Elstree Props (e11e on eBay) is marketing another very expensive “original” prop auction with pieces claimed to have been “prototypes” in the production of Star Wars: A New Hope. This new eBay offering is a set of lightsabers, attributed to a January 1976 meeting. Comparing the claims made in the auction listing with J.W. Rinzler’s The Making of Star Wars raises many questions about these vintage camera flashguns being offered for sale starting at $19,938.00. [Read more…]
Over the past several years, one issue that has been discussed among hobbyists from time to time relates to questions about Stormtrooper helmets characterized as “prototypes” and attributed to the production of the first Star Wars film, A New Hope. A number of hobbyists do not believe these helmets are indeed prototypes (precursors to the helmets made for and used in A New Hope) but made following that production, which would classify them as non-Original or replicas. [Read more…]
There has been relatively sparse reporting since last week on the legal dispute over the trademark and copyright of the Stormtrooper helmet and other helmets and armor produced for Star Wars: A New Hope. This legal battle, transplanted now from the United States to the UK, is between George Lucas and his Lucasfilm production company and Andrew Ainsworth and his Shepperton Design Studios. I thought I would monitor the news and post short updates as I come across them. [Read more…]
Similar to the news story with the collector filing suit against Christie’s and CBS Paramount late last year (see “Star Trek Collector Sues Christies, CBS & Paramount Studios for $7 Million Dollars“), the story of the legal battle between George Lucas and his Lucasfilm production company and Andrew Ainsworth and his Shepperton Design Studios seems to have captured the interest of the mainstream media, only in this case, the story is much more international. This legal dispute is over the trademark and copyright of the Stormtrooper helmet and other helmets and armor produced for Star Wars: A New Hope. This story has broken very wide, in the last day especially, with well over 150 related stories showing up in Google searches yesterday into today. [Read more…]
The Guardian reports that the Lucasfilm lawsuit against Andrew Ainsworth over the Stormtrooper armor trademark and copyright dispute moves to UK courts tomorrow. [Read more…]
An item was listed on eBay this week marketed as an original Millennium Falcon model used in Star Wars. This auction, ended early (eBay Item #140184695886), was titled: [Read more…]
The Borehamwood & Elstree Times have published a news story yesterday about Elstree Props offerings at SpecialistAuctions.com, including the Luke Return of the Jedi lightsaber prop discussed in prior articles (see Elstree Props “Original” Return of the Jedi Lightsaber at Auction, Update 1, Update 2, Update 3, Update 4, Update 5) .
The initial 28-day auction at SpecialistAuctions.com ended November 12th with no bids (Expired Auction Link) and has since been relisted as a new 28-day listing (Relisted Auction Link) which currently shows as active, with 16 days remaining.
Obviously, the questions raised about the piece here, on the Movie Prop Forum (LINK), and the Replica Prop Forum (LINK) remain unanswered.
Interestingly, the article indicates that the lightsaber is no longer available for sale, though the listing is still active: [Read more…]
It appears that the Elstree Props Luke Skywalker Return of the Jedi lightsaber prop at auction on SpecialistAuctions.com ended today with no bids (Expired Auction Link) and has since been relisted as a new 28-day listing (Relisted Auction Link). [Read more…]