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

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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…]

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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…]

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The Original Prop Blog 2009 Year in Review: News, Developments, and Trends in Collecting Original Movie Props and Memorabilia

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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…]

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Annual Holiday Warning About Buying Fake and Fraudulent Movie Props, Costumes, and Memorabilia as Gifts

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Since today is “Black Friday”, I thought it would be appropriate to republish an editorial that I posted last year as the holiday season approached, warning consumers against the purchase of television and movie props, costumes, and other assets as gifts for loved ones.  [Read more…]

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Christie’s Publishes “eVanity” Online Catalog for Original Movie Prop “King Kong” Stop-Motion Armature

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As has been covered in prior articles, an original King Kong stop-motion armature movie prop is being offered for sale at auction by Christie’s on November 24th.  Christie’s has now published an “eVanity” online brochure promoting this important piece with additional photos and details. [Read more…]

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Christie’s Original Prop “King Kong” Stop-Motion Armature – High Resolution Photography

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There has been significant interest in the King Kong stop-motion armature that is scheduled to be auctioned in Christie’s “Pop Culture” auction event on November 24, 2009 at South Kensignton, as reported on Monday (see Christie’s November 2009 Entertainment Memorabilia Auction to Feature Original Prop “King Kong” Stop-Motion Armature and UPDATE).  Christie’s has since provided the Original Prop Blog with additional high resolution photography. [Read more…]

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Christie’s November 2009 Entertainment Memorabilia Auction to Feature Original Prop “King Kong” Stop-Motion Armature

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The next Christie’s “Pop Culture” auction event, scheduled for November 24, 2009 at their South Kensignton location in the UK, will feature one of the original stop-motion armatures from King Kong (1933).  This piece is expected to realize a very high price at auction, as it is an extremely important artifact from a truly classic film. [Read more…]

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Harrison/Elstree Props/Norank: Raiders of the Lost Ark ‘Staff of Ra’ Headpiece Props in the Marketplace

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As a continuation of recent articles, the focus of this feature is the recent activity in the marketplace concerning the “Staff of Ra” headpiece props attributed to Raiders of the Lost Ark – all of which appear to have originated from the Harrison family (who retired from and sold the “Elstree Props” business in early 2008 and now sell unlicensed replica props as “Norank Engineering” and on eBay as “unisusu”).  With one purchased for $450 and another offered for resale for $30,000 (along with a German hat), it certainly raises a number of questions and concerns, and warrants investigation, debate, and discussion. [Read more…]