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”.
As archived previously, Startifacts continued to list and relist the same costume for sale on eBay, though the price had been reduced following a failed sale and subsequent relists, dropping the “Buy It Now” price from $8,500 to thousands less, which sold for a second time yesterday, now for $2,250. Based on a review of the photos, this costume does not appear to be consistent with the confirmed authentic examples that I have personally handled and examined. Per the auction description, “[a]n example of this would be a Superman Christopher Reeve costume which was purchased for $5000 over a decade ago, now commands over ten times its original value”.
The cape that was listed a few times in December 2009, with letters of authenticity from Armando Alvarez and Ana Mugia, bearing the “Super Hollywood” company name and logo, was pulled by the seller. I have not heard from the seller since the “challenge” article published in January 2010 (see “The Superman Cape Authentication Challenge: Consign with a Reputable Movie Prop & Costume Dealer or Auction House“).
After being reinstated following a suspension from eBay, Armando Alvarez (AKA “Super Hollywood”) renamed his “super38” account to “pantages” the following month.
There are three items currently listed for sale under this renamed account, with photos that have been used in the past under the “super38” account. This source/seller/provenance and pieces have been analyzed in depth in past articles, and found to be problematic. For more information, see “Superman Costume Comparative Analysis: Warner Bros. Archive, Authenticated vs. “Super Hollywood”.
Heritage Auction Galleries has a new online catalog available for their April 2010 auction event, which includes a cape and boots attributed to both the Christopher Reeve Superman films as well as the John Haymes Newton Superboy television series with a letter of authenticity from the actor.
eBay Seller: startifacts
Auction Title: “SUPERMAN 3 CHRISTOPHER REEVE DOCUMENTED WORN COSTUME; RELISTED- NON PAYING BIDDER- 100% AUTHENTIC-SCREEN WORN“
Noted Source/Provenance: “The 2 piece Superman costume was acquired directly from producers of the movie. | The authentic 2-piece Superman costume comes complete with a lifetime money back guarantee and a Startifacts notarized certificate of authenticity which guarantees the items full and undeniable authenticity.“
eBay Item #: 220571967104
End Date: 03/21/10
Auction Result: Sold For $2,550.00
Full Auction Archive: “SUPERMAN 3 CHRISTOPHER REEVE DOCUMENTED WORN COSTUME“
Description:
Startifacts 2009 Annual Rock’in Hollywood Auction Extravaganza
You now can own some of Hollywood’s most sought after memorabilia that is currently available for a limited time only to purchase. For the next two months Startifacts is going to reopen their private vault to the public so you now have the chance to own something from your favorite star that you never thought would be possible.
Startifacts is the worlds leading supplier of authentic Hollywood and Rock-N-Roll artifacts, and was founded by Michael Kronick. Over the past decade Michael has collected a vast amount of rare and very desirable Hollywood/Rock n Roll costumes and props from some of the largest studios, wardrobe houses, and prop makers around. You currently have an extremely rare opportunity to own some of the hottest, most popular, meaningful wardrobes, autographs, instruments, and personal effects of your favorite stars!
RELISTED DUE TO NON PAYING BIDDER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Superman 3 Christopher Reeve WORN original Hero outfit
Authentic Tunic & Tights Rare Bermans & Nathan tags
Startifacts presents the original Superman 3 outfit, tunic and tights, worn by Christopher Reeve. The Superman costume from the 1983 superhero film is world wide recognizable. This is your rare opportunity to obtain this iconic memorabilia.
During the movie Superman has different costumes for both “heroic” and “bad” superman. This superman costume is of the “bad” superman.
The superman costume still has the original tag from Bermans & Nathans sown on the interior of the costume. The 2 piece Superman costume was acquired directly from producers of the movie. It is still in excellent condition.
The authentic 2-piece Superman costume comes complete with a lifetime money back guarantee and a Startifacts notarized certificate of authenticity which guarantees the items full and undeniable authenticity.
Hot! Most sought after collection
Startifacts celebrity memorabilia is a company founded by Michael Kronick in the late 1980’s. Over the past decade, Startifacts has become the worlds leading supplier of authentic Hollywood and Rock-N-Roll artifacts. Kronick amassed one of the world’s largest collections of celebrity wardrobe, autographs, instruments, and personal effects.
Growing exponentially
After attending film school in Southern California, Kronick, with help of his older filmmaker brother, began buying up vast amounts of Hollywood costumes and props from some of the countries largest studios, wardrobe houses, and prop makers. At this time, there were no Planet Hollywoods, and the thought of collecting Hollywood artifacts did not exist. Today, celebrity memorabilia is one of, if not the most sought after of all collectibles. Many items acquired decades ago, have retained and surpassed record setting prices, both at auction and private sale. An example of this would be a Superman Christopher Reeve costume which was purchased for $5000 over a decade ago, now commands over ten times its original value.
Huge Productivity
As years went by, Startifacts have been involved with some of the worlds leading auctions and auction houses. From the original Bruce Lee and Grace Kelly auctions to the record setting Kiss auction. Startifact’s contacts within the entertainment industry are unsurpassed. Some of the more notable projects include creating and procuring a multi-million dollar exhibition of original memorabilia for Donald Trump’s Taj Mahal Atlantic City Casino. When Hard Rock Café wanted the only set of Kiss costumes ever sold, it was Startifacts who on behalf of the band Kiss, sold the outfits for a record setting sum. It was startifacts who made worldwide headlines in their quest to acquire the world famous “white bronco” during the infamous O.J Simpson court case. Startifacts has also acquired and brokered multi-millions of dollars worth of genuine autographs and artifacts, from a multitude of celebrities including the likes of, Pamela Anderson, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Barbara Streisand, Ozzy Osbourne, Kurt Cobain, Muhammad Ali, Guns-N-Roses, Iggy Pop, Kiss, Prince, Magic Johnson, and a vast number of others.
Big Business
Startifacts also supplies and has become a leader of both licensed and one of a kind material to dozens of retail stores worldwide including clients in Asia, Europe, South America, and Australia. From unique limited editions such as an original piece of the Titanic to an original electric guitar from Jimi Hendrix.
The Real Deal
All of Startifacts items go through an in depth authentication process, and are guaranteed to be genuine for life.
Making News
Startifacts gets press. Over the past decades, Startifacts and its owner Michael Kronick have been featured in countless television, newspaper, radio, and print medias. Startifacts has been featured in numerous television shows and news articles, including Entertainment tonight, CNN, NBC, ABC News, Fox Television, as well as the New York and L.A. Times, The Las Vegas Sun, Minneapolis Star & Tribune, Autograph Collector, Collecting Magazine, Night Club & Bar Magazine, Entertainment Weekly, Ebay Magazine and nearly every weekly publication from the Star to the Globe, to the National Enquirer, and Dozens of Radio Stations worldwide
Marketing Photos:
![Superman-Costume-Startifacts-01 [x425]](https://www.originalprop.com/blog/dylsoagh/2009/11/Superman-Costume-Startifacts-01.jpg "Superman-Costume-Startifacts-01 [x425]")
![Superman-Costume-Startifacts-02 [x425]](https://www.originalprop.com/blog/dylsoagh/2009/11/Superman-Costume-Startifacts-02.jpg "Superman-Costume-Startifacts-02 [x425]")
![Superman-Costume-Startifacts-03 [x425]](https://www.originalprop.com/blog/dylsoagh/2009/11/Superman-Costume-Startifacts-03.jpg "Superman-Costume-Startifacts-03 [x425]")
![Superman-Costume-Startifacts-04 [x425]](https://www.originalprop.com/blog/dylsoagh/2009/11/Superman-Costume-Startifacts-04.jpg "Superman-Costume-Startifacts-04 [x425]")
![Superman-Costume-Startifacts-05 [x425]](https://www.originalprop.com/blog/dylsoagh/2009/11/Superman-Costume-Startifacts-05.jpg "Superman-Costume-Startifacts-05 [x425]")
Analysis:
Limited to a review of the photos above, many of the discrepancies identified in my hands on analysis of multiple authentic and problematic costumes back in May are pertinent in an evaluation of this costume. Additionally, observations of issues found in a study of many Bermans and Nathans tags in past articles are useful as a point of reference. Two key articles can be found below:
- Reference: Superman Costume Comparative Analysis: Warner Bros. Archive, Authenticated vs. “Super Hollywood”
Concerns with the costume above include:
- Color of fabric
- Type of fabric
- Placement of “S” emblem
- Size of “S” emblem
- Overall pattern of suit (including cut of neckline)
- Size and pattern of shorts
- Characteristics of Bermans and Nathans tag (including lack of typed information/handwritten information, size, type of fabric, staining, stitching on all four sides)
Additionally, the handwriting style seen in the “Bermans and Nathans” tag on the Startifacts costume is very similar to the handwriting seen written inside of a “Super Hollywood” costume archived in high resolution in past Original Prop Blog articles (see “Super Hollywood” Superman III Costume Case Study: High Resolution Photo Archive & Analysis):
![Superman-Super-Hollywood-Costume-Compare-Startifacts-x1200 marked [x425]](https://www.originalprop.com/blog/dylsoagh/2009/11/Superman-Super-Hollywood-Costume-Compare-Startifacts-x1200-marked.jpg "Superman-Super-Hollywood-Costume-Compare-Startifacts-x1200 marked [x425]")
eBay Seller: pantages
Auction Title: “Chris Reeve walking heavy wool cape Superman movie Tag“
Noted Source/Provenance: None stated
eBay Item #: 250599449566
End Date: 03/28/10
Auction Result: “Buy It Now” Price $4,500.00; Opening Bid Amount $799.99
Full Auction Archive: “Chris Reeve walking heavy wool cape Superman movie Tag“
Description:
Superman III walking cape with Tag Please email any and all questions. No Reserve Good luck.
Marketing Photos:
eBay Seller: pantages
Auction Title: “Brando Jorel S Superman movie emblem only“
Noted Source/Provenance: None stated
eBay Item #: 250600469561
End Date: 03/27/10
Auction Result: “Buy It Now” Price $690.00
Full Auction Archive: “Brando Jorel S Superman movie emblem only”
Description:
Brando Jorel emblem original. Auction is for the emblem only. (complete Jorel costume sold at recent auction) Superman movie Krypton
Would make tremendous display with the Superman front piece in one of our other auctions.
Marketing Photos:
Note: The photo above is from Profiles in History, not Super Hollywood, though it is used in the eBay auction listing
eBay Seller: pantages
Auction Title: “Superman S shield original costume emblem Reeve“
Noted Source/Provenance: None stated
eBay Item #: 250599382570
End Date: 04/17/10
Auction Result: “Buy It Now” Price $690.00
Full Auction Archive: “Superman S shield original costume emblem Reeve”
Description:
Original S Emblem from Chris Reeve Superman costume
Marketing Photos:
Analysis:
This same image was analyzed in an article in August 2008:
Given the unusual length of fabric extending from the edges of the “S” emblem on the photo in the Super Hollywood photo, I have compared with the confirmed authentic Superman III costume with Warner Bros. paperwork sold by ScreenUsed. As seen in the comparison photo below, the material between the top of the “S” emblem and the neckline is more than twice as long in the Super Hollywood piece compared to the authentic costume:
The Super Hollywood photo is too low resolution to perform an analysis of the fabric type or stitching of the “S” emblem.
Auction House: Heritage Auction Galleries
Auction Title: “Christopher Reeve’s and John Haymes Newton’s Superman/Superboy Cape and Boots“
Noted Source/Provenance: The items are accompanied by a notarized letter of authenticity from Newton
Item #: Auction 7018, Lot 50266
End Date: 04/10/10
Auction Result: Opening Bid Price $6,000.00; Estimate $12,000.00
Full Auction Archive: “Christopher Reeve’s and John Haymes Newton’s Superman/Superboy Cape and Boots“
Description:
Christopher Reeve’s and John Haymes Newton’s Superman/Superboy Cape and Boots. In 1988, producers Alexander and Ilya Salkind, the brothers who at that point had produced four Superman movies and a Supergirl movie, brought the syndicated TV series Superboy to the small screen. The series featured John Haymes Newton as a college-age Clark Kent/Superboy, opposite Stacy Haiduk as love interest Lana Lang (after Season 1, Newton was replaced by Gerard Christopher for the remainder of the series). During the show’s first season, the Salkinds kept a tight budgetary leash on the first 13 episodes in order to save money until knowing for certain the series would be picked up for a full season. In the process, they re-used costumes from the Superman movies for the Superboy series. This cape and pair of boots was originally made for and worn by actor Christopher Reeve in the movie series, and later worn by Newton during the TV series. The boots are in Very Fine condition with some wear from production use. The padded heavy wool cape is in Excellent condition and has snaps on the inner lining for attaching it to the Superboy costume, and has three tags sewn into the lining, reading “Walking Cape (1978)”, “Epcot Center/No. 2 Walking Cape/B Cape – Good”, and “Remade Nov/89”. The items are accompanied by a notarized letter of authenticity from Newton, dated April 29, 2005, and a b&w 8″ x 10″ photo of the actor, both signed by him. Estimate: $12,000 – up.
Marketing Photos:
For more information about Superman costumes, please reference Market Watch | Superman
Jason DeBord