In 2008, an article was published on the Original Prop Blog with regards to certain props and costumes consigned to a Signature House auction (see Signature House Entertainment Memorabilia Auctions – Questions, Observations). Included were questions raised about the remarkable coincidence of two letters of authentication included with two different capes (attributed to use by George Reeves in the Superman television series produced in the 1950s) from two different dealers; both letters shared the same date: December 29, 1975. A third such letter – with the same date – has now been introduced into the marketplace. This third example bears a signature that appears to differ from the example featured in the 2008 article.
The current eBay auction is listed for sale by lahontanproductions (eBay Item #280524626174):
Below is a comparison between the 12/29/75 Western Costume Company letter signed by Robert Niewoehner included with the cape offered for sale by Antiquities of Las Vegas circa 2008 and the 12/29/75 Western Costume Company letter signed by Robert Niehoehner included with a different cape offered for sale at public auction on eBay today (the third example was described in the auction description by Signature House but not depicted):
The letter included in the current eBay auction states:
To whom it may concern,
The costumes shown to me on December 29, 1975 are the, or at least, part of the original costumes made by Western Costume Company for George Reeves as “Superman” for the television series of “Superman”.
The red silk material and costume patterns sold to Mr. Hambrick were used to make the Superman costumes for George Reeves.
Sincerely,
[signed]
Robert Niewoehner
Vice-President
It appears that this may be the same cape sold by Legendary Auctions in 2002 for $13,752.85 (see www.LegendaryAuctions.com – “Lot #546: Original Superman Cape Worn by George Reeves on the Classic 1950’s TV Show” | ARCHIVE). The auction listing notes the following:
The provenience of the cape is impeccable. This cape is one of the survivors that was “liberated” by Bob Westerfield, the man who is credited with officially making Metropolis, Illinois the “Home of Superman.” It was sold to Jim Hambrick with the understanding that Hambrick would open and operate a Superman museum in the town. Hambrick did, and this handsome cape was proudly displayed for years amongst the many Superman items that Hambrick had collected. It is THE classic item from THE classic superhero TV show, in incredible condition, with only one tiny hole in the mounting strap that tucked into Reeve’s shirt. It is still brightly colored, with its bold, felt “S” logo still mounted on its pale yellow background. It is accompanied by a two-page, signed letter of provenance from Hambrick, as well as a photocopied 1975 letter from Robert Niewoehner, Vice President of Western Costume Company, testifying that his company made this cape for George Reeve’s use on the original show. Superman’s cape will again probably someday be a part of a museum. In the meantime, whether in a private collection or on public display, it will no doubt be a centerpiece, and serve as a unique and powerful reminder of the days where there really was a Superman.
Interestingly, a cape of similar appearance was sold by Robert Edwards Auctions in 2008 for $32,312.50 (see www.robertedwardsauctions.com – “Original Superman Cape Worn by George Reeves in the 1950s Television Program The Adventures of Superman” | ARCHIVE). The auction listing noted the following:
The crimson red cap (53 x 55 inches at its widest dimensions) is made of a cotton-blend fabric and features a red and yellow flannel “S” patch on the reverse. The cape remains in phenomenal Near Mint condition, which is not surprising, given its provenance and history of ownership. This cape was purchased from the collection of world-renowned Superman collector Jim Hambrick, the owner and operator of the Supermuseum, which is located, appropriately enough, in Metropolis, Illinois. Hambrick has provided a three-page notarized letter, dated 10/5/05, detailing the cape’s history. In summary, Hambrick notes that the cape originally belonged to Whitney Ellsworth, who was the executive producer of The Adventures of Superman. Ellsworth later gave the cape, along with numerous other original George Reeves/Superman worn costume pieces, to Sol Harrison, who was president of National Periodical Publications (now known as DC Comics). Harrison, in turn, gave the cape to Bob Westerfield. Westerfield is famous today for making Metropolis, Illinois, the official “Home of Superman.”
Jason DeBord