Article Summary: Observations and questions raised about an “original” Terminator 2 miniature listed on eBay.
Market Watch: Terminator 2 “Original” Miniature Prototype (Elstree Props)
The following active listing is currently on eBay (Item #260111011281, TERMINATOR 2 MINIATURE PROTOTYPE HUNTER KILLER SHIP!, EXCELLENT ORIGINAL PIECE!).
[static page save: Elstree T2 Miniature]
Per the Elstree Props description:
TERMINATOR 2
– ORIGINAL MINIATURE PROTOTYPE HUNTER KILLER MODEL SHIP –This auction is for a very rare prototype piece from a classic movie, Terminator 2 starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. This is approximately 12 inches long and features real swivelling jets! This piece is stamped Carolco and dated as you can see from the pictures. We were going to frame this individually in a special case but are now concentrating on original pieces from movies made here at Elstree Film Studios. So now this is for sale starting at just £100 !
From the Elstree Props eBay Listing:
Note that Terminator 2: Judgment Day was released theatrically in the U.S. 1991, and the Elstree Props “original” piece is stamped “1993” and also stamped “HORIZON” (the maker of the vinyl model kit sold at retail).
Here is a link to a web page about the Horizon vinyl kit: FANTASTIC-PLASTIC.com LINK
At the very bottom of the auction, the following was added by the seller days after the auction was started:
On 25-Apr-07 at 14:40:54 BST, seller added the following information:
Just want to make it clear, this is NOT screen seen, nor are we claiming it is. This is an early prototype made by Carolco to get approval for the kit they brought out!
My personal view is that the marketing of the auction is highly misleading:
- It is listed on eBay in the category: DVD, Film & TV > Film Memorabilia > Props > Original, which is reserved and intended for Original Props,
- the company presents itself as a dealer of original props,
- the title of the auction claims the piece is “original”,
- the description of the piece characterizes the piece as “original” and “from a classic movie, Terminator 2 starring Arnold Schwarzenegger”, and
- they offer a “full studio COA stamped and signed” to accompany the piece.
I have studied the auction listing and done some research on the piece, and I’m still unclear as to what exactly it is that is being offered.
Did Elstree Props not realize it was a model kit/model kit prototype?
Why was the disclaimer added to the auction description days after the auction for the “original” piece began?
If it is an “early prototype made by Carolco”, how is it that it is stamped “1993”, years after the release of the film? Doesn’t “prototype” indicate the piece is made prior to release of the film?
Wouldn’t it have been more appropriate to relist the non-original piece / model kit / model kit prototype as what it is, described as such, in the appropriate eBay category?
Wouldn’t most readers, even careful readers, believe this original prop dealer is selling an original prop?
From the auction:
We had this in our store at £900 but are now putting it up for auction starting at just £100 so get bidding! This is on display in Elstree Film Stduios so bid early to register your interest as it may sell to a visitor! Full COA included from the Film Studios.
Would a film studio have a model kit on display for visitors?
Do model kits or model kit prototypes sell for £900?
What is the purpose of issuing a “studio COA” to a model kit / model kit prototype?
Exactly which studio is issuing a COA for a model kit or model kit prototype? Carolco? What is the connection between “Elstree Film Studios” and Carolco? Isn’t Carolco long defunct?
In my personal opinion, as was the case with my recent article, Case Study: Questioning Authenticity on eBay (Elstree Props), I find the presentation of this auction problematic.
Jason