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’, ‘Return to Oz’, Return to eBay, and Return of The Harrisons (formerly “Elstree Props”) from Retirement?) and direct update to one published back in February 2009 (see Elstree Props, Fertility Idols, Light Gods, Danziger Collection COAs (Multiple Topic Update)), I have secured additional information related to the outstanding question, “Who is N. Harrison?”, as signatory on “The Danziger Collection” of “Elstree Film Studios”, found on the previously issued Elstree Props COAs, prior to the change of ownership in early 2008. [Read more…]
I’ve found that there are many concepts in the original prop hobby for which words do not exist. Having words to use with specific and unique meaning are powerful tools, and when there are none available that fit the need, putting together a new word with hopes it may be adopted can be productive. In this case, a term is needed to describe an instance in which the source or an entity in the chain of ownership of a prop, costume, or other artifact has a distinctive and negative impact on the authentication of such a piece. The word I plan to use to describe such a circumstance is “anti-provenance”. [Read more…]
Last night’s broadcast of The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien featured Conan’s visit to the prop department at Universal Studios. [Read more…]