Memorabilia dealer Hake’s Americana & Collectibles is holding their 200th auction, with lots ending in late May. While the selection of original prop-related material is quite small compared with the general popular culture memorabilia comprising the auction, I thought it would be prudent to make note of an old article published by the Los Angeles Times that may prompt interested bidders to do proper due diligence on the provenance of a handful of lots.
The full auction catalog can be found online at www.Hakes.com:
Lots 1544-1554 list Hollywood star-owned memorabilia, such as wardrobe pieces owned by Rudolph Valentino, Clark Gable, Errol Flynn, John Barrymore, Tyrone Powers, and Jean Harlow.
As an example, two lots list “Richard Wilson/Norma’s Jeans” in the stated provenance of the items:
Lot 1544 JEAN HARLOW’S PERSONAL BROOCH PIN
1.5×2.5” oval silver filigree brooch featuring floral design set in marcasites. Personally worn by Hollywood starlet Jean Harlow, item was obtained from the widow of former movie stage hand Bill Wilt. VF. Comes with Hake’s COA as well as COAs from R&R Enterprises, Richard Wilson/Norma’s Jeans and wife of original obtainer Bill Wilt. (J – $700 to $1000)
Lot 1548 RUDOLPH VALENTINO’S PERSONAL LETTER OPENER
10” long silver-plated letter opener with engraved “RV” on handle was obtained from Valentino’s Estate. Tiny bend to tip but still Exc. Comes with Hake’s COA as well as COA from Richard Wilson/Norma’s Jeans. (I – $400 to $700)
Below is an archive of a Los Angeles Times article published in 2001:
According to the two year FBI investigation, from 1997 until early 1999 John R. Widener sold over 400 counterfeit memorabilia pieces to Richard Wilson of Norma’s Jeans in Chevy Chase, MD. As such, it would be advisable to collectors to determine the full provenance of any pieces with Norma’s Jeans and/or Richard Wilson in the chain of ownership.
Some of these pieces appear to have been previously offered for sale by R&R Auctions.
Special thanks to Rick Spector for sharing the information.
Jason DeBord