A portion of the online catalog for the Premiere Props “Hollywood VIP Auction III”, scheduled for January, is now listed via online bidding partners iCollector and LiveAuctioneers. The auction boasts “over 500 famous movie costumes and props from your favorite films”, though as of this writing, 333 items are listed. As with past auctions, the sale includea a substantial number of replica props, and general memorabilia, as well as used toys that are more garage sale fare, which is puzzling, since it is a “Hollywood VIP Auction”. [Read more…]
Profiles in History Files Fraud Lawsuit Against Non-Paying Auction Bidder on “Ten Commandments” Movie Prop Tablets
Auction house Profiles in History filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court last week against one of its customers, Albert Tapper, claiming that the buyer won two items in their “Hollywood Auction 53” sale event last month, but only agreed to pay for one (“Lot 197 | Clark Gable early signed, handwritten letter to his dad”) that sold for $8,000 plus buyer’s premium, and not the more expensive lot (“Lot 422 | Charlton Heston “Moses” prop Ten Commandments tablets from The Ten Commandments”) which realized $60,000 plus buyer’s premium. [Read more…]
Original TV and Movie Prop & Costume, Hollywood Entertainment, & Pop Culture Memorabilia Live Auction Events Calendar
Below is the latest updated list of upcoming original movie and television prop, wardrobe, and memorabilia auction events. Please contact me if you are aware of any coming events of interest to collectors. Please also note that I update changes/additions to the calendar until the next update, in order to maintain as up to date as possible. [Read more…]
Update on James Comisar’s “Museum of Television” Project In Phoenix, AZ – On ‘Good Morning Arizona’ Show
As reported a few months ago (see “James Comisar’s “Museum of Television”: The Three Year, $35 Million, 50,000 sq ft Project Finds A Home In Phoenix, AZ”), James Comisar’s dream of creating a public museum to house his unparalleled collection of original television artifacts is becoming a reality, with a project in the works to showcase this material in downtown Phoenix. Mr. Comisar was featured in a lengthy and substantive interview on “Good Morning Arizona” in the past week to talk about his project and collection, and also noted that a preview center is planned next year to promote the museum, which is scheduled to be completed sometime in 2016. [Read more…]
Profiles in History ‘Hollywood Auction 53’ Results in Passed Lots, A Few Surprises; “Jackpot” Reserves/Estimates Finally Out of Control?
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…]
Original TV and Movie Prop & Costume, Hollywood Entertainment, & Pop Culture Memorabilia Live Auction Events Calendar
Below is the latest updated list of upcoming original movie and television prop, wardrobe, and memorabilia auction events. Please contact me if you are aware of any coming events of interest to collectors. Please also note that I update changes/additions to the calendar until the next update, in order to maintain as up to date as possible. [Read more…]
Opinion/Editorial: Free Advice for Premiere Props – Seven Tips To Improve Live Auction Business
Premiere Props has been around since 2001… about a year longer than I have been collecting. So they’ve been a fixture in the hobby for my collecting “lifetime”. In fact, one of the first original props I ever purchased I bought from Premiere Props on eBay (one of The Shoveler’s shovels from Mystery Men). While they have demonstrated longevity, I’m actually kind of surprised at how little they have evolved over the years. Today I find myself inspired to offer some third party tips, in the form of free advice, that would make a positive impact on their business and standing in this art market. My intention is not to be snarky, but underline some issues that have been painfully obvious over the years (to me anyway). Seven simple changes could vastly improve the company (it was originally going to be three, but as I started writing this, it grew; still, it is not intended to be comprehensive). The following is my list, based on my personal observations and opinions. [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…]