By Jason DeBord
One interesting element of the Original Prop Hobby is that of “value”.
What determines the value of a prop?
How are prices determined?
What is the best place to sell original props?
For the purpose of this article, I will not go into issues of authenticity and provenance in any depth. [Read more…]
By Jason DeBord
As discussed in the prior article, Authenticity & Burden of Proof, I’ve found the notion that a piece is authentic, unless proven otherwise, to be faulty (as a buyer and collector, anyway). [Read more…]
By Jason DeBord
A reader identifying himself as MovieMania has responded to the article in regards to the “Fox letter” included with an Aliens piece at auction, as discussed in this article, Questionable “Letter from 20th Century Fox”. [Read more…]
By Jason DeBord
An eBay auction ended a few days ago for an “ORIGINAL PROP FACEHUGGER FROM ‘ALIENS’ (1986)” (eBay Item #320120640219). The subtitle of the auction listing claimed: “Displayed – with COA & letter from film studio” [Read more…]
By Jason DeBord
One interesting phenomenon I’ve picked up on in the hobby is the vast differences of perspective in regards to the burden of proof and authenticity.
One viewpoint is that a piece is as the seller claims and that the burden to prove otherwise is on potential buyers and/or critics to prove otherwise. Though the seller/owner does not share any material facts to prove the piece authentic, he or she expects compelling evidence to debunk the piece.
Of course, the converse view (held by myself) is that the seller must come to the table with material facts and evidence that support his or her claims of authenticity and use in the property (film or television product). [Read more…]
By Jason DeBord
Article Summary: The rationale for and development of an “Original Prop Purchase Checklist & Questionnaire” for discerning prop collectors to use in contemplating the purchase of a prop or costume. [Read more…]
By Jason DeBord
Article Summary: An opinion piece and analysis of the “Made for Production” trends and classifications (Made for Production, Not Used in Production; Unfinished; Finished Post Production, etc.) in the hobby. [Read more…]
By Jason DeBord
Article Summary: An opinion piece about original prop Certificates of Authenticity and dealer/retailer “guarantees”, including the Origins of the COA, The “Guarantee” (Money Back, Lifetime), The Studio Reseller COA & Guarantee, The Professional Dealer COA – Issues of Lost Provenance, Professional Dealer COA Questions, Individual & Private Seller COAs & LOAs, and the Auction House COA & Guarantee. [Read more…]