Last week, an Original Prop Blog article revisited a 2008 feature (see …Questions, Observations) which archived marketing collateral regarding a George Reeves Superman wardrobe piece with a Western Costume Company letter. The new article (see Signature Comparison…) compared the letter and signature to a similar letter attached to a Superman cape offered for public sale on eBay . I’ve since received photos of three additional Western Costume letters bearing the signature of Robert Niewoehner with the same date: December 29, 1975.
Signature Comparison: ‘Western Costume’ Letters of Authentication for George Reeves Superman TV Series Capes Dated 12/29/75
In 2008, an article was published on the Original Prop Blog with regards to certain props and costumes consigned to a Signature House auction (see Signature House Entertainment Memorabilia Auctions – Questions, Observations). Included were questions raised about the remarkable coincidence of two letters of authentication included with two different capes (attributed to use by George Reeves in the Superman television series produced in the 1950s) from two different dealers; both letters shared the same date: December 29, 1975. A third such letter – with the same date – has now been introduced into the marketplace. This third example bears a signature that appears to differ from the example featured in the 2008 article. [Read more…]
Editorial: Reaction To “What’s Hot In Hollywood Collectibles” Article By The Seattle Times
The Seattle Times published an article this week about collecting original movie props and costumes, presented as a Q&A interview with Antiques Roadshow appraiser Philip Weiss of Philip Weiss Auctions. As is typical with mainstream media coverage of the hobby, much of it is preoccupied with discussion of high prices realized at auction. However, there is also a focus on questions about authenticity and fraud (which I applaud), though some of the responses – particularly those about eBay – have prompted me to share some of my own personal opinions and reactions. [Read more…]
Superman Costumes in the Marketplace Archive: March 2010
This article continues coverage of Superman costumes and costume components offered for sale publicly in the marketplace attributed to use in the Superman films of the 70s-80s starring Christopher Reeve and characterized as “original” and “authentic”. [Read more…]
Superman Costume Collection Pulled From Upcoming ‘Morphy Auctions’ Sale Event
Earlier this month, Morphy Auctions listed a large collection of more than a dozen Superman-related principal costume and wardrobe pieces in their online catalog for their late February 2010 sale event. As was the case with an unrelated auction last year (see Philip Weiss Auctions Cancels “Special Superhero Weekend”), it would appear that all items have been pulled from their upcoming sale. [Read more…]
The Superman Cape Authentication Challenge: Consign with a Reputable Movie Prop & Costume Dealer or Auction House
The seller of a wardrobe piece featured in one of the recent and regular “Superman Costumes in the Marketplace Archive” articles (see December 2009) made a “Reader Comment” in response to the feature about his public “for sale” offering on eBay. The owner of the “Super Hollywood” sourced and authenticated Superman cape has posted an open request for authentication. Conversely, given that he purchased the item and now seeks to sell it, I would challenge him to query some of the reputable auction houses and dealers that make a regular business of selling original movie props and costumes to see which of them would take the piece on consignment. [Read more…]
The Original Prop Blog 2009 Year in Review: News, Developments, and Trends in Collecting Original Movie Props and Memorabilia
As was the case in previous years (see 2007 Year in Review, 2008 Year in Review), what follows is an editorial review of my personal views with regards to the hobby, looking back at the top trends, developments, and news stories of 2009. As always, there were a lot of interesting developments and events, and quite a bit to review and consider. [Read more…]
Superman Costumes in the Marketplace Archive: December 2009
This article continues coverage of Superman costumes and costume components offered for sale publicly in the marketplace attributed to use in the Superman films of the 70s-80s starring Christopher Reeve and characterized as “original” and “authentic”. [Read more…]