I wanted to share some thoughts and reactions to this week’s feature in the Los Angeles Times about the “Global Antiques” auctions on eBay. Overall, I am very pleased to see the issue presented to a huge audience, and I think the reporter, Ms. Ryan, did an excellent job of giving voice and perspective to a wide array of principals and relevant third parties. My interest is to look at each of those contributions and responses (or lack thereof) to determine outstanding questions. [Read more…]
Tomorrow’s edition of the Los Angeles Times includes a feature by Harriet Ryan on the Global Antiques props sold on eBay by Auction Depot LA, Auction Shop USA, and Historic Souvenirs. The full story can be read online at latimes.com – “Internet citizen posses investigate some sellers” – also archived below: [Read more…]
In late June, Star Wares (starwarescollectibles on eBay, StarWares.com on the web) listed a collection of Star Trek props for sale on eBay – a chair and two LCARS panels – characterized as “original”. There were several concurrent discussions in the original prop, replica prop, and Star Trek prop collecting communities about the cited source of these pieces – Greg Stone. [Read more…]
One of the most frequent topics that original prop collectors bring up with me is with regard to fraud on eBay. This is often coupled with expressions of frustration by collectors who have found that they do not understand how to report fraud and violations of eBay policy with eBay directly, when they are not party to any transaction. Though eBay has a number of appropriate policies in place, it is challenging for eBay members to find the appropriate method by which these experts in the field can share material information directly with eBay in an effort to help them to enforce their own policies. [Read more…]
The upcoming Profiles in History “Auction 32” event is set for July 31 & August 1 at the Profiles offices in Calabassas Hills. This sale features a complete Superman costume attributed to use by Christopher Reeve in Superman: The Movie and Superman II. [Read more…]
The following Reader Comment was published by the seller of the replica Jawa sandscrawler on eBay, in response to the last update (see …History from the Model Maker), with regard to the model being offered for sale (see eBay: “Original” Star Wars Jawa Sandcrawler & Statistical Authentication?): [Read more…]
This is an update to the article published yesterday – eBay: “Original” Star Wars Jawa Sandcrawler & Statistical Authentication? – in reference to a Star Wars Jawa Sandcrawler model listed on eBay that is marketed as “FROM ORIGINAL 1976 STAR WARS and “ONLY PRE-PRODUCTION MODEL IN EXISTANCE!”. The prior article includes archives of the current auction listing as well as the auction listing from the same seller for the same item from earlier in the year. Also documented are facts, photographs, and information from key Star Wars publications to compare with this piece and in contrast to the marketing claims. [Read more…]
Over a year ago, I published an article about a Hannibal Lecter mask described by the seller as “a SCREEN USED PROP – actually Worn / Used in the Film“. This was listed on eBay for $14,000.00 and differed in a variety of ways from the mask seen on screen in the movie, Hannibal. This mask offered for sale had very specific and noticeable damage to it and included a Star Wares COA. It appears that this mask has resurfaced on eBay, now offered by Star Wares (starwarescollectibles) starting at $4,999.99. If the same piece, it appears that the mask has suffered considerable damage since the May 2007 auction. [Read more…]
