As has been noted in past features (see Market Watch | “stonark” / “*stoneark*” (Corner Collectibles / Cornner Collectibles)), eBay seller *stoneark* (recently changed from stonark) has paired Letters of Authenticity and Certificates of Authenticity from auction houses and a variety of other sources. I have been unable to verify the existence of most of these firms and individuals, which has raised a number of questions as to provenance. [Read more…]
Superman Costume Matrix: Auction House/Dealer Website Public Offerings, Version 1.5
This work product is part of the ongoing series of articles about Superman costumes in the marketplace, tracking public auction house sales of costume items attributed to use by Christopher Reeve in the Superman films of the 70s and 80s (see category Market Watch : Superman). [Read more…]
Superman Costume Matrix: eBay Listing Public Offerings, Version 1.2
This work product is part of the ongoing series of articles about Superman costumes in the marketplace, tracking public eBay listing sales of costume items attributed to use by Christopher Reeve in the Superman films of the 70s and 80s (see category Market Watch : Superman). [Read more…]
eBay’s *stoneark*: Another Name Change & Duplicate Listings With Different Attributions
As a short update to the *stoneark* (AKA stonark, AKA Corner Collectibles) articles, a reader pointed out to me today that there are two active and concurrent eBay listings depicting the same dress, but with two different attributions – to both Myrna Loy and June Harver. Additionally, eBay’s *stoneark* (formerly stonark, sans “e” and asterisks) have changed their company name from Corner Collectibles to Cornner Collectibles (now with two “n’s”). [Read more…]
eBay Deletes “Trust & Safety” Discussion Topic About *stoneark* (AKA stonark, AKA Corner Collectibles)
Today, eBay has deleted a discussion topic on their own “Trust & Safety (SafeHarbor)” discussion forum, part of their “Answer Center” where eBay users are encouraged to “[s]hare questions or experience with members”. This was a topic I initiated in September seeking assistance in verifying the sources of memorabilia marketed as authentic by eBay dealer *stoneark* (AKA stonark AKA Corner Collectibles). [Read more…]
eBay’s stonark AKA *stoneark* AKA Corner Collectibles, Version 2.1
The following is an updated version of compilation articles about eBay seller *stoneark* (aka stonark, aka Corner Collectibles) previously published on August 12, 2008 (Original Article) & September 18, 2008 (“2.0” Article). This “2.1” version is a compilation of the last “2.0” version along with material from related articles published subsequently.
A Case Against Buying “Original” TV & Movie Props, Costumes, and Memorabilia as Gifts
This will probably be the shortest editorial I’ve written, as it is an easy argument to make. My view is – and this is something I’ve personally stressed to friends and family for years – buying an “original” movie or television prop or costume as a gift is a well-intended but very bad idea. [Read more…]
Dual Forbes Magazine Articles on Michael Shaw, Joseph Maddalena, The Wizard of Oz
There are two new features today on Forbes.com related to the original prop collecting hobby. One, “Behind the Scenes with an Obsessive Collector”, outlines Joseph Maddalena’s origins of acquiring an interest in collecting movie memorabilia, and his own lifelong pursuit for the broomstick from The Wizard of Oz. The other, “Inside the Search for Dorothy’s Slippers”, shares the story of the ruby slippers stolen from Michael Shaw in 2005. [Read more…]