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

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Jack Warford, Star Wars Starship Model Photographer for Merchandising/Promotion in 1977 & Rare Filming and Prototype Images

This article is by its nature self-promotion for Julien’s Auctions (where I serve as COO), but I believe it is consistent with my past articles sharing news and insights about Star Wars with followers, so I’m making an exception in this case, as I am in a unique position to share new information about Star Wars.  I wanted to put a spotlight not so much on our lots in an upcoming auction, but on Jack Warford and his story behind some of the iconic photography of original model starships from the original Star Wars in 1977.  All of this background was completely unknown to me prior to working on bringing some prints and original photos to auction this year. [Read more…]

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YouTube Auction Preview – Julien’s Auctions “Icons & Idols” Rock ‘N’ Roll, Hollywood and More in November

This is part of my new, ongoing series of YouTube video previews of upcoming auctions that take a look at events that feature original props, costumes and other production material from film and television.  This first look is for a series of events by Julien’s Auctions throughout the month of November: “Icons & Idols: Rock “N” Roll” on November 9th & 10th (including “The Personal Property of Bernie Taupin” and “Property from Philanthropist Milton Verret”), “Street And Contemporary Art Auction” on November 14th, and “Icons And Idols: Hollywood And More” (including “Marilyn Monroe’s 1956 Thunderbird”, “Property From The Collection of Bob Mackie”, and “Property From The Estate of Sharon Tate”). [Read more…]

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Han Solo Blaster from “Return of the Jedi” Sold By Julien’s Auctions for $550,000 to Ripley’s Believe It Or Not

As mentioned back in April, I had assisted Julien’s Auctions in cataloging “The James L. Schoppe Star Wars: Return of the Jedi Production Archive” that was featured in their “Hollywood Legends” auction this past weekend at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.  The highlight of the collection was an original Han Solo blaster movie prop from Return of the Jedi; James Schoppe served as the Art Director on the film, and was gifted several original props at the conclusion of the film production.  The collection was sold in live auction on Saturday, June 23rd, and the Han Solo blaster sold for $550,000 including Buyer’s Premium, and the winning bidder was Ripley’s Believe it or Not.  I was actually present for the auction, as well as shot video of some of the lots, so I thought I would share a few thoughts as well as the video of the Han Solo blaster selling [Read more…]

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Hollywood Reporter Feature: “A Marvel Heist and the Booming Business (and Seedy Underworld) of Movie Collectibles”

Writer Gary Baum has written an interesting primer on the art market for original production material from film and television for Hollywood Reporter, which was published today.  It takes a look at the market from several viewpoints – the increasing market and values, theft and fraud, some of the motivations behind collecting – and he interviewed principals in the industry such as Max Anderson of the Stan Lee Museum, Steve Sansweet of Rancho Obi-Wan, Darren Julien of Julien’s Auctions, James Comisar of the Comisar Collection, Joe Maddalena of Profiles in History, collector David Mandel, Jeff Pirtle of NBCUniversal, Brandon Alinger of Prop Store, Catherin Williamson of Bonhams, Laura Woolley of The Collector’s Lab, Jacob McMurray of Seattle’s Museum of Pop Culture, Margaret Barrett of Heritage Auctions as well as law enforcement, and it also gives some history of the hobby (and business) of buying and selling high end memorabilia. [Read more…]

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Julien’s Auctions’ Jerry Lewis and “Hollywood Legends” Auctions June 22nd & June 23rd

Julien’s Auctions is holding a two-day auction at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino next month, following an exhibition of the same. Their “Property from the Estate of Jerry Lewis” will be held on June 22nd and their “Hollywood Legends” auction will be held on June 23rd.  Highlights include the James Shoppe collection, which features props and production material from the Art Director on Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi. [Read more…]

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Exclusive Details & Photos: Original Han Solo Blaster Movie Prop from Return of the Jedi to be Sold by Julien’s Auctions in June

Today, Julien’s Auctions has announced that an original Han Solo blaster movie prop used in Return of the Jedi will be in their upcoming Hollywood Legends auction at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas on June 23rd.   The prop is one of the most exciting pieces to come to market from the original Star Wars trilogy in years, and it is a highlight of “The James L. Schoppe Star Wars: Return of the Jedi Production Archive”, with the entire collection coming directly from the Academy Award nominated Art Director who worked on the film.  The Original Prop Blog is pleased to present exclusive photos of the prop as well as some additional background about the collection from my having worked with Julien’s Auctions and Mr. Schoppe in preparing the collection for public exhibition and auction. [Read more…]

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Nice Denver Post Piece on Colin Cantwell, “He Kept His Star Wars Legacy a Secret… for Decades”

The Denver Post published a nice piece by John Wenzel about Colin Cantwell last week, going over his contributions to Star Wars: A New Hope and other accomplishments.  You can check it out on their official website: “He kept his Star Wars legacy a secret in Boulder for decades. At 85, the sci-fi pioneer is ready to step out.“ [Read more…]

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Video Preview of Julien’s Auctions “Icons & Idols: Hollywood” and “Joseff of Hollywood: Treasures from the Vault” on 11/17 & 11/18

I was in L.A. for a project this week and I had a few minutes to stop by Julien’s Auctions to take a look at their exhibit supporting their three auctions on Friday and Saturday (November 17th and 18th).  I shot a quick handheld video with Martin Nolan, who provided an overview and look at some of the highlights among these auctions.  [Read more…]