Though we are just at the start of June, I decided to begin coverage of Superman costumes offered for sale publicly in the marketplace now, as it will serve as reference for future articles. This is “Part 1” in that I expect, should trends prove consistent, that additional auctions will warrant further coverage, as will follow-up.
The subjects of this article are costumes and costume parts attributed to use in the Superman films of the 70s-80s starring Christopher Reeve and characterized as “original” and “authentic”.
Already the subject of independent articles are two items consigned to two different public auction house events, both in June:
- Christie’s “Superman III Cape” (June 2008 Auction)
- Bonhams “Superman IV Flying Suit” (June 2008 Auction)
The two relevant listings on eBay thus far this month are both from the same seller, “istealthsim“, and are currently active.
A future article will focus on the Bermans & Nathans label pictured in the cape auction, as well as other labels from other costumes/costume parts.
eBay Seller: istealthsim
Auction Title: “Superman costume Chrisopher Reeve original“, “Superman costume used in 1979 Superman film”
Noted Source/Provenance: Anastasia Salkind
eBay Item #: 250254881361
End Date: 06/12/08
Auction Result: Currently Active, Starting Bid $9,364.22
Full Auction Archive: “Superman costume Chrisopher Reeve original”
Description:
This is a Superman costume that was used in the 1978 Superman movie starring Christoper Reeve. It consists of red wool cape with yellow emblem on back, blue tunic with detached red trunks, yellow belt, blue leggings and red boots. It has the original Berman’s and Nathans tags on the Tunic and on the cape. I can take pics of the tags upon request.They both have imprinted Christopher Reeve with the color code. The letter of provinence is from Anastasia Salkind, daughter of the executive producer of the superman movie franchise.The letter is signed with notary public. The auction is for the above mentioned suit not the display case. The display is made of 3/4 inch MDF and 1/2 inch plexi with allen keys as fittings. The display can be included depending on auction price. Shipping is free on above but if display case was to be included it would have to be local pickup or buyer would have to arrange shipping (its big!)
…http://www.cbc.ca/arts/media/story/2007/04/07/superman-auction.html?ref=rss
…http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/6535061.stm
Accompanying Letter:
Body of Letter:
This blue Superman movie costume is believed to be one of the original Christopher Reeve Superman hero costumes from our movie of the late 1970’s. It is a hero costume and consists of blue tunic with detached red trunks with belt loops and red and yellow S emblem on front, blue leggings, and red wool cape with yellow S emblem on reverse side.
I am releasing a few of the items in my personal collection to private collectors.
Anastasia M. Salkind
11-21-06
eBay Seller: istealthsim
Auction Title: “Superman flying cape Chrisopher Reeve original”
Noted Source/Provenance: Armando Alvarez, Ana Mungia, Super Hollywood
eBay Item #: 250254967598
End Date: 06/12/08
Auction Result: Currently Active, Starting Bid $2,858.55
Full Auction Archive: “Superman flying cape Chrisopher Reeve original”
Description:
This is a Superman flying cape that was used in the 1978 Superman movie starring Christoper Reeve. It is a red wool cape with yellow emblem on back. It has two stitched holes on the sides that were used to pass the movie set cables through to suspend him in the air. It has the original Bermans and Nathan tag on it with Christopher Reeve imprinted on it (with color code).The letter of provinence is from Ana Mungia, Creative costume design, MGM Studios.The auction is for the above mentioned cape and not the display case.The display can be included depending on auction price. The display is made of 3/4 inch oak and 1/4 inch plexi with allen keys as fittings. Shipping is free on above metioned cape but the display case if included would have to be local pickup or buyer would have to arrange shipping (its big!)
Accompanying Letter:
Body of Letter:
Super Hollywood
2071 Galahad Dr.
Deltona, Florida
June 1992
Superman The Movie Flying capeTo whom it may concern:
This unique costume piece, is from the special costumes made for the motion picture of the late 1970’s: “Superman the movie starring Mr. Christopher Reeve. This red wool cape, yellow S emblem on back, with snaps and two straps, two vertical slits on sides, is one of the flying capes. These are believed to have been used and worn by Mr. Reeve as principal of above production.
During the late 1980’s to early 1990’s I had the pleasure in assisting Salkinds production in their Adventures of Superboy television series. As a model for the Superboy costume, we were given access to the original Superman costumes of Berman’s of England. This costume was given to me as a gift.
The above is true and correct.
Ana Mungia
Creative Costume Design
Disney MGM Studios
Bermans & Nathans Wardrobe Tag:
As noted, a future article will relate to the Bermans & Nathans tags seen attached to various Superman costumes offered for sale in the marketplace.
I have added the Super Hollywood signature on the letter in the photo above to the “An[n] Mungia” signature comparison compilation:
In a future article, these will be identified by specific costume offerings via the future “Superman Costume Matrix” that will include those costumes and costume components offered for sale outside of auction house events and dealer websites (see “Superman Costume Matrix: Auction House/Dealer Website Public Offerings, Version 1.1” for the other version).
Jason De Bord
Additional Related Articles: Market Watch | Superman