Beware Of Movie Props / Wardrobe

[sammy]

Beware of movie props and wardrobe that allegedly come from the Ellis Prop auction and the Costume Collection auction.

According to a recent auction description a "Star" used prop gun comes with a COA from "xxx" and a photo match. The photo match is ridiculous and that is all I will say on that.

The original Ellis auction, from which this gun "allegedly" came from, issued original hand signed letters with their props sold at their auction.

"Star" used guns were issued an individual letter specifically stating the movie/show that it was used for, the actor who used it, and the serial number of the gun if it was a real gun.

The original Ellis letter will also have the date, two preprinted signatures of the Chief Executive Officer and Curator, and original hand signed signatures from the Archivist and Armorer. I'll keep the hand signed names to myself.

A "Star" gun will also have a prop tag attached to the trigger guard stating what scene it was used for, the movie, the character, the actor, the year of the movie, and a description of the gun.

I have seen a lot of guns and/or props surfacing in various auctions that allegedly came from the Ellis prop auction. These have mainly been in the zzz auctions, but now these are showing up in the yyy auctions.

None of these have the original Ellis letter mentioned in the auction, just a generic letter from a company called "xxx".

If you have bought a gun that allegedly came from the Ellis prop auction, but did not receive the original Ellis letter, post the serial number and movie information and I'll see if it is listed in the Ellis auction catalog.

Another problematic issue I have seen a lot of lately are auctions for the wardrobe that "allegedly" came from "The Costume Collection" auction.

Again, any of the "Star" wardrobe came with an individual, hand signed letter from The Costume Collection (CC).

This original letter will state what the item is, what show it was used for, the actor who worn the wardrobe, and a hand signed and dated signature from the CC agent/representative. Again, I will keep that name to myself.

Both the Ellis and CC letters have a distinctive color/type of paper used.

If there isn't a original CC letter with the item, but it is stamped "Costume Collection" and the seller is stating it came from that auction, I would be very wary about purchasing the item. It is not hard to get a CC stamp made.

These items should have original, hand signed letters from the Ellis Props, or The Costume Collection.

I have original letters from both auctions, as well as the auction information and/or catalogs if you have any questions.

As we have all seen numerous times, just because an item is sold in a national auction, that alone does not mean the item is what it is purported to be.

[both-teams-played-hard]

This is a subject that I have avoided because I thought it was "off topic" for this forum. There is so much questionable "movie used" memorabilia on the market. So many items that "can't be proven as bogus". Studio wardrobe tags that are written "too neatly"....they all look totally "unfunctional" for use by a costumer. Many appear contrived. If you see a wardrobe tag written like a hand-written term paper (every letter readable-ALL CAPS) stay away! There were Kelly Leak and Tatum O'Neal Bad News Bears Jerseys that sold a few months ago, that were complete, utter Bull$h1t! This post, of course, is my opinion.
Think about it folks...Al Pacino's uzi from "Scarface"? John Wayne's six shooter? You deserve to get ripped off.

Consignors are used as scape-goats.
Authenticators are used as scape-goats.

[both-teams-played-hard]

Also, I have worked in the business and lived in Hollywood for the past 10 years and have never heard of the "Costume Collection". However, I have seen their LOA on tons of movie and TV stuff at recent auctions.

[sammy]

Hi BTPH,

"The Costume Collection" (CC) was also known as Hollywood Clothing and Costume Rental Company. This was a legitimate wardrobe company located in North Hollywood. Their liquidation auction was held in 2001. I have the original advertisement for this auction.

As I previously stated, all the "Star" wardrobe came with an individual CC letter that was hand signed by their representative stating what the item was, who used it, and what show.

As for the Bad News Bears items you mentioned, as well as the guns, and all the other crap being sold mainly by two auction companies, if you will notice, none of these items have the original Ellis or Costume Collection letter.

All of these items, that both auction companies are currently dumping on the public, come with a letter from the same individual, who just states these items came from the CC or Ellis. If that were true, then put the original letter with the item.

Personally when you see the same gun, badge, wardrobe, etc. from the same movie being sold over and over, it certainly makes one wonder how many guns did Clint or John actually use in that scene or movie.

If anyone is interested in these items, just check some of the current auctions.

Total Bulls***

[suave1477]

Personally when you see the same gun, badge, wardrobe, etc. from the same movie being sold over and over, it certainly makes one wonder how many guns did Clint or John actually use in that scene or movie.

I am a bit familiar with Movie props but not an expert and as far as regarding this particular commetn I wanted to chime in and let you know. That for one particular gun, clothing, or whatever it is that the actor may use for a scene they do have plenty of copies of that same item some of the items are screen used or screen tested, or even just screen issued and there maybe a few for each category.

So using you scenario of Clint Eastwood when we see the movie of him using 1 gun there actually maybe 10 others that were also used.

I hope this might clear some things up!!!

[sammy]

Hi Suave,

I am aware that there is more then one identical prop used for a scene.

But there is generally only two or three at the most for the "Star" to use.

Extras and minor cast members share the wardrobe and props.

[trsent]

I'd venture to guess that in the old days they would re-use props for more than one movie. When they filmed many older movies they had no idea what would become a legendary movie and no one was hording props like they may do these days.

[otismalibu]

Just a matter of time until the vintage Adult Movie Props show up on eBay.

Can you help me photo match this 80s Ginger Lynn...

[hbsseller]

Sammy, I appreciate your post. Was thinking about buying a supposed handgun from The Godfather, part one. Can you tell me is there is anything in the catalog for a Smith & Wesson Model 10 with serial number 60558??? I am revising an old post and hope you see this. Thanks.

[sammy]

Hi,

The guns were sold on day 5 of the auction. This would be Monday, June 12.

Did not see the gun you inquired about listed. Checked all the serial numbers shown and there are none close to yours.

Also, there are no guns whatsoever listed with any linkage shown to any of the "Godfather" movies.