Movie Prop Collecting with Jason DeBord's Original Prop Blog Film & TV Prop, Costume, Hollywood Memorablia Pop Culture Resource

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kellysheroesmilitaria Original Props: Update 5 – “item no longer available for sale”

This is a follow-up to previous articles (see kellysheroesmilitaria Original Props…, Update 1, Update 2, Update 3) in which original prop auctions by “kellysheroesmilitaria” on eBay were compared with matching items available for sale from online retailers, as well as non-movie prop purchases made on eBay by “kellysheroesmilitaria” and items that appear to match being offered for sale as original props under the same eBay account.  The subject eBay listing of the Update 4 article has been canceled by the seller for the following stated reason:

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kellysheroesmilitaria Original Props: Update 4, eBay Third Party Reporting Case Study

This is a follow-up to previous articles (see kellysheroesmilitaria Original Props…, Update 1, Update 2, Update 3) in which original prop auctions by “kellysheroesmilitaria” on eBay were compared with matching items available for sale from online retailers, as well as non-movie prop purchases made on eBay by “kellysheroesmilitaria” and items that appear to match being offered for sale as original props under the same eBay account.  A reader drew my attention to a new set of auctions, which is followed by a note about eBay third party reporting in practice. [Read more…]

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More From the Los Angeles Times: “Scammers Exploit Online Trust Factor”

David Colker of the Los Angeles Times has written a follow-up story to Harriet Ryan’s piece published on the front page Wednesday (see Los Angeles Times Feature on Global Antiques, Thoughts on Los Angeles Times “Global Antiques” Feature).  The new article, “Scammers exploit online trust factor“, opens quoting the core value that eBay was founded on – “people are basically good” – and laments the “good old days”. [Read more…]

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Thoughts on Los Angeles Times “Global Antiques” Feature

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…]

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Los Angeles Times Feature on “Global Antiques”

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…]

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eBay & Third Party Reporting (Fraud, Violations of Policy)

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…]

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Tiffany & Co. Loses Lawsuit Against eBay

As touched on in a related report two weeks ago (see French Court Orders eBay to Pay $61 Million for Sale of Counterfeit Goods), TIffany & Co. initiated a lawsuit against eBay with regard to the high number of counterfeit Tiffany goods being sold on the auction website.  The U.S. District Court judge in New York  ruled yesterday that eBay Inc. fulfilled its legal obligation and took adequate precautions to block the sale of counterfeit jewelry on its site.  This marks a significant victory for eBay in battling luxury companies suing the auction giant for not effectively policing its e-commerce website for fraud. [Read more…]

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FTC Consumer Alert: How To Shop Wisely

Rick Spector of Stairway To The Stars sent me a link to an interesting article about an FTC Consumer Alert published on the Federal Trade Commission website this past April, which is worth reading and consideration.  Though this is related to collectible antiques, it touches on many of the same issues we face as collectors of original props and wardrobe. [Read more…]