A collector has contacted me who claims to have been trying to complete a transaction with UK prop dealer Steve Knight and his Rare Props business since last year. The collector claims to have sent 13 e-mails and placed one overseas phone call with no response. In that I am aware of past instances of lack of communication and/or non-delivery of goods with other collectors in the past, I thought I would publish an open inquiry with hopes that someone can put me in touch with Rare Props in an effort to assist a fellow collector.
I have also heard from multiple sources that the business may have been sold to Steve’s brother, (Richard?). Another collector with no business pending has also told me that he has been unable to get in touch with the business for the past year.
There is also an unrelated public inquiry published in January 2010 on the James Bond discussion forum, “Absolutely James Bond” (see www.ajb007.co.uk):
The question, unanswered since last month, asks:
Does anyone know what has happened to the Dealer Rareprops??
I have done some very nice Business with Steve over the years and was interested in getting new stuff from him but I cannot get hold of him anywhere.
I had 3 different email addresses which are all coming back as Undeliverable.
He also hasn’t had anything on Ebay for Months.
Can anyone shed any light on the situation???
In reviewing the RareProps website (www.rareprops.com) it is still active.
The related eBay account is also active (www.rareprops.com), though the last (negative) transaction feedback was left in September 2009. While the feedback is “private”, it is still publicly viewable here (Archive).
It also appears that RareProps is no longer listed among the members list of the Movie Props Association (the “MPA”). However, the RareProps website still has a page about the organization, stating that they themselves are a “Proud Member”.
If anyone reading can assist, please contact me at [email protected].
Jason DeBord