One topic that comes up with original prop collectors now and again is the notion of “marketplace oversight”. Given the nature of these collectibles, where value is intrinsically tied to provenance and authenticity, how do we, as a hobby, move away from the “Wild West” environment, and perhaps implement some sort of oversight (whether organized or informal) to help guide and share information with new and seasoned collectors and identify those individuals or entities that trade in inauthentic pieces? [Read more…]
Anonymity, Transparency, & The “Real World”
There are several very interesting and very active topics running on the Movie Prop Forum, which have engaged hobbyists on a variety of important issues related to the hobby of collecting original props. [Read more…]
The “Other” Dealer Issue: Communication & Good Will
Most of my opinion pieces on the blog involve issues of provenance and authenticity. That really goes to the heart of the hobby, and makes up much of the minefield that original prop collectors navigate as they transact in the marketplace.
The “Other” issue, which gets less attention here and on the discussion forums, is one just as prevalent and much easier to resolve: Business Practices & Customer Service [Read more…]
Work in Progress: The Ultimate Original Prop COA, Part II
I had initiated a discussion topic on the Movie Prop Forum related to my previous article (see “Work in Progress: The Ultimate Original Prop COA, Part I“), which can be found here: [Read more…]
Work in Progress: The Ultimate Original Prop COA, Part I
I thought it would be productive to initiate a hobby-wide discussion of what the “Ultimate COA” would call for, look like, detail, include, and provide to the owner of an original prop, costume, or other artifact from a production.
As discussed in many other articles on the OPB, I generally have a fairly unfavorable opinion of most COAs, in that they typically do not address the foundational components of authenticity: origin, history of ownership, use in the production, etc.
So what information would be included in the “Ultimate” COA? [Read more…]
Authenticity & Burden of Proof, Part II: Inauthentic Props
This is a follow-up to an article I wrote back in May, “Authenticity & Burden of Proof“.
In the prior article, I made the argument that a discerning collector should approach a potential prop or costume or other artifact acquisition as an unknown, or inconclusive in terms of it’s being “Original” (see What is “Original”?). Authenticity must then be proven. This is a different perspective from those that believe what they are told about a piece, without question. [Read more…]
eBay’s “Entertainment Memorabilia Buying Guide” & Original Prop Authentication
One interesting section of content on the eBay website is what they call the “Entertainment Memorabilia Buying Guide“.
Of the sections, of particular interest to original prop hobbyists is titled “Research Entertainment Memorabilia“: [Read more…]
Auction House Buying Considerations, Part III: Bonhams
This is the third in a series of articles looking at auction house policies, terms, and conditions of sale. [Read more…]