I have been traveling for the past week, so did not personally watch the latest Profiles in History sale (“Hollywood Auction 53”) live, but received a number of e-mails and texts from others in this art market commenting about the overall “lackluster” and “disappointing” results of the event, though there were a few surprises and stand out pieces (such as the Lord of the Rings Legolas bow going for $372,000 with Buyer’s Premium, Kate Winslet’s dress from Titanic selling for $330,000 with BP, and an X-Wing model from Star Wars realizing approximately $270,000 with BP). Based on a spreadsheet compiled by a friend, focusing on Lots 433-902 (the second half of the catalog, following classic Hollywood photos, etc.), about 40% of the items were not sold. [Read more…]
Profiles in History ‘Hollywood Auction 53′ TV & Movie Prop Catalog Available Online for Sale Event December 15th
Profiles in History’s Winter auction catalog, “Drama, Action, Romance: Hollywood Auction 53” is now available in print as well as online, via their official site. This sale is scheduled for December 15th at their Calabasas Hills facility. [Read more…]
Collector/Investor Files Fraud Lawsuit Against John LeBold and Americana Dance Theatre Over Elizabeth Taylor “Cleopatra” Dress and Other Hollywood Movie Costumes
Per Courthouse News Service, Richard Abrahamson (a former owner of Toon Art) has filed a lawsuit against John LeBold and Americana Dance Theatre, Inc. over the sale of a number of wardrobe pieces attributed to use in various Hollywood films. The complaint was filed in the Hamilton County Courthouse in Cincinnati, Ohio last week, and “Abrahamson seeks $90,000 for breach of contract and fraud, and punitive damages“, per the CNS report. One of the pieces purchased by Abrahamson (via Toon Art) from LeBold in 1999 was Elizabeth Taylor’s costume from Cleopatra (1963), which Abrahamson recently attempted to resell through Profiles in History. The report claims, “[u]pon publication of the [auction] catalogue [sic], the owner of the authentic ‘Cleopatra’ dress contacted Profiles in History to notify them of the fraudulent representation in their catalog“. [Read more…]
Heritage Auction Galleries “Entertainment & Music Memorabilia Signature Auction″ Catalog Online, Dallas Event March 30th
The Heritage Auction Galleries has published on their latest online catalog and listings as well as a PDF formatted catalog for their upcoming event, “Entertainment & Music Memorabilia Signature Auction – Dallas #7053”, to be held March 30th at their Dallas, Texas location. [Read more…]