Beginning March 12th, The Prop Store of London will be offering original props and costumes from HBO’s miniseries, The Pacific.  The first of the 10-part series, produced by Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, and Gary Goetzman, airs on Sunday.  The series is co-executive produced by Bruce McKenna, one of the writers on Band of Brothers, also produced by HBO with Spielberg and Hanks, though this series features the U.S. Marine Corps in the Pacific Theater, while Band of Brothers featured the European Theater.Prop Store will be selling the majority of original assets from the series, including key wardrobe from the primary characters.

Below is an exclusive sneak peak of some of the offerings that will be made available for sale beginning on Friday.

Corporal Eugene Sledge

This is a costume worn by Corporal Eugene Sledge (Joseph Mazzello) in the 2010 TV mini-series The Pacific. The costume consists of a green jacket (size S, tagged Ep 6.) with USMC printed on the pocket, undershirt, green trousers with belt (size 30, tagged Ep. 6 Sc. 601-618pt1), boots (size 10), gaiters and webbing which includes a canteen and ammo pouches. The costume also comes with a camouflage helmet and a generic backpack containing a rubber e-tool and Sledge’s original poncho. This costume was used in Episode 6 “Peleliu Airfield.” The costume is production distressed.

* Please note that the backpack in this lot, while original to the show, cannot be guaranteed to have been used by this particular character. The backpacks were mixed and matched during production.

Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone

This is a costume worn by Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone (Jon Seda) in the 2010 TV mini-series The Pacific. The costume consists of a tan jacket (size 38, tagged Sc. 855), green jacket (size 38, Sc. 855) with USMC printed on the pocket, undershirt, green trousers with belt (size 30, tagged Sc. 855), boxer shorts, generic boots (size 12), gaiters and Basilone’s true webbing which includes a canteen and ammo pouches. The costume also comes with a camouflage helmet and a backpack containing a rubber e-tool and camouflage half shelter. This costume was used in Episode 8 “Iwo Jima.” The costume is production distressed.

*Please note that the boots in this lot, while original to the show, cannot be guaranteed to have been used by this particular character.

PFC Robert Leckie

This is a costume worn by PFC Robert Leckie (James Badge Dale) in the 2010 TV mini-series The Pacific. The costume consists of a green jacket (size M, Ep. 4 stage B Dirty) with USMC printed on the pocket, undershirt (Ep.4 C sc. 438), green trousers with belt (size 30, Ep. 4 stage B Dirty), boxer shorts, gaiters, boots (size 10), and Garand webbing which includes a canteen and ammo pouches. The costume also comes with a camouflage helmet, and a generic backpack containing a rubber e-tool and green half shelter. This costume was used in Episode 4 “Gloucester/Pavuvu/Banika.” The costume is production distressed.

* Please note that the backpack in this lot, while original to the show, cannot be guaranteed to have been used by this particular character. The backpacks were mixed and matched during production.

Carbine Rifle

A stunt M1 Carbine rifle used in the 2010 TV mini-series The Pacific. These non-working versions of the Carbine rifle were used by the actors for safety on set. The prop is made of hard rubber which has been moulded to resemble the real rifle. The “wooden” sections have been painted a dark brown colour and all other sections have been made to look like metal, including the magazine. The item has been heavily distressed and has a green khaki canvas strap. The rifle measures 90cm (35.5”) long.

Jason DeBord

Premiere Props is hosting their “Live Movie Prop Extravaganza Auction” this weekend on March 13th, in Los Angeles. Auction service provider iCollector has published the catalog online, promoting as featuring over 500 original props and costumes from a variety of films.

Based on the material currently listed, it appears to generally be an unremarkable selection of material from recent releases, such as Book of Eli, Resident Evil Afterlife, The Blind Side, Remember Me, Bruno, and others.

Full details about the event can be found at PremiereProps.com:

The catalog and online bidding capability is at iCollector.com:

Jason DeBord

This is an update to the ongoing research into concerns about the authenticity of slates and clapperboards circulating in the marketplace. Previous articles examined clapperboards from Quantum of Solace and Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines as case studies. Today’s feature includes a message from 365Films/Clapperboard.net.

Below is a Reader Comment published today by Richard of 365Films, in response to the original article in this series:

For the benefit of doubt I thought I would make our position clear.

We are 365Films a commercial company(Part of the 365Group) and owners of clapperboard.net

And we produce a range of clapperboards to suit all tastes from a £15 budget board to £1500 digital boards. And everything else in between.

We also offer a bespoke service in which anyone can ask us to engrave or print ANYTHING on any type of board. And we charge £150 per board for this service.

In reading the above post in might appear to some readers that we would produce copies of original boards but to be clear to date we have not been asked to make any boards other than by the major film and tv studios. We have supplied many film houses with many types of board (including engraved ones similar to the ones above) but we have not supplied individuals or people outside of the movie industry with single boards.

Most companies pay on recognisable invoices and we do know whos who so we do not just produce boards for anyone. However if we were asked to do so (and we havent) then we would question the motif of the requester.

What we do very well is to produce excellent quality clapperboards with bespoke and custom printing for movie houses, tv, film and we have an excellent standing in this role.

Where things seem to get a bit murky is the aftersales of these items or props as merchandise with providence or authenticity.

To be clear it is very very easy to duplicate the boards. A basic CNC machine and some time and you will have a result.

So to sum up

1) We have never been asked to make duplicate boards for anyone other than known industry contacts.

2) It is very easy to make a copy of a board with a standard CNC machine

3) We are well known and respected by organisations like the BBC, Paramount and others for high quality work, excellent customer care, great pricing and a good product.

I know this doesnt help your cause but I wanted to make sure our point was clear in that we are a legitimate manufacturer and supplier to the world of clapperboards.

If anyone has any questions please contact me on 01992 410636 info@clapperboard.net or visit us at http://www.clapperboard.net

I would like to thank Richard and 365Films for taking the time to share information with regards to this series of articles.

All related articles can be found via the link below:

Further information will be published as it becomes available. If anyone has any additional information or concerns about clapperboards in the marketplace, please contact me.

Jason DeBord

This is a weekly feature archiving the “tweets” from the official Original Prop Blog Twitter account (twitter.com/jason_debord).

The Original Prop Blog Twitter account is used to publish brief reports and links to information of interest to readers that does not warrant a full report here on this site or is a supplement to existing content.

• Original Prop Blog: “Pawn Stars: An Entertaining Television Series for Collectors and Original Movie Prop Hobbyists” – http://bit.ly/ad6aQO 4 minutes ago via web

• The Wrap: “‘Alice’ on Display: Johnny’s Red Wig, Anne’s Dress” – http://bit.ly/9TxmQG about 10 hours ago via web

• The Guardian: “Gang boss jailed for eBay golf club swindle” – http://bit.ly/9TgwuG about 10 hours ago via web

• The Signal of Santa Clarita Valley: “Historic Hollywood memorabilia to be auctioned for charity” – http://bit.ly/9Op0tS 2:46 PM Mar 3rd via web

• Original Prop Blog: “Profiles in History Offers Sneak Peak Preview of Movie Props Consigned to May 2010 Auction” – http://bit.ly/aYk1t4 12:32 PM Mar 3rd via web

• RT @TomSpinaDesigns: TSD SITE UPDATE – FREE US SHIPPING now standard on flexible mannequins & many other items! http://www.tomspinadesig … 6:52 PM Mar 2nd via web

• ArtInfo: “Giving Due Props: Hollywood Market Collectibles” – http://bit.ly/aBGjEC 5:44 PM Mar 2nd via web

• Autograph Magazine: “Tom Gregory: Collecting Hollywood’s Stories” – http://bit.ly/cBqMDb 5:42 PM Mar 2nd via web

• Original Prop Blog: “Update on Fake ‘Star Wars’ Movie Prop Blaster, Message from Author of Letter of Provenance” – http://bit.ly/bWlpoJ 11:48 PM Mar 1st via web

• Original Prop Blog: “Original Prop Blog Monthly Web Site Traffic Statistics: February 2010″ – http://bit.ly/baR6JJ 11:47 PM Mar 1st via web

• RT @TomSpinaDesigns: Tom Spina Designs now has a FACEBOOK page! Check it out! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tom-Spina-Designs/10150102 … 9:14 PM Mar 1st via web

• New York Times: “College Campaign for ‘Star Wars’ Mascot Is Fully Operational” – http://nyti.ms/aFQZi8 1:41 PM Mar 1st via web

Jason DeBord

One of my favorite programs on television is Pawn Stars, which airs on The History Channel.  Pawn Stars is a reality series about the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas run by “The Old Man”, his son Rick, and his grandson “Big Hoss”.   The series is akin to Antiques Roadshow in that customers bring in antiques, collectibles, and other items to sell, which includes authentication and appraisal by experts.

Occasionally, the show features the evaluation of items purported to be original movie props, as well as experts that are relevant to our hobby.

One of the more interesting examples was an episode last season in which a customer brought in a bullwhip that he claimed was used in one of the Indiana Jones films.  It serves as a good example of how such items are acquired and accepted as authentic by some, based on assumptions, trust, and little information.  Mark Allen from Western Stage Props is brought in to authenticate the whip, and is well known in collectors circles (especially IndyGear.com’s Club Obi Wan forum).

Full episodes can be viewed online on YouTube’s official Pawn Stars channel in three part segments, and the episode with the bullwhip can be found in the embedded YouTube videos below.

Pawn Stars | Season One | Episode 11 | Part 1 – see 3:30 through 5:30

Pawn Stars | Season One | Episode 11 | Part 2 – see 0:00 through 3:00

Pawn Stars | Season One | Episode 11 | Part 3 – see 6:15 through 6:56

There have been more episodes of interest in Season Two, with one featuring a look at a saddle the owner claims was used in Kevin Costner’s Dances with Wolves and another episode including the authentication of a flamethrower by Rick Washburn of  Weapons Specialists Limited, who provides real firearms to the film industry.

Learn more about Pawn Stars at the official site at www.History.com:

Jason DeBord

In addition to next month’s special event, the Michael H Epstein & Scott E Schwimer Glamour Photography Auction, and the LOST auction this summer, Profiles in History will have two of their traditional entertainment memorabilia auctions, one scheduled for May 2010 and one towards the end of the year.  The auction house has today released information about a few of the highlights that will be a part of the May auction event.

Below are some of those highlights (click images for higher resolution):

Hero Colonial Warrior helmet from Battlestar Galactica (1979 TV series)

Hero illuminating Laser Rifle from the original Lost in Space TV series

Original hero full size “Zero” puppet from The Nightmare Before Christmas

Screen-used “Sally” puppet head, hair and eyelashes from The Nightmare Before Christmas

Original screen-used “Jeannie” bottle from I Dream of Jeannie

Production made X-Wing Fighter filming miniature from Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope

Production made Y-Wing Fighter filming miniature from Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope

More pieces can be found at the newly redesigned Profiles in History website:

More reports and information will be forthcoming as we get closer to the event.

Jason DeBord

This is an update to two stories published late last year about a replica Star Wars: Return of the Jedi “Biker Scout Blaster” which was marketed for sale as an original from the production.  The author of the original Letter of Provenance has written me today and granted permission to publish his initial e-mail for the benefit of the readers of the Original Prop Blog.

The original articles can be found via the links below:

• Fake ‘Star Wars’ Movie Prop Blaster Resurfaces on eBay with Elstree Props “Danziger Collection” Certificate of Authenticity

• Update from Owner of Fake ‘Star Wars’ Movie Prop Blaster, Claims Acquired from Les Hemstock “As Is”

Below is the new update from the author of the Letter of Provenance, Chris Distin:

From: Chris Distin

Sent: Sunday, February 28, 2010 11:59 PM

To: jason@originalpropblog.com

Subject: AJB007 and Star wars…..

Hi Jason,

You left a link to your Website on the AJB007 Forum reference the whereabouts of RAREPROPS, looks like my name creeps up twice on your Website now.

You have some info on there regarding a Star Wars Blaster that I sold/swapped a while back, you have the Letter I gave with the Prop, I’d appreciate if you would at least block the address off the Letter so that I dont get any letters from Nutters that find my address on your Website:-)

I found the Article very Informative and eye-opening, I bought the Blaster years ago from a Guy who assured me that his Uncle worked on the Film.He’d had it in his Possesion for years in a Cabinet.

One of the Main reasons for me buying this was because he said it was ” A Gun made of Wood”, I thought this to be strange, it was definately someone who knew nothing about propmaking and his mails seemed sowewhat naive which either meant he knew nothing about the trade or he was very good at deciept. I paid next to nothing for this Gun so he was definately not out to rip me off!!

When I recieved and inspected it, it turned out to be Resin, which I was hoping. so this told me the guy had no idea what it was. These 2 facts made me start to research the Blaster, also asking Elstree for Info, ( there was no Certificate from Elstree at this time!) They said that the Guys that made the Original Blasters were still around and they would ask their opinion. They contacted me soon after saying that it definately looked good but they would need to inspect it to check what resin mix was used and whether this was the same used back then. this would obviously cost me money. so I didn’t send it.

The things that still bug me about this gun are……. 1, The maker of this Gun went to a lot of effort to Mould this, I mean the Handle looks like it is from the Sten Gun which the Stormtrooper Blaster was based on. 2, Why has there never been another one turn up on the Market? I mean if there was one made, there surely must be more. 3, I couldn’t find any reference material on the Original Blasters? Pictures, Blueprints. Do any exist for these Blasters?

I contacted other people who I thought may be able to help me but with no avail, no-one really had any real info on these kind of Blaster, so I sort of forgot about it and had it around here for ages, I decided to put it on Ebay and see what info I may get from there, I got an offer from a Collector in the UK for a trade…. the Blaster in Exchange for a Bond Prop… which I accepted, the Collector knew himself that there was no definate Provenance and basically said that although the Item i got for it was not worth much, we could both get a good deal from it, If it did turn out to be Original then he would have definately have got the best deal from it.

I myself never entered it into an Auction myself as I could not be 100% sure of its Authenticity.

You can imagine my surprise when I saw this Blaster entered into the Profiles Auction with a Massive price,( which as far as I can tell is not the person I traded with )I took it that someone had done their homework and found it to really be Authentic, the Certificate from Elstree was included so someone had sent this to them to show the original makers.

Anyway, to cut a long story short.. I swapped this in good intention and hope that this clears a few questions for you

You can contact me on cdistin@web.de if you have any further queries.

Many Regards

Chris Distin

Coincidentally, earlier this month, Jason White (see www.MoviePropKing.com) announced his recent acquisition of two prop weapons from Return of the Jedi which he has had authenticated and determined to be authentic.  One of the two of these pieces is a biker scout pistol, as pictured below:

Below is a comparison with the piece that is the subject of this series of articles (bottom) and Jason White’s (top):

Jason DeBord

The latest web site traffic statistics for Original Prop Blog, as of February 28, 2010…

The following is a guide of the various aspects being tracked each month:

• Requests/Hits: Every element on every page (i.e. each photo or graphic) is counted as a server “request” or “hit” (so visiting the main portal may result in 20-30 “hits”); however, a caching plug-in was implemented in May 2009, which may result in an under-reporting of actual traffic.
• Page Views: Every visit to a unique page – the main page, a static page, or any article – should return a “Page View” result of one per page (though, as noted, this may now be under reported due to caching and different tracking software)
• Visits: “Visits” are the number of times one user browses the site, and visits one or more pages.
• Unique Visitors: “Unique Visitors” are the number of uniquely identifiable users that visited the site. May 2009 was the first month of reporting this feature, it will only be reflective of that date, not historically.

Jason DeBord

This is a weekly feature archiving the “tweets” from the official Original Prop Blog Twitter account (twitter.com/jason_debord).

The Original Prop Blog Twitter account is used to publish brief reports and links to information of interest to readers that does not warrant a full report here on this site or is a supplement to existing content.

• Million Gossips: “Latest costumes and props on display at Universal Studios Hollywood…” – http://bit.ly/cOB4Ra 34 minutes ago via web

• MTV: “‘Iron Man’ Costumes And Props To Be Auctioned At C2E2 Convention In April” – http://bit.ly/9MslFi 3:30 PM Feb 25th via web

• CBC.ca: “Fans lift sales at Doctor Who auction” – http://bit.ly/cOBJDD 2:33 PM Feb 25th via web

• IESB.net: “Own Official IRON MAN Props!” – http://bit.ly/9X1qJO 12:52 PM Feb 25th via web

• Original Prop Blog: “Details on PropWorx Iron Man Movie Props, Costumes, Auction Catalog ” – http://bit.ly/aRZyCn 11:50 PM Feb 24th via web

• PropWorx: “Iron Man Has Arrived!” – http://bit.ly/bFAGyJ 11:10 PM Feb 24th via web

• BBC: “In pictures: Doctor Who auction” – http://bit.ly/bt7JB8 10:12 PM Feb 24th via web

• Fine Art of Family: “Celebrity Collections: “Avatar” Director James Cameron Always Takes Home a Piece of His Films” – http://bit.ly/aRwnQD 10:11 PM Feb 24th via web

• This is Money: “Doctor Who auction: Is a Dalek a wise investment?” – http://bit.ly/cCPQFJ 10:09 PM Feb 24th via web

• Monsters & Critics: “Christopher Walken confesses most of his clothes are stolen from film sets” – http://bit.ly/dpLNUR 10:08 PM Feb 24th via web

• Original Prop Blog: “Variety Kids Host Charity eBay Auction for 1966 Dodge Coronet from Coen Brothers A Serious Man” – http://bit.ly/9ukjUJ 9:47 PM Feb 23rd via web

• Original Prop Blog: “”Clothes Off Our Back” Charity Auction of Movie Costumes Benefits Haiti Earthquake Relief” – http://bit.ly/apHefp 9:23 PM Feb 23rd via web

• Times Online: “Doctor Who fans to battle for Daleks as BBC sells its DIY monsters” – http://bit.ly/btyHyP 5:37 PM Feb 23rd via web

• Reuters: “Rival costume designers hope to sew up Oscar” – http://bit.ly/bp6fNK 5:28 PM Feb 23rd via web

• CommanderBond.net: “How I Found the Original James Bond Watch” – http://bit.ly/dgJSz4 5:27 PM Feb 23rd via web

• The Hollywood Reporter: “Deja vu in Oscar’s costume design race” – http://bit.ly/9BvD8t 9:26 PM Feb 22nd via web

• io9: “Win An Actual Piece Of The Pegasus Stargate” – http://bit.ly/cxm6us 11:23 AM Feb 22nd via web

• eBay: “Spider-Man 3 Mask” – Debunking Discussion http://bit.ly/bPvyMG | 1st Listing http://bit.ly/aaqw5A | 2nd Listing http://bit.ly/aUdUNn 6:43 PM Feb 21st via web

• Craigslist: “20th CENTURY PROPS Largest Hollywood Prop House Closing” – http://bit.ly/d6gsMv 6:40 PM Feb 21st via web

• Craigslist: “HOLLYWOOD STUDIO COLLECTION Studio Sale” – http://bit.ly/9YLKro 6:39 PM Feb 21st via web

• Sign On San Diego: “Is Comic-Con really leaving San Diego?” – http://bit.ly/bMUoYi 6:29 PM Feb 21st via web

Jason DeBord

PropWorx, best known for its liquidation of assets from Battlestar Galactica via two live auction events and thousands of eBay auctions, has launched a new website with details about one of its new licenses, Iron Man, on behalf of Marvel Studios.  In addition to photos and descriptions of some of the nicer items is a page to pre-order a limited edition auction catalog which appears to be impressive.

Among the first items announced is a damaged Iron Man Mark II helmet, the Mark I armor’s leg actuator, a Mark I hero RT unit, and one of Tony Stark’s pinstripe suits, as worn by Robert Downey Jr.

More information and photos can be found on the official PropWorx website dedicated to the Iron Man property at ironman.propworx.com:

The limited edition hardcover version of the catalog can be ordered online for $39.95 on the same site:

Per the PropWorx schedule, the auction is slated for April 2010 at Chicago Comic Con.

Jason DeBord

Variety Kids has launched an eBay auction of a 1966 Dodge Coronet from the Coen Brothers Academy Award nominated film, A Serious Man.  100% of the proceeds for the sale of the original movie prop will benefit The Children’s Charity’s Mission.

The 10-day auction can be found at eBay Motors:

Per the auction description:

1966 Dodge Coronet from

“A Serious Man”

Item Value: Priceless!

Here’s a rare opportunity to own the amazing 1966 Dodge Coronet used in Focus Features and Working Title Films’ A Serious Man. The film is nominated for two Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Original Screenplay (Joel & Ethan Coen).

This is the vintage vehicle seen on-screen as the car owned and driven by lead character Larry Gopnik (Michael Stuhlbarg).

Note: This car was not used to film the accident scene.

This unique piece of film history is on display now at the Mall of America.

Proceeds from the auction will go to help inspire hope, enrich lives and build a better future for children in need in Southern California.

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING BEFORE PLACING A BID:*

* The Coronet comes with a letter of authenticity from Focus Features.

* The winner at the end of the auction may personally take delivery of the vehicle in Hastings, Minnesota or pay all applicable costs in connection with shipping the vehicle to the winner’s requested destination.

* The winning bid does not include additional charges that may be incurred, such as license and registration fees and taxes.

* NOTE: This vehicle will not be available for delivery and title transfer until 4.2.10.

* Prior to delivery, the winning bidder will be required to sign an affidavit, liability release, and where imposing such condition is legal a Publicity Release (collectively referred to as the “Prize Claim Documents”) in which such bidder warrants and represents that he or she will neither permit the vehicle to be given away in consumer contest, sweepstakes or other promotion without the express written consent of Focus nor use the vehicle in any advertising that incorporates a theme or image that would lead a reasonable person to believe the advertiser is in some way associated with or has been endorsed by the Picture or Focus.

* Focus Features makes no representation with respect to the manufacturer’s warranty, if any, applicable to this vehicle.

* Please see full auction rules here.

*Your bid indicates you have read and agree to all of the terms of the auction.

The following is the marketing graphic included in the listing:

Jason DeBord

“Clothes Off Our Back” is hosting a series of charity auctions that include original wardrobe pieces worn in Sony Pictures films.  The sale, which also includes autographed TV and movie scripts, posters, and other entertainment memorabilia, will benefit Haiti earthquake relief efforts.

Original wardrobe pieces include costumes worn by Brad Pitt in Legends of the Fall, Adam Sandler in Click, Jennifer Lopez in Enough, Nicole Kidman in Bewitched, Jude Law in The Closer, Lucy Liu in Charles Angeles, Cameron Diaz in The Sweetest Thing, and more.

All auctions can be found at www.ClothesOffOurBack.com:

Per the auction descriptions, 85% of the sale price of each item will be donated to the American Red Cross to support emergency relief efforts in Haiti.  The listings state: “assistance provided by the American Red Cross may include sending relief supplies, mobilizing relief workers and providing financial resources”.

Jason DeBord

This is a weekly feature archiving the “tweets” from the official Original Prop Blog Twitter account (twitter.com/jason_debord).

The Original Prop Blog Twitter account is used to publish brief reports and links to information of interest to readers that does not warrant a full report here on this site or is a supplement to existing content.

• Paste Magazine: “Buy the Vintage Dodge From the Coen Brothers’ A Serious Man” – http://bit.ly/9ubCd5 about 3 hours ago from web

• Original Prop Blog: “Russell Crowe’s “Museum of Interesting Things” Photos & Video of Movie Prop Exhibition” – http://bit.ly/c5eHbC about 4 hours ago from web

• CAFTCAD.com: “CAFTCAD Movie Wardrobe Sale” – http://bit.ly/bhw3dU about 6 hours ago from web

• The Telegraph: “Doctor Who Daleks up for auction” – http://bit.ly/dq2T1x about 6 hours ago from web

• Original Prop Blog: “Profiles in History Catalog – Michael H Epstein & Scott E Schwimer Glamour Photography Auction” – http://bit.ly/dbB5v7 about 21 hours ago from web

• Reuters: “EBay urges rethink on EU’s Internet sales plan” – http://bit.ly/cebgi0 about 22 hours ago from web

• AuctionBytes: “eBay’s 10K Acknowledges Seller Dissatisfaction” – http://bit.ly/crcseZ about 22 hours ago from web

• Original Prop Blog: “Status of Movie Prop Dealer Steve Knight’s ‘Rare Props’? Collector Seeks Communication…” – http://bit.ly/avwlLD 3:58 PM Feb 17th from web

• The Northern Light: “‘Star Wars’ exhibit mixes hard science, pop culture” – http://bit.ly/9ZhX9f 6:53 PM Feb 16th from web

• RT @ABC_Publicity: Propmaster Rob Kyker offers expert commentary on last week’s ep of #Lost avail on abc.com http://bit.ly/9Xf0hk 1:18 PM Feb 16th from web

• Original Prop Blog: “Golden Closet Holds “Collectors For Charity” Auction to Benefit the Haitian Earthquake Victims” – http://bit.ly/cu6zl9 4:11 PM Feb 15th from web

• Tom Spina Designs: “New Section – Movie Prop and Mask Restoration Services” – http://bit.ly/6rYTBh 10:47 AM Feb 15th from web

• St Petersburg Times: “Hollywood costumes make a public debut at Florida International Museum” – http://bit.ly/c6iOzW 3:17 PM Feb 13th from web

• Victoria Advocate: “The force of “Star Wars” comes to Anchorage Museum” – http://bit.ly/9htMZl 3:16 PM Feb 13th from web

Jason DeBord

Late last year, the “Museum of Interesting Things” opened at the Nymboida Coaching Station Inn in Australia. Russell Crowe has donated original movie props and costumes from many of his films for display at the museum.  Aaron of HeroProp.com was kind enough to provide photos and videos from his recent visit to share with readers of the Original Prop Blog.

Props and costumes on display include pieces from Gladiator, Master and Commander, American Gangster, 3:10 to Yuma, A Beautiful Mind, Cinderella Man, Romper Stomper, L.A. Confidential, and more.  Aaron also mentioned that a representative for the museum indicated that there is an additional shipping container of memorabilia, which includes an original chariot from Gladiator.

A mainstream media report was published by MSN/AOL earlier this month with details about the museum (clicking portal below will open new window and player – does not embed):

Below are two videos produced by Aaron of HeroProp.com:

Below are photos taken by Aaron of HeroProp.com, including pieces from Gladiator, Master and Commander, Crowe’s boots from Romper Stomper, Nicole Kidman’s whip from Australia, badges and other pieces from L.A. Confidential, a full display of paper props and robe from Cinderella Man, Crowe’s bike from American Chopper, and more.

Click each image for higher resolution:

Thanks again to Aaron of HeroProp.com for all of the photos, videos, and information.

Jason DeBord

The Profiles in History “Hollywood Auction 39″ catalog (first of two parts) is now available online at the official Profiles in History website, which has also been recently redesigned.  This special auction, the Michael H Epstein & Scott E Schwimer Glamour Photography Auction, will be held at their offices in Calabassas Hills, CA on March 25th-27th, 2010.

About the Michael H Epstein & Scott E Schwimer Photo Auction by Profiles in History:

The Michael H. Epstein & Scott E. Schwimer collected works of glamour photography, fine art photography and contemporary art is one of the world’s most unique. The compilations convey impeccable style and beauty that will stand the test of time.

In addition to owning the world’s largest privately held glamour photography archive, Epstein and Schwimer are also the publishers of various George Hurrell editions, as well as those of Mel Roberts and Harry Langdon.

Hurrell’s Hollywood Portraits by Mark Vieria, the most comprehensive book published on George Hurrell, is now in its 7th printing and includes many examples of works that are part of the Epstein and Schwimer anthology. California Boys is a sold-out book of Mel Roberts’ work. Following Roberts; passing, Epstein and Schwimer became the owners of the Roberts photography estate, which includes thousands of his vintage prints; a number of his finest prints will be offered in this sale.

Epstein and Schwimer recently decided to open up their vaults and for the first time will be selling their collected photographic and fine art masterpieces to benefit many of the charitable organizations they passionately support, primarily the Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Center on which Epstein served as a board member for 7 years.

The Epstein and Schwimer collected works include some of the most important names in photography, such as George Hurrell, Clarence Sinclair Bull, Ruth Harriet Louise, James Manatt, Laszlo Willinger, Otto Dyar, Eugene Richee, Ernest Bachrach, Elmer Fryer, Ray Jones, Hal Phyfe, Nickolas Muray, as well as Richard Avedon, Cecil Beaton, Bruno Bernard, Marcus Leatherdale, Robert Mapplethorpe, Helmut Newton, Man Ray, Herb Ritts, Cindy Sherman, Jock Sturges, and Howard Zieff. Moreover, the collection contains an incomparable assemblage of Len Prince and Mel Roberts work as well as fine art by Andy Warhol, Richard Duardo, Keith Haring, Robert Indiana, Roy Lichtenstein, Beatrice Wood and numerous others.

The following is a video produced by Profiles in History in promotion of the event and sale:

Part 1 of 2 of the auction catalog can be downloaded in PDF format at www.ProfilesInHistory.com:

It appears that the online bidding partner for this event will be Live Auctioneers, who handled their last sale of the Pat McInally Collection of Children’s Books.

Jason DeBord

A collector has contacted me who claims to have been trying to complete a transaction with UK prop dealer Steve Knight and his Rare Props business since last year.  The collector claims to have sent 13 e-mails and placed one overseas phone call with no response.  In that I am aware of past instances of lack of communication and/or non-delivery of goods with other collectors in the past, I thought I would publish an open inquiry with hopes that someone can put me in touch with Rare Props in an effort to assist a fellow collector.

I have also heard from multiple sources that the business may have been sold to Steve’s brother, (Richard?).  Another collector with no business pending has also told me that he has been unable to get in touch with the business for the past year.

There is also an unrelated public inquiry published in January 2010 on the James Bond discussion forum, “Absolutely James Bond” (see www.ajb007.co.uk):

The question, unanswered since last month, asks:

Does anyone know what has happened to the Dealer Rareprops??

I have done some very nice Business with Steve over the years and was interested in getting new stuff from him but I cannot get hold of him anywhere.

I had 3 different email addresses which are all coming back as Undeliverable.

He also hasn’t had anything on Ebay for Months.

Can anyone shed any light on the situation???

In reviewing the RareProps website (www.rareprops.com) it is still active.

The related eBay account is also active (www.rareprops.com), though the last (negative) transaction feedback was left in September 2009.  While the feedback is “private”, it is still publicly viewable here (Archive).

It also appears that RareProps is no longer listed among the members list of the Movie Props Association (the “MPA”).  However, the RareProps website still has a page about the organization, stating that they themselves are a “Proud Member”.

If anyone reading can assist, please contact me at jason@originalpropblog.com.

Jason DeBord

Original prop and wardrobe dealer The Golden Closet and The Prop Store of London has launched a series of eBay auctions, the proceeds of which will benefit The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund.  The auction includes pieces from Mars Attacks, Three Kings, Gladiator, Tropic Thunder, V for Vendetta, The Sopranos, and other properties.

The announcements can be found at TheGoldenCloset.com:

The eBay auctions are currently listed on the auction site as thegoldencloset:

Collectors For Charity Auction to benefit the Haitian Earthquake victims.

Collectors For Charity Auction Announcement

The Golden Closet has teamed with The Prop Store of London and several other organizations and individuals within the motion picture industry to create a collection of rare entertainment memorabilia to be offered to collectors through Ebay’s Giving Works program beginning on Sunday, Feb. 14th and ending on Sunday Feb. 21st, 2010.

All featured items are being offered with a starting bid of only $1.00 with no reserve and offer a unique opportunity for collectors to acquire impressive pieces of memorabilia while supporting a worthwhile cause. 100% of the net proceeds from all sold items will be disbursed to The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund via Ebay’s approved intermediary organization, Mission Fish.

The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund is a non-profit nonpartisan organization helmed by Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush that provides immediate assistance to the people of Haiti still recovering from the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that occurred on Jan. 12, 2010.

The people of Haiti desperately need help and support during this difficult time and we invite you to participate in our Collectors For Charity program, whether by donating collectible items to be sold at auction or by bidding on any of our selected Giving Works items at this link:

http://shop.ebay.com/thegoldencloset/m.html?LH_Auction=1&_ipg=50&_trksid=p3911.c0.m301

To arrange a donation or to learn more about our Collectors For Charity program, please visit www.thegoldencloset.com/collectors_for_charity or email us directly at info@thegoldencloset.com.

Thank you for your support,

Breanna Livie
CEO/Owner
The Golden Closet
7243 Coldwater Canyon
North Hollywood, CA. 91605
Phone: 818 759 060
www.thegoldencloset.com

Jason DeBord

This is a weekly feature archiving the “tweets” from the official Original Prop Blog Twitter account (twitter.com/jason_debord).

The Original Prop Blog Twitter account is used to publish brief reports and links to information of interest to readers that does not warrant a full report here on this site or is a supplement to existing content.

• Original Prop Blog: “Profiles in History Files Lawsuits Against Fraudulent Movie Poster Auction Consignors” – http://bit.ly/9pxFEE 11:18 PM Feb 10th from web

• Boxwish: “Hampshire museum to display movie props, showbiz costumes and more” – http://bit.ly/ddnZHh 9:27 PM Feb 10th from web

• Courthouse News Service: “Auction House Says Dracula Poster is Bogus” – http://bit.ly/bC4Jmp 9:26 PM Feb 10th from web

• TrekMovie.com: “CBS To Sell Assets From Original Star Trek:The Experience – Still Working On Creating New Experience” – http://bit.ly/cQU0cJ 8:20 PM Feb 10th from web

• Original Prop Blog: “Premiere Props Response To Better Business Bureau Rating, Consignment Checks Returned “NSF”" – http://bit.ly/cVrOGG 11:43 PM Feb 9th from web

• Chud.com: “DEVIN TOUCHES HOLLYWOOD HISTORY IN BOB BURNS’ AMAZING MUSEUM” – http://bit.ly/cgO7E8 3:20 PM Feb 9th from web

• Nottingham.co.uk: “Movie costumes and props coming to Notts” – http://bit.ly/cB1Z40 1:01 AM Feb 9th from web

• Original Prop Blog: “Premiere Props ‘Better Business Bureau’ Rating Score Drops to “D”" – http://bit.ly/dmd8Cb 12:06 AM Feb 9th from web

• Chicago Tribune: “Lucasfilm takes Chicago firm to court” – http://bit.ly/9sHZp7 9:05 AM Feb 8th from web

• Original Prop Blog: “Feeling the Force” – http://bit.ly/b6wn9G 9:51 AM Feb 7th from web

Jason DeBord

As an update to the ongoing movie poster scandal that was first reported on last year, auction house Profiles in History has this week filed the second of two lawsuits against consignors that they allege defrauded them via the consignment of fake move posters (one-sheets, lobby cards) to their sales.The lawsuits are in addition to the FBI criminal investigation already underway, as well as additional civil lawsuits (see Poster Fraud Update: Reports of FBI Investigation Seeking eBay Victims, Multiple Civil Lawsuits).

Profiles in History has filed two lawsuits to date, both in Los Angeles Superior Court, per the jurisdiction stipulation stated in their consignment agreements.

Profiles in History vs Peg Pannell Smith, Kerry Haggard

The first lawsuit complaint (Case No. BC421306) is “PROFILES IN HISTORY VS PEG PANNELL SMITH ET AL” and was filed on 09/04/09.  Defendants in the lawsuit include Peg Pannel Smith and Kerry Haggard, and the complaint alleges: Fraudulent Misrepresentation, Fraudulent Concealment, Negligent Misrepresentation, Breach of Written Contract, and Unjust Enrichment.

In the complaint, Profiles in History alleges:

During a time prior to June 2008 and continuing thereafter, Defendants Haggard and Smith… engaged in a conspiracy to commit fraud upon dealers in Hollywood memorabilia, auctioneers, and the consuming public, by agreeing to engage in a systematic fraud whereby the Haggard Defendants would create “fake” vintage movie posters and lobby cards… using a sophisticated process of what is believed to be high resolution ink jet technology which makes the fake nature of the product virtually impossible to visually detect, and the Smith Defendants would market the “fakes” to dealers, auctioneers, and the consuming public, representing them to be collectible authentic original vintage movie posters and lobby cards and fabricating wholly false stories about their true origin.  Neither part of the conspiracy could succeed without the other.

In the complaint, Profiles in History claims that the “Smith Defendants” consigned three one-sheet posters to their Hollywood Auction 32 sale – “The Invisible Man”, “Dracula Re-Release” and “The Mummy’s Hand” – under the pretense that they were offered by a widower.  The posters were sold at auction and consignor paid.  The Defendants consigned nine more “fakes” in two subsequent auctions, of which six sold.

Profiles in History states that nine “fakes” in total sold for $93,750.00 at their auctions, with $81,700.00 paid to the Defendants.

Profiles in History states that they have refunded the buyers of these goods and have “incurred substantial damages to its reputation in addition to other damages“.  Further, that the “Smith Defendants have refused to refund any of the moneys“.

Interestingly, per the complaint, Profiles alleges that they “learned of the involvement of the Haggard Defendants in the scheme on September 1, 2009 by way of an email erroneously sent to Profiles’ attorneys by the Smith Defendants [the text of the emails was obviously intended to be sent to Haggard]“.

The complaint alleges that the following is the content of the e-mail:

Brian Chanes called me last night to tell me this attorney would be calling me.  The attorney did not call me.  Instead he sent me this letter.  Also, Brian mentioned to me YOUR NAME last night as a person who is known for producing fake posters.  I asked “who is this guy Kerry Haggard?”  And, he went onto telling me how that is what you do.  I remained silent.

However, I am not going to be sued for $82,000.  I am being sued for $600,000 plus attorney fees as it is, and I cannot afford to be sued by a Los Angeles court and go down this road, too.  It will be the death of me.  It is not fair to me Kerry.  These are not my posters!

Peg Pannel Smith

The complaint then outlines the four causes of auction, alleging $1,000,000.00 in damages for each.  The fifth cause of action seeks the same, plus the $81,700.00 paid to the consignor(s).  Additionally, Profiles in History seeks attorney’s fees, court costs, interest on all amounts, and further relief as the Court deems just and proper.

Profiles in History vs Thomas Rega

The second lawsuit complaint (Case No. BC431481) is “PROFILES IN HISTORY VS THOMAS REGA” and was filed this week, on 02/08/10.  The defendants in the lawsuit includes Thomas Rega, and the complaint alleges: Fraudulent Misrepresentation, Fraudulent Concealment, Negligent Misrepresentation, and Breach of Written Contract.

In the complaint, Profiles in History alleges:

In or about August 2009, the Rega Defendants solicited Profiles in Los Angeles County, California, about consigning several purported vintage horror motion picture posters so that Profiles would sell them at its next scheduled auction (Auction No. 37) which was to take place on October 8-9, 2009.  Of most interest was what was purported to be a “Dracula style B one-sheet poster” (the “Dracula Poster”) which, if original and authentic, would be one of only three such posters known to exist, one of which was being publicly offered for $950,000.00.  This poster was so rare that Profiles reproduced the poster on the cover of its auction catalog.

The Rega Defendants were not truthful.  Of the 11 posters that the Rega Defendants offered and subsequently consigned to Profiles, two were withdrawn from the auction and returned to The Rega Defendants because they were determined to be fakes.  Profiles subsequently discovered that the Dracula Poster was, itself, a fake.  Upon discovery, Profiles leanred of the “restoration” process which The Rega Defendants accomplished.  This involved taking a professionally made very fine modern re-print of the Dracula Poster, removing the bottom edges which contained the re-print designations, and enlisting one or more restorers to refinish the bottom edges to include written descriptions, including copyright information, from the original vintage poster.

The complaint also includes copies of e-mails between the “Rega Defendants” and the restorer, asking that the “missing pieces” be recreated and is described with great specificity so as to make it “a closer match to the archived photo that represents the way it was“.

In the complaint’s causes of action, Profiles in History claims damages in the amount of $1,000,000.00 for each of the four, based on consequences including that their “reputation has been tarnished and damaged in the movie memorabilia field and with its clients and potential clients“.  In addition, with the fourth cause of action, Profiles further claims that their minimum commission on the sale of the Dracula poster would have been at least $67,500 (30% of the $225,000 estimate).

As with the other suit, Profiles in History seeks attorney’s fees, court costs, interest on all amounts, and further relief as the Court deems just and proper.

“LAMP” (Learn About Movie Posters) has additional information about various related lawsuits (LINK):

Past related articles published by the Original Prop Blog can be found via the link below (Market Watch | Posters, One Sheets, Lobby Cards):

Original Prop Blog will continue to monitor these lawsuits and other developments related to the movie poster scandal at large.

Jason DeBord

Yesterday’s feature reported on the Better Business Bureau having dropped their rating for Premiere Props to a score of “D”.  Based on my research, it appears to have been the result of complaints filed against the studio prop reseller by one of their consignors and customers, David Brandon of HorrorDomain.com, and a dispute which involved consignment checks returned to him by the bank stamped “NSF” (Not Sufficient Funds).

Today, I had an opportunity to speak with Dan Levin of Premiere Props regarding these issues.  I offered to publish a statement from the company in a follow-up article, and below is the message that I have been given permission to use:

Hello Jason,

Premiere Props has now filed a response to the BBB today which will raise the rating of the account. The negative rating was due to a response not being generated. As far as any issue with David Brandon, all has been satisfied according to the terms of the contract.

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to respond and alerting us to the situation. We look forward to speaking with you soon.

Sincerely,

Dan Levin
Premiere Props

Both parties have indicated to me that Mr. Brandon has now been paid the money owed for the item(s) sold in the Premiere Props live auction event via a consignment arrangement.

Anyone interested in further details can contact the parties directly – Premiere Props at www.PremiereProps.com and David Brandon at www.HorrorDomain.com.

Jason DeBord