History Channel

May 17, 2015 By Jason DeBord

Flash Gordon Rocketship Featured on “Pawn Stars” Listed on eBay for $100,000

As mentioned a few days ago, the latest episode of Pawn Stars features a rocketship model claimed to have been used in the Flash Gordon serials from the 1930s. What appears to be the same model is now listed for public sale on eBay for a $100,000 “Buy It Now” price, stating that it is “an original movie studio prop – NOT a copy or reproduction” and that “[t]he model for sale here is an 18” prototype model — possibly the only one remaining — and may have been used for still shots on the ground and used with charges“. [Read more…]

May 15, 2015 By Jason DeBord

Jason DeBord of Original Prop Blog Featured as Memorabilia Expert Authenticator on Latest “Pawn Stars” Episode (“Rick’s Roulette”) for Flash Gordon Prop Rocketship

I am featured in the History Channel’s popular cable reality series, Pawn Stars, in the latest episode debuting this week, “Rick’s Roulette” (Season 2015, Episode 27). I served as the Hollywood memorabilia expert and authenticator for one of the segments of this episode, taking a look at a prop model attributed to the Flash Gordon serials of the 1930s. This was filmed in December 2014 at Julien’s Auctions, when I was in town helping Colin Cantwell bring his Star Wars original artwork from 1974/1975 and other movie and television memorabilia to auction. I wanted to share some thoughts about the Flash Gordon prop rocketship model and appearing on the show in general. [Read more…]

March 4, 2013 By Jason DeBord

Pawn Stars Authentication of “Star Trek: The Original Series” TV Props (Communicator, Phaser, Tribble)

I truly found “reality” series Pawn Stars enjoyable when it first came on the air on History back in 2009, but it has become more and more character oriented over the years. But I always watch an episode if someone tells me that something is brought onto the show to sell that I might find interesting to watch. This past week was one of those times, with the episode “Beam Me Up” which features a woman bringing in a collection of Star Trek memorabilia associated with the television shows and movies featuring The Original Series cast. Obviously, the point of this show is to both entertain and educate. [Read more…]

June 7, 2011 By Jason DeBord

Pawn Stars Latest Episode Features Civil War Jacket – “TBS” Stamp – Inspector’s Mark or “The Burbank Studios”?

Friends and Original Prop Blog readers Jen and Bryce wrote to me today in regards to one of the latest episodes of Pawn Stars, which premiered last night. In the episode, “Late Night Chum”, a customer brings in what appears to be a Civil War jacket. Mark, the Administrator from the Clark County Museum, is called on to help authenticate it, and speculates that the stamped letters, “TBS”, might be an inspector’s mark. With an alternate assessment, and based on their experience with classic movie memorabilia, props, and wardrobe, and having found the same mark on studio-used garments, Jen and Bryce believe that it might actually be a mark indicating prior ownership by “The Burbank Studios”. [Read more…]

December 4, 2010 By Jason DeBord

Second Season of “American Pickers” Begins Monday, December 6th – Original Prop Blog Season One DVD Giveaway

The second season of the popular “American Pickers” starring Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz begins Monday, December 6th. The reality series, which features the pair in their search across America for “rusty gold”, was the #1 new cable series of 2010. As reported in September (see Mike Wolfe & Frank Fritz of American Pickers Coming to California, Seeking Movie and Hollywood Memorabilia), all new episodes will feature their search expanding to California. [Read more…]

September 30, 2010 By Jason DeBord

Mike Wolfe & Frank Fritz of American Pickers Coming to California, Seeking Movie and Hollywood Memorabilia

Yesterday I was contacted by the producer of American Pickers, which is currently broadcasting its second season on The History Channel. Mike and Frank will be traveling through California over the next few weeks, and they are interesting in finding people in the state with movie and Hollywood memorabilia collections, as well as the kind of vintage and historic material that they are traditionally seeking. If you yourself have any such material or have leads that may be of interest to the show, please contact me and I will get you in touch with the producer of the show.

[Read more…]