Since publishing my lengthy and comprehensive article last week (see “Questions About Superman Costumes in the Marketplace: Authenticity, Sources, Quantity“), which raises questions about the number of “original” and “authentic” Superman costumes in the marketplace, as well as the follow-up article (see “Questions About Superman Costumes in the Marketplace: Update“), I thought it would be productive to make a note of the results of the three current auctions (now ended) – all with COAs from “Super Hollywood” (AKA “super38“) that were discussed in the second article.
queenrocks:
Superman Superboy Reeve Costume w Trunks (eBay Item #320209035392)
Higher Resolution Archive: queenrocks eBay Listing -”Superman Superboy Reeve Costume w Trunks”
Auction Result: SOLD
This eBay auction listing sold for for $1,075.00:
Higher Resolution Archive: queenrocks eBay Listing – “Superman Superboy Reeve Costume w Trunks” Auction-Results
Costume Junkie (costumejunkie):
Christopher Reeves SUPERMAN III authentic costume (eBay Item #140199822634):
Higher Resolution Archive: costumejunkie eBay Listing – “Christopher Reeves SUPERMAN III authentic costume”
Auction Result: UNSOLD
This eBay auction listing ended as originally scheduled with no bids.
Super Hollywood (super38):
Superman III ‘Dirty’ tunic Reeve costume w trunks (eBay Item #260201325452)
Higher Resolution Archive: super38 eBay Listing – “Superman III ‘Dirty’ tunic Reeve costume w trunks”
Auction Result: UNSOLD/ENDED EARLY
This item was originally listed on January 8, 2008 as eBay as a standard 7-day eBay listing with an $1,8000 opening bid amount and no reserve. Several days later, it was converted to an “eBay Store” item with a Buy It Now-only price of $5,500.00. Following the OPB articles, the store item was ended, with the following stated reason:
“The seller ended this listing early because the item is no longer available for sale.”
Higher Resolution Archive: super38 eBay Listing – “Superman III Dirty Tunic” Ended Early
super38: Past & Future Auctions?
Since the two OPB articles, eBay seller Super Hollywood/super38 has not listed any new original Superman costume memorabilia listings on eBay.
Interestingly, this is the first time since late November that there have not been continuous (and periodically concurrent) offerings of original Superman costume memorabilia on eBay from Super Hollywood:
Superman Jorel S emblem Diamond studs costume Reeve
eBay Item #260201012496
Starting time: Jan-07-08 12:42:06 PST
Ended: Jan-14-08 12:42:06 PSTSuperman III ‘Dirty’ tunic Reeve costume w trunks
eBay Item #260199124510
Starting time: Jan-01-08 10:06:05 PST
Ended: Jan-08-08 10:06:05 PSTSuperman Jorel S emblem Diamond studs costume Reeve
eBay Item #260198543283
Starting time: Dec-30-07 06:27:18 PST
Ended: Jan-06-08 06:27:18 PSTSuperman III ‘Dirty’ tunic Reeve costume w trunks
eBay Item #260196298104
Starting time: Dec-22-07 02:30:58 PST
Ended: Dec-29-07 02:30:58 PSTSuperman original boots Reeve costume red leather SALE!
eBay Item #260196296968
Starting time: Dec-22-07 02:18:32 PST
Ended: Dec-28-07 14:11:44 PSTSuperman Krypton Baby blanket Reeve costume Berman Tag
eBay Item #260194069469
Starting time: Dec-14-07 04:19:39 PST
Ended: Dec-21-07 04:19:39 PSTSuperman Jorel S emblem costume Brando Reeve
eBay Item #260191881988
Starting time: Dec-09-07 04:50:20 PST
Ended: Dec-16-07 04:50:20 PSTSuperman Krypton Baby blanket Reeve costume
eBay Item #260190951231
Starting time: Dec-06-07 11:07:06 PST
Ended: Dec-13-07 11:07:06 PSTSuperman back of cape S emblem costume w fabric Reeve
eBay Item #260190639478
Starting time: Dec-05-07 13:39:53 PST
Ended: Dec-12-07 13:39:53 PSTSuperman tunic and trunks Reeve costume Original cape
eBay Item #260189285963
Starting time: Dec-02-07 04:56:40 PST
Ended: Dec-07-07 04:52:46 PSTSuperman Jorel unfinished S emblem costume Brando
eBay Item #260188994639
Starting time: Dec-01-07 05:43:37 PST
Ended: Dec-08-07 05:43:37 PSTSuperman Krypton Baby blanket Reeve costume
eBay Item #260188330007
Starting time: Nov-29-07 10:24:03 PST
Ended: Dec-06-07 10:24:03 PSTSuperman Jorel Brando costume Original & authentic
eBay Item #260174675785
Starting time: Oct-24-07 07:03:47
Ended: Oct-27-07 05:02:35 PDTSuperman Jorel collar and unfinished S emblem costume
eBay Item #260173731680
Starting time: Oct-21-07 15:33:29 PDT
Ended: Oct-22-07 17:38:46 PDTSuperman Krypton Baby blanket Reeve costume Tag BABY
eBay Item #260173729380
Starting time: Oct-21-07 15:23:21 PDT
Ended: Oct-22-07 17:38:07 PDT
I will continue to monitor public offerings of Superman-related wardrobe until the questions outlined in the original OPB article (copied below) are addressed satisfactorily.
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Questions About Superman Costumes In The Marketplace
- How can sources/dealers for these costumes account for so many in the marketplace?
- Why are some sellers content to sell such important artifacts for $2,000 to $6,000, when prices have been realized anywhere from $60,000 to $120,000 or more?
- Why are there so many reports of recently manufactured “replica” costumes in the marketplace? What is the source of these costumes? Why do some feel that they are inconclusive or inauthentic in regards to provenance?
- Why would the head costumer from the films “gift” such valuable pieces to someone?
- If these Superman costumes marketed as “authentic” and “original” are legitimate, why do the $5,000 offerings go unsold, yet the same style pieces have sold for $60,000-$120,000 or more through venues such as ScreenUsed, Profiles in History, and other auction houses?
- What oversight do these original prop organizations (the Movie Prop Association, the United Movie Collectors Guild) provide over these pieces offered by their members?
- What is the Warner Brothers position on and viewpoint of both authentic and inauthentic Superman costumes trading in the public marketplace?
_________________
Jason De Bord
Additional Related Articles: Market Watch | Superman