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…]
The Red Flags of Authenticity
Article Summary: A discussion and analysis of various seller tactics I’ve witnessed over the years, and my names for them and reactions. These are all potentially problematic marketing techniques that should not be dismissed by the discerning original prop collector. [Read more…]
The Dirty Little Secret of the Hobby
Article Summary: An opinion piece exploring issues surrounding the problem of inauthentic pieces that are circulated withing in the hobby. [Read more…]
Trend: The “Widgetization” of the Hobby
Article Summary: An analysis and discussion about trends and business approaches from Studio Resellers in selling props, wardrobe, and other film and television assets without consideration for the specialization demanded by the hobby and expectations of collectors. [Read more…]
Fraud, Misrepresentation, Puffing
Article Summary: This is an opinion piece that explores the differences and distinctions between “fraud”, “misrepresentation”, and “puffing”, and how these practices affect the hobby. [Read more…]
Trend: “I Want To Believe”
Article Summary: This opinion piece explores a phenomenon within the hobby of collectors coming from a perspective of wanting to believe a piece is authentic, rather than being discerning and skeptical to properly vet a piece to ensure its marketing matching up with material facts. [Read more…]
Original Prop Provenance & Authenticity, Part I
Article Summary: This is an opinion piece discussing the basics of provenance and authenticity of original props. Topics include the definition of provenance, types of COAs (Studio, Dealer), auction house catalogs, “screen-matching”, firearm-specific information, and other considerations and issues. [Read more…]