This article continues coverage of Superman costumes and costume components offered for sale publicly in the marketplace attributed to use in the Superman films of the 70s-80s starring Christopher Reeve and characterized as “original” and “authentic”.
One of the costumes listed in the last update (see Superman Costumes in the Marketplace: October 2008) was listed for sale on eBay by “kronickentertainment” and subsequently sold for $4,400, as noted in the Reader Comment update to that article. It has since been relisted, and failed to sell when the eBay auction listing ended yesterday:
eBay Seller: kronickentertainment
Auction Title: “SUPERMAN C. REEVE SCREEN WORN COSTUME–COA—NO RESERVE“; “BERMAN & NATHANS LABELS-AMAZING PROVENANCE-100% GENUINE”
Noted Source/Provenance: Scott Leva, Stuntman
eBay Item #: 200271954750
End Date: 11/10/08
Auction Result: Ended, Starting Bid $4,400.00, Buy It Now $4,500.00, No Bids
Full Auction Archive: “SUPERMAN C. REEVE SCREEN WORN COSTUME–COA—NO RESERVE”
Description:
We are proud to present…RELISTED DUE TO NON PAYING BIDDER!!!!!!!!!! PLEASE NOTE—–WE HAVE LOWERED THE STARTING AND BUY IT NOW PRICES FOR A QUICK SALE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
AN AMAZING AND HISTORIC PIECE OF MOTION PICTURE HISTORY!!!!! THIS IS A FULLY DOCUMENTED AND AUTHENTICATED CHRISTOPHER REEVE WALKING SUPERMAN COSTUME FEATURED IN BOTH THE FIRST AND SECOND FILMS (SHOT AT THE SAME TIME) THE COSTUME CONSISTS OF WALKING CAPE & FULL BODYSUIT–THERE ARE NO BOOTS,BELT, TIGHTS—THE OUTFIT WAS USED FOR CLOSE-UP AND WALKING SCENES MAKING IT THE THE RAREST AND MOST IN DEMAND OF ALL REEVE SUPERMAN COSTUMES. THE GARMENTS HAVE FANTASTIC HISTORY AND AUTHENTICITY FROM MR SCOTT LEVA-AN AWARD WINNING STUNTMAN AND ONE OF THE MOST RESPECTED STUNT DOUBLES IN ALL OF MOTION PICTURE–HIS FULL RESUME AND SIGNED LETTER OF AUTHENTICITY IS INCLUDED–MR LEVA WORKED AS A STUNT DOUBLE ON THE FILM AND HAS AUTHENTICATED THIS EXACT OUTFIT AS ONE WORN BY REEVE DURING FILMING. THESE GARMENTS FEATURE THE ALL IMPORTANT BERMAN AND NATHANS COSTUMERS TAGGING (WHICH SELDOM IF EVER IS FOUND ON THE MANY FAKES OUT THERE!!) FOR THOSE OF YOU NOT FAMILIAR–BERMANS AND NATHANS ARE THE BRITISH COSTUME COMPANY THAT MADE MOST OF REEVES OUTFITS FOR THE FIRST 2 FILMS–THIS RARE COSTUME IS BEING OFFERED WELL BELOW CURRENT AUCTION HOUSE APPRAISAL. GUARANTEED GENUINE AND AUTHENTIC FOR LIFE WITH A MONEY BACK GUARANTEE!!!!!!!! OFFERED AT NO RESERVE!!!!!!!!!!!
Marketing Photos & Notes:
Another relist this month is from “super38” (Super Hollywood). This has been relisted several times, and covered in more detail in a prior article (see Superman Costumes in the Marketplace: August 2008, Part 3):
eBay Seller: super38
Auction Title: “Superman Reeve emblem with flying fabric attached”
Noted Source/Provenance: Super Hollywood, Armando Alvarez
eBay Item #: 26031358002
End Date: 11/16/08
Auction Result: Currently Active, Starting Bid $299.00, No Bids
Full Auction Archive: “Superman Reeve emblem with flying fabric attached”
Description:
Superman emblem front with COA. Still has a bit of the original flying fabric around Red and Yellow shield. Please ask any and all questions. Great display piece.
Primary Photo:
Analysis:
The following costume is new to the market, listed for sale on eBay by “slabus85“:
eBay Seller: slabus85
Auction Title: “Christopher Reeve “SUPERMAN THE MOVIE” Costume Tunic 78″; “With REAL “Berman and Nathans” label”
Noted Source/Provenance: “a make-up artist in Nashville, TN”
eBay Item #: 290273418051
End Date: 11/11/08
Auction Result: Currently Active, 9 Bids, Current Bid $1,125.00, Reserve Not Met
Full Auction Archive: “Christopher Reeve “SUPERMAN THE MOVIE” Costume Tunic 78″
Description:
This is guaranteed by this seller to be a geniune Christopher Reeve “Superman the Movie” Tunic circa 1978!
Superman Tunic is “teal Blue” Long Sleeve poly blend with Red and Yellow “S” emblem sewn into the Tunic. Four black snaps are sewn two on each shoulder of the tunic and a full length zipper on the back. The tunic is similar to a one piece bathing suit which the legs also fit through to keep the tunic from riding up and showing wrinkles.
There are a couple of things that really sets this tunic apart from some of the garbage that you may have seen on ebay in the distant and recent past and all points inbetween.
First off: How many “REAL” full tunics have you seen without the trunks attached? This dates the tunic to the first movie as this was the only time when they first made the trunks as a seperate piece from the tunic during early production scenes in the movie. Only a couple of these versions were even made. Perhaps Yvonne Blake who was in charge of the costume design for “Superman the Movie” and of course “Superman II” (which was filmed simultaneously) could shed some light on why the variation between the tunics w/trunks attached and those which were made seperate.
The other thing that this tunic reveals is that after so many arguments over the years back and forth between fans, experts and even cast and crew members is that Christopher Reeve did in fact wear padding “muscles” during shooting of the first part of “Superman The Movie”. The tunic “Berman and Nathans” label reads in type, “Christopher Reeve 12312 with Muscles Superman”. This settles the argument for those of you who are interested. There is also a second plain white label attached to the top of the tunic but it is either too faded to read or never had anything typed or written on it in the first place as it appears “blank”.
And finally, this tunic was part of the original lot that was auctioned off at “Profiles in History” Auction #27 (April 5, 2007) and sold for a record $115,000.00 After Hammer(see excerpt below). Note too that the excerpt below also explains where the complete costume came from. The tunic came from the same source and was of course left completely out of the “Profiles in History” auction by the owner(our client) as the Superman Costume was already complete with a tunic and the owner decided just to keep the tunic out of the auction all together and eventually sell it later. Well, later is HERE and that time is NOW! And we feel honored to make available to the winning bidder this true definitive piece of film history and Superman lore. A letter of provenance will also accompany the tunic.
* Do your homework on this!
* Ask an expert of your choice that you trust!
* Know that this is the real thing before you bid!
* Money back guarantee that this is 100% geniune and screen worn in “Superman the Movie” and “Superman II” 1978 by the late, great Christopher Reeve!
* Installment payments considered! Inquire!
GOOD LUCK AND HAPPY BIDDING!
******
Profiles in History Auction# 27 (April 5, 2007) excerpt and lot description below:
537. Christopher Reeve Complete Hero Superman Costume from Superman: The Movie
This costume consists of a long-sleeve leotard of blue and red stretch jersey, with chest emblazoned with the trademark Superman “S” and an interior Bermans & Nathans label typed “Christopher Reeves [sic] 12186 Superman”; a pair of matching blue stretch nylon tights with interior Bermans & Nathans label typed “Christopher Reeve Colour A 18629″; a yellow-painted leather belt; a long flowing cape of scarlet wool with padded shoulders and interior bias label handwritten “C. Reeve Colour B Walking”, the back having a yellow Superman “S” logo with black stitched borders; and a pair of knee-length red leather boots with zipper closures, each boot with Bermans & Nathans labels typed “Christopher Reeves [sic] 12188″ and handwritten “Waterproof”. Red masking/electrical tape is applied to the soles of the boots, most likely to prevent excessive wear during the production.
The belt exhibits some cracking to the leather on the inside (non-visible) surface only, and the cape has some minor moth holes at the lower edge; otherwise, the entire costume is in pristine condition.
This costume was originally acquired by a sub-contractor who worked as a set decorator and a special effects flying/rigging technician on the first two Superman films at Pinewood studios in London. Its ownership was later transferred to a make-up artist in Nashville, TN, whose letter of provenance will accompany this fantastic costume.
Studio labeled throughout, this complete hero costume is, without question, the finest original Christopher Reeve Superman costume we have ever encountered. Easily one of the most recognizable costumes in Hollywood history, it is the most important complete costume from this landmark film ever brought to public auction.
$50,000 – $70,000 Note: You can go to the “Profilesinhistory.com” website and look up the Reeve/Superman costume from Auction #27 in their “auction archives”. Selling price after hammer: $115,000.00
Winning bidder will pay for actual overnight shipping charge only.
Marketing Photos:
Notes:
As much as I can ascertain from the photos provided, this costume piece appears to compare favorably with the tunic that was part of the “Deal or No Deal” costume, in type and color of fabric and tailoring/design (see Superman Costumes in the Marketplace Retrospective: “Deal or No Deal” (1qq) Costume):
This observation is limited by the resolution of the photos, as well as assortment of angles, close-ups, and details depicted. This does not of course address source, provenance, chain of ownership, and other material information.
I did contact the seller, Adam Siebert (via eBay’s “Ask Seller A Question” feature), directed him to the Superman-related content of this website, and inquired as to the name of the source of the piece, which I offered to keep confidential, apart from checking with Profiles in History directly. The seller did provide the first name only of the client who he claims to represent.
I spoke with a principal at Profiles in History, who stated that the first name that the eBay seller gave me is the first name of the sibling of the person who consigned the Superman costume to the “Hollywood Auction 27” referenced in the eBay listing marketing remarks. The Profiles in History representative stated that he was not previously aware of the existence of the costume listed in this eBay auction, so could therefore not speak to the authenticity of the piece.
I did ask the seller for higher resolution copies of the photos, and to confirm that the person who responded to my inquiry – Adam Siebert – is also selling under the eBay username of “poparazziposters” (in addition to the “slabus85” under which the Superman costume is currently listed).
Upon asking that question three days ago, I have received no further response and have yet to receive any higher resolution or higher quality photos of the costume offered for sale.
The name in the “From” field in the e-mail exchanges with “slabus85” is Adam Siebert.
I purchased a “Superman Christopher Reeve Photo” from “poparazziposters” last month, and while the registered user of the account per eBay records is William Siebert, my PayPal records list the recipient of my payment as Adam Siebert and the e-mail address is “slabus82@xxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx“.
Auction Archive: Superman Christopher Reeve NEW Photo #5
I note this here due to some unusual bidding/feedback activity I observed with regards to the auctions as well as the poor quality and misrepresentation of the item that I purchased.
When I bid on the “photo”, the seller account was newly created with no previous completed transactions and no eBay member feedback.
One of the other photos won by another eBay member – “extremetoys-2008” – ended the same day as the auction I won (“extremetoys-2008” was also an underbidder on the auction that I won).
“extremetoys-2008” posted the first eBay member feedback for “poparazziposters” – less than one hour after the auction ended:
Superman Christopher Reeve NEW Photo #12
eBay Item # 320204488834
eBay Auction Full Archive: LINK
End of auction time stamp: Sep-30-08 17:09 PDT
eBay feedback time stamp: Sep-30-08 18:05 PDT
Note “extremetoys-2008” states, less than one hour after the end of the auction:
“Great item , Fast Shipping AAA++++ would buy from again!”
In reviewing feedback left by “extremetoys-2008” for other transactions, none are the same comment as that left for “poparazziposters” (i.e. it is not a template or repeated “canned” remark). It appears to have been custom tailored for “poparazziposters”, as seen in this “Feedback left for others” archive:
I found no other use of that phrase in a review of the other 64 feedback remarks left by “extremetoys-2008”.
Following 12 negative feedback remarks from other eBay members between 09/21/08 and 10/06/08, eBay changed the status of the “extremetoys-2008” account to “Not a registered user”/”No longer a registered user” (or “NARU” – see Suspended Accounts on eBay):
“extremetoys-2008” All Feedback Archive:
Also of note is that “extremetoys-2008” on the “Extreme Toys” website offers for sale many of the same items offered for sale on eBay by both “poparazziposters” and “slabus85”. Example below:
I have confirmed with multiple eBay members that transacted with “extremetoys-2008” that the seller is Tim Gardner. Tim Gardner also sells from the website, PlanetSuperHero.com (redirects to http://www.freewebstore.org/SuperPowersArt/storepage22021.aspx), which is branded as “Extreme Toys”
Homepage Archive: LINK
From the “About Extreme Toys” page:
The reason for this site :
I have been collecting Superman and all DC Superheroes for as long as I can remember. I have decided to open a site to give people in the collector world the chance to get the exciting items I have in my collection.
My Company has provided many auction houses with merchandise and rare collectibles. We are a major supporter of the Metropolis IL Superman Museum as well as the Christopher Reeve Fondation.
If you ever have anything you would like to buy sell or trade let us know so we can help you!
“About Us” Page Archive: LINK
The “Contact” page at PlanetSuperHero.com lists the San Marcos, Texas address for Tim Gardner, confirming “extremetoys-2008” on eBay and “Extreme Toys”-branded PlanetSuperHero.com are both operated by Tim Gardner.
“Contact” Page Archive: LINK
Tim Gardner’s “Extreme Toys” website “About Us” page states “[w]e are a major supporter of the Metropolis IL Superman Museum“.
The eBay listed location of “poparazziposters” is Paducah, KY – 12 miles from Metropolis, IL and Jim Hambrick’s Supermuseum (“Super Museum”).
The eBay listed location of “slabus85” is Cedar Hill, MO – 200 miles from Paducah, KY.
In my experience, Adam Siebert was the contact/respondent for both “poparazziposters” and “slabus85”,
With regards to the “photo” I won at auction, it was not a photo and not of the quality described. It was a low resolution, non-commercial print produced on non-photo, card stock-like paper. This is absolutely contrary to the manner in which it was marketed for sale on eBay:
What a great Superman photo for your collection! In fact, you’ve never seen them look this good before!
Absolutely SUPERB!
Best we’ve seen in 25 years!
This NEW AND IMPROVED larger 8 1/2 X11 photo is part of a photo lot that have not been circulated at all. They are all custom photographs with no grain.
The scans you see simply do not do these photos justice. The Superman images just pop right out at you! Very clear, very bright…No Grain, No Pain!
This is noted here in that the actual provenance of the Superman costume offered for sale is not fully disclosed, nor can the advertised connection with Profiles in History be confirmed. As such, eBay activity with related accounts and other associations may be informative to collectors in learning more about the seller or sellers offering the piece for public sale in efforts to determine the history and authenticity of the item
Below is an archive of photos a collector saved from an October 2004 eBay auction that he claims was offered for sale by Tim Gardner (with higher resolution versions of the photos he obtained from Tim Gardner directly via e-mail at the time):
Text from Illustration Above:
RARE! Christopher Reeve SUPERMAN Movie Costume Screen Worn with Boots, Belt and Cape Up for Auction is a Complete Screen Worn Superman Costume. This costume is an Original Christopher Reeve Superman Movie Costume…..This RARE Piece of History was Originally Purchased through the SuperMuseum in Metropolis, ILL in June of 1999. As you can see in the Pictures the Costume Consist of the Original Tunic and leggings worn by Christopher Reeve in the Famous Superman Films for all the Outdoor shots. The blue is the lightest shade and truest color of “Superman Blue” Also Included is the Original Red Soft Leather Superman Boots worn by Christopher Reeve size 12 (The Belt and Boots are the Hardest items too find when collecting Wardrobe pieces from this era) Superman Yellow Belt 34″ in length with Original Belt Buckle. Crimson Red Cape 60″ in length, Cape has a Yellow Poly ‘S’ emblem with Black outline embroidered.
OWN A PIECE OF AMERICAN HISTORY AND AMERICANA POP CULTURE ! This is a 1 time Auction if this Item does not sell it will be placed back on display in a private collection. The Certificates included in this Auction are from Jim Hambrick the Owner of the SuperMuseum and are Authentic and Original for thie Costume. This Costume was on Display in the Super Museum for 7 years
Our Reserve and Buy it Now are lower than the Original Investment. Be sure not too miss out on this Deal… These Wardrobe props are very hard to come by in any condition.
The last Complete Christopher Reeve Costume sold for $56,900 at Christies Auction House. A Portion of the Proceeds of this sale will go to benefit the Christopher Reeve Foundation. Please read the Certificates for all the fine details. COA/Letter will come with the Costume signed and written by Jim Hambrick, owner and curator of the SuperMuseum in Metropolois Illinois, “Home of Superman” and World’s leading Authority on the subject of Superman and all related items including Costumes, wardrobe and movie props. In the Superman business for over 35 years. Requirements for this Auction: 20% of the final bid must be next day in cashier check form within a 48 hrs time period. Payment must be recieved no later than 10 days after the Auctions end of the winner forfeits the 20% retainer fee. There is no Buyer Premium.
If anyone has any further details about this costume, please contact me.
Jason De Bord
Additional Related Articles: Market Watch | Superman