Since publishing my lengthy and comprehensive article last night (see “Questions About Superman Costumes in the Marketplace: Authenticity, Sources, Quantity“), which raises questions about the number of “original” and “authentic” Superman costumes in the marketplace, another such auction has been listed on eBay since completing the article: [Read more…]
Questions About Superman Costumes in the Marketplace: Authenticity, Sources, Quantity
Costumes from the classic Christopher Reeve Superman films have long been one of the most “inherently problematic” wardrobe pieces for original prop collectors to acquire. One, the studio that owns the property and produced and distributed the films was Warner Bros. Warner Bros. is known to be very careful of keeping control of its assets and diligent in pursuing key pieces that have entered the collector’s market improperly. Two, there are many accounts from a number of collectors who have purchased Superman costumes marketed as “Original” that they claim are replica costumes.
There is an ongoing topic at the Movie Prop Forum touching on some of these issues titled: “Superman Wardrobe and Super38 Armando“. [Read more…]
“Off The Shelf” and “Found” Props & Wardrobe
One of the most inherently problematic props, in terms of issues with authenticity, are of the “off the shelf” or “found” variety.
What are “off the shelf” props?
Props, wardrobe pieces, set pieces, and any other artifacts used in a production that are:
1) Mass produced (past or present),
2) for non-production purposes (i.e. not specifically manufactured for use in the production), and
3) are or were available for purchase from those not associated with the production. [Read more…]
Elstree Props Return of the Jedi Lightsaber Auction – Update 6
The Borehamwood & Elstree Times have published a news story yesterday about Elstree Props offerings at SpecialistAuctions.com, including the Luke Return of the Jedi lightsaber prop discussed in prior articles (see Elstree Props “Original” Return of the Jedi Lightsaber at Auction, Update 1, Update 2, Update 3, Update 4, Update 5) .
The initial 28-day auction at SpecialistAuctions.com ended November 12th with no bids (Expired Auction Link) and has since been relisted as a new 28-day listing (Relisted Auction Link) which currently shows as active, with 16 days remaining.
Obviously, the questions raised about the piece here, on the Movie Prop Forum (LINK), and the Replica Prop Forum (LINK) remain unanswered.
Interestingly, the article indicates that the lightsaber is no longer available for sale, though the listing is still active: [Read more…]
Elstree Props Return of the Jedi Lightsaber Auction – Update 5
It appears that the Elstree Props Luke Skywalker Return of the Jedi lightsaber prop at auction on SpecialistAuctions.com ended today with no bids (Expired Auction Link) and has since been relisted as a new 28-day listing (Relisted Auction Link). [Read more…]
Elstree Props Return of the Jedi Lightsaber Auction – Update 4
There is a news story, including an interview with Paul Harrison of Elstree Props, about the Luke Skywalker Return of the Jedi lightsaber at auction on SpecialistAuctions.com. This has had continuing coverage on the OPB (see Elstree Props “Original” Return of the Jedi Lightsaber at Auction, Update 1, Update 2, Update 3).
This is an interesting article, in that it provides more information from the viewpoint of Elstree Props and it illustrates the mainstream media’s lack of consideration regarding any challenge to authenticity. [Read more…]
Elstree Props Return of the Jedi Lightsaber Auction – Update 3
This is a follow-up to the other two topics (LINK, LINK, LINK) discussing the Elstree Props Luke Skywalker Return of the Jedi lightsaber offered at auction by Auction Specialists.
There has been ongoing discussions in dedicated topics on the Movie Prop Forum and Replica Prop Forum:
The Replica Prop Forum (the RPF): Elstree Props “Original” ROTJ Lightsaber
The Movie Prop Forum: ROTJ Lightsaber
The RPF is a great resource for learning the details and history of a great many props, those from Star Wars films in particular. [Read more…]
Elstree Props Return of the Jedi Lightsaber Auction – Update 2
Some additional information pertaining to this story reported last week (see “Elstree Props “Original” Return of the Jedi Lightsaber at Auction“, “Elstree Props Return of the Jedi Lightsaber Auction – Update 1“)…
Per a report on the Movie Prop Forum (see “ROTJ Lightsaber“), in addition to the Luke Skywalker Return of the Jedi lightsaber listed for sale with Specialist Auctions by Elstree Props, and the one on the Elstree Props website that appears to be a different version of the same prop (see comparison photos in Update 1 article), a hobbyist on the discussion forum claims that Elstree sold presumably a third Luke Skywalker Return of the Jedi lightsaber at a charity auction (I do not have any verification of this at this point). If this information and these observations are accurate, that would indicate Elstree Props has/had as many as three or more of these props. [Read more…]