I thought the Internet Crime Complaint Center would be a potentially important resource for any original prop collector that becomes a victim of fraud. Given that significant dollar amounts are typically at risk in hobby-related transactions, and communication and/or payment usually involve the Internet, this is a valuable resource to be aware of. [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…]
The “Production Protection Program” & The United Movie Collectors Guild
One development in the hobby that comes up as a topic of conversation from time to time, and is directly related to the opinion piece article posted a few days ago (see Original Prop Marketplace Oversight) as well as recent discussions about the Return of the Jedi lightsaber currently at auction (see Elstree Props “Original” Return of the Jedi Lightsaber at Auction), is the “Production Protection Program“, or “P-3”. [Read more…]
Original Prop Marketplace Oversight
One topic that comes up with original prop collectors now and again is the notion of “marketplace oversight”. Given the nature of these collectibles, where value is intrinsically tied to provenance and authenticity, how do we, as a hobby, move away from the “Wild West” environment, and perhaps implement some sort of oversight (whether organized or informal) to help guide and share information with new and seasoned collectors and identify those individuals or entities that trade in inauthentic pieces? [Read more…]
Work in Progress: The Ultimate Original Prop COA, Part II
I had initiated a discussion topic on the Movie Prop Forum related to my previous article (see “Work in Progress: The Ultimate Original Prop COA, Part I“), which can be found here: [Read more…]
Authenticity & Burden of Proof, Part II: Inauthentic Props
This is a follow-up to an article I wrote back in May, “Authenticity & Burden of Proof“.
In the prior article, I made the argument that a discerning collector should approach a potential prop or costume or other artifact acquisition as an unknown, or inconclusive in terms of it’s being “Original” (see What is “Original”?). Authenticity must then be proven. This is a different perspective from those that believe what they are told about a piece, without question. [Read more…]
Heritage Auction Galleries & L.A. Prop & Wardrobe Company
Article Summary: A report on Rick Spector’s findings discussed on the Movie Prop Forum related to concerns of props and costumes consigned to Heritage Auction Galleries by L.A. Prop and Wardrobe being inauthentic. [Read more…]
The Dirty Little Secret of the Hobby
Article Summary: An opinion piece exploring issues surrounding the problem of inauthentic pieces that are circulated withing in the hobby. [Read more…]