I have started a series of more comprehensive profiles of the original props in my own collection, and the second piece to be showcased is a hero Walther PPK from the James Bond film “Licence To Kill” staring Timothy Dalton. [Read more…]
Superior Court Lawsuit Filing: Michael Jackson’s MJJ Productions, Inc. vs Julien’s Auction House, LLC
As widely reported in the mainstream media, Michael Jackson has filed a lawsuit against Julien’s Auctions for the return of personal property from the Neverland Ranch that was consigned to the auction house with a sale planned for April 22-April 25, 2009 in Beverly Hills. Below is a PDF of the complaint filed in California Superior Court. [Read more…]
Los Angeles Jury Finds in Favor of AMPAS Over Pickford Heirs in Oscar Case
Picking up from the report published in January (see Oscar Statuette Legal Dispute Between Heirs & The Academy), the L.A. Times today reports that a jury has decided in favor of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), prohibiting the sale of a 1930 Oscar (Academy Award) which heirs of Mary Pickford had planned to auction, with proceeds to benefit a charity, the Buddy Rogers Youth Symphony. The Academy has the first right of refusal to buy the award – valued at hundreds of thousands – for $10. [Read more…]
“Original Prop Purchase Agreement” Template
One thing many collectors do not consider are the potential (unfortunate) “what if?” possibilities we can encounter in buying and selling original props, wardrobe, and other artifacts from film and television.
In the event a problem arises, it is best that both Buyer and Seller have a common understanding of the consequences and responsibilities.
Also, there are areas in which specifics are often not addressed or clarified appropriately, such as ancillary costs and other details beyond the “purchase price” (i.e. shipping costs, shipping method, etc.).
I recently developed an “Original Prop Purchase Agreement” for one of my own purchases, so I decided to simplify it, convert it into a more basic template, and offer it here as a tool for other collectors to consider, edit, amend, and/or employ however they see fit: [Read more…]
“Star Trek: The Experience” – May Close at End of 2008
There is an interesting article by Anthony Pascale at TrekMovie.com, reporting on the state of the contract between CBS and Cedar Fair regarding the “Star Trek: The Experience” attraction at the Las Vegas Hilton:
Future of ‘Star Trek: The Experience’ In Doubt
Per the article, the current agreement ends December 31,2008, and there are “currently no plans to renew” it. A final decision is expected at the end of this month. Apparently attendance has been in decline for some time. More details are available at the above referenced article. [Read more…]
The Side Arms of James Bond, 007: From The Walther PPK to the P99
I recently acquired a very rare James Bond Walther PPK for my own collection, so I have done some research as to what handguns have been offered to the marketplace attributed to use in the films as the side arm of James Bond. I thought it might be of interest to readers to know “what is out there”. The focus of this article is primarily hero and “real” firearms (no stunts). [Read more…]
Auction House Buying Considerations, Part I: Overview
I have had very limited experiences in buying direct from auction houses, but there are terms and conditions of sale, unique to each company/event, that can differ from other buying experiences. I would highly recommend that any collector, before participating in such an auction, carefully review the terms and conditions of the sale, typically outlined in the catalog. Even with the same company, these are prone to change catalog to catalog, sale to sale. [Read more…]
Buyer Precautions & Considerations, Part I: The Mechanics of the Deal
Article Summary: Personal observations and recommendations for collectors to consider in acquiring original props, including an overview of contracts, documentation, eBay, PayPal, use of credit cards and alternate payment methods, insurance, shipping, and other considerations. [Read more…]