Superman Costumes in the Marketplace Archive: October 2009

This article continues coverage of Superman costumes and costume components offered for sale publicly in the marketplace attributed to use in the Superman films of the 70s-80s starring Christopher Reeve and characterized as “original” and “authentic”.

This month there are two public “for sale” offerings on eBay – the first one marketed as a replica and the second one (which has been archived multiple times in previous articles) marketed as original and “screen used”.

The first costume at auction appears to match the “Super Hollywood” style analyzed in depth in previous articles. However, this is the first time I’ve seen this style explicitly marketed as a replica on eBay.

The second costume at auction is one of the costumes archived in the very first of over 100 Superman costume-related articles, more than a year ago. This example is a “Super Hollywood” costume offered for sale on eBay by Edward Pugia (AKA “Costume Junkie”). This costume was recently listed for sale via the “costumejunkie” account on eBay in May 2009 and failed to sell at auction (see “Costume Junkie” Returns “Super Hollywood” Superman Costume To Marketplace on eBay).

Both costumes started for close to the same minimum bid about – $900 and $1,500 – and both ended with no bids or sale.

eBay Seller: dooleys_place

Auction Title: “Superman Christopher Reeve Costume Replica“

Noted Source/Provenance: “This is a replica of the Christopher Reeve Superman teal blue Flying costume, similar to the actual movie costume“

eBay Item #: 220491124795

End Date: 10/16/09

Auction Result: Starting Bid $900.00, Ended With No Bids

Full Auction Archive: “Superman Christopher Reeve Costume Replica“

Description:

Superman Christopher Reeve Costume Replica

Most likely the closet thing to an original you will find in this price range. This is not a cheap Halloween costume, this is an excellent quality replica

This is a replica of the Christopher Reeve Superman teal blue Flying costume, similar to the actual movie costume . It has the slits where a harness would be used for lifting and the replica cape also has snaps on the back to attach to another flying harness. This replica costume is in excellent condition and looks as close to the original as possible and comes with all items shown in the photos. The cape does not snap onto the costume as far as I can tell. The snaps were made to attach to a flying harness I believe. It can also tie around the neck of the person wearing it. Please check the photos to get a better idea of the overall costume design. There are no boots or belt with this item. This will make a great display item and will also be an awesome holiday gift for someone special this year.

Please email me with ANY questions BEFORE you bid as there will be NO REFUNDS after item has been sold.

Marketing Photso:

eBay Seller: costumejunkie

Auction Title: “SUPERMAN CHRISTOPHER REEVES COSTUME TUNIC CAPE TIGHTS“

Noted Source/Provenance: “The costume comes with original COA from the costume designer for all of the Salkind movies“

eBay Item #: 140350756819

End Date: 10/09/09

Auction Result: Starting Bid $1,500.00, “Buy It Now” Price $3,250.00, No Bids

Full Auction Archive: “SUPERMAN CHRISTOPHER REEVES COSTUME TUNIC CAPE TIGHTS“

Description:

COSTUMEJUNKIE

is proud to present

A Screen used Superman tunic, cape, and leggins.

The tunic and cape both have Bermans and Nathans tags.

The costume comes with original COA from the costume designer

for all of the Salkind movies.

Both the chest and cape have the classic S shield.

The tunic and cape both have snaps

More images available to serious buyers.

We DO have a set of replica red leather boots and a replica belt and buckle if you’d like to put the costume on display.

Because of the HORRIBLE FRAUD going on with bidders, you’ll need to PAY IMMEDIATELY VIA PAYPAL. Until the item has been paid via PAYPAL, the auction is still live. So, PLEASE pay us immediately unless you’re waiting for an INTERNATIONAL shipping quote.

A Proud MPA and UMCGmember.

Movie Prop Association UNITED MOVIE COLLECTORS GUILD
People with ZERO or NEGATIVE feedback will have to email us BEFORE BIDDING !!!
We don’t tollerate DEADBEAT bidders who bid and don’t pay.
Feel free to EMAIL us BEFORE bidding.
if you have ANY questions about the product.

EMAIL US IF YOU HAVE ZERO FEEDBACK BEFORE BIDDING !!!

CHECK OUR OTHER EBAY AUCTIONS FOR COMPLETE COSTUMES AND ACCESSORIES

Primary Marketing Photo:

Recent “Super Hollywood” Costume Comparative Analysis, Costume Junkie Prior Statements, The Movie Prop Association and The United Movie Collectors Guild

As can be seen from the photo comparison below, the Costume Junkie “Super Hollywood” costume is consistent with the “Super Hollywood” examples used in previous articles for overall analysis, photo archives, and, earlier this month, direct comparison with confirmed authentic costumes:

Click for Full Resolution

Earlier this month, the two “Super Hollywood” Superman costumes were taken to Los Angeles for a “hands on” direct comparison with confirmed authentic costumes:

See: Superman Costume Comparative Analysis: Warner Bros. Archive, Authenticated vs. “Super Hollywood”

As revealed in that article, the “Super Hollywood” costumes differ significantly from the confirmed authentic examples in a number of ways, as seen in the photo comparison compilation below:

Full details can be found in the aforementioned article: LINK

Further, Mr. Pugia now claims in his current eBay listing:

The costume comes with original COA from the costume designer for all of the Salkind movies

This has been altered from the statement in the prior eBay auction listing:

Comes with original COA from the costume designer Anna Mungia.

Yvonne Blake is credited as “Costume Designer” on the film Superman: The Movie – see IMDb

Anna/Ana Mungia has no credits on Superman or on any film or television production in the IMDb, as there is no one named “Ana Mungia” or “Anna Mungia” listed in the service.

Mr. Pugia had published “Reader Comments” on the Original Prop Blog about this costume over a year ago.

See: Questions About Superman Costumes in the Marketplace: “Costume Junkie” Response

Edward Pugia Excerpt (02/07/08):

Here’s what I need, I need to PROVE they’re fake. I need to know who I can send them both to so they can be authenticated as real or fake. If fake, then we can go ahead and persue legal action to recoup our losses and brand these 2 suits REPLICAS.

I’d appreciate any help you could give as I’m only one person running a small business trying to stay honest and give our customers REAL merchandise.

ANY help we can get getting these 2 suits authenticated so we can proceed with legal action to recoup our initial investment would be great.

Edward Pugia Excerpt (02/09/08):

I did NOT have my wife call Mr Alvarez to apologize for my language, I had her call to put them on notice that we either get a refund on our $4275.00 purchase or we’ll be filing a lawsuit once we have the evidence that the suits are indeed replicas.

Mr. Pugia made additional comments in other Original Prop Blog articles:

See: Ten Outstanding Questions About “Super Hollywood” Superman Costumes in the Marketplace

Edward Pugia Excerpt (02/09/08):

All 4 signatures from Ana seem to be different. Even the 2 that we have (Superman and Supergirl) look different. ALso, our Superman tights have NO tags, NO writing and look brand new for a costume that’s 30 years old. The entire costume looks brand new other than the B and N tags that look old.

See: “Super Hollywood” Threatens $1.5 Million Dollar Lawsuit Against The Original Prop Blog

Edward Pugia Excerpt (03/04/08):

I’ve also received NO help authenticating these from the ‘so called’ experts who keep saying they’re fake.

If they’re fake please prove this to us. Everytime we listed our CR Superman we had the same 1-2 people say they’re fake. But now that I want PROOF, I’m not getting ANY help what so ever which leads me to believe that they’re NOT fake and that Super Hollywood is getting bashed for releasing Superman costumes.

All I ask is SOMEONE help us or stop with the accusations that our Superman and Supergirl are fake.

Edward Pugia Excerpt (03/04/08):

After finding out about the proposed legal action from Super Hollywood against you, we’ve decided to hold onto our costumes and see what happens next.

In his currently active eBay auction for the “Super Hollywood” Superman costume – as was the case when this costume was first listed by Mr. Pugia in January 2008 – the prop dealer touts his affiliation with the “Movie Prop Association” (the “MPA”) and the “United Movie Collectors Guild” (the “UMCG”):

Per the MPA Goals and Policies:

If someone wants to buy a prop or costume from their favourite movie, or used by their favourite star, they want to feel confident that the item REALLY is as described. Buying from an MPA member is all about knowing that the item is backed up by a guarantee that the item IS genuine.

We have zero tolerance for people who misrepresent items as being the “real thing” when they are merely replicas. This type of practice is not only fraudulent and immoral but only harms the hobby. Without some degree of trust the whole hobby falls apart.

IF at ANY TIME during the life-time of the prop or wardrobe item it is questioned on its authenticity, the seller will use all the resources and know-how of the MPA to investigate the authenticity of the item.

Per the UMCG Code of Conduct:

We understand that dealers and studios can make mistakes. Every dealer has received bad items at times. It’s a part of the business… sometimes it just happens. So, if you get or find a bad piece then you must take care of it and not resell it as it was. If we find out that you were told about a bad piece and it was proven to be and then you turn around and resell it without the change you will be removed from our organization immediately and put on our black list of people we wont deal with or help again.

Additional articles about Superman costumes can be found below:

Market Watch | Superman

Jason DeBord