Back To The Future Matchbook - Legit or Not?

[Alphatone]

Has anyone taken a look at the Biff Tannen matchbook in the Prop Store auction? I'm wondering if it's legit, or if it might be a really good replica. Price is $800 so far. A friend told me there are lots of replicas of these matchbooks available. I don't feel like Prop Store would fall for that...but I'm wondering if any of you who are experts on this stuff have thoughts about its authenticity. Thanks!

 

[Moviefreak]

It it were any other store I would definitely question things, but Prop Store has one of the most trusted names. I don’t think they would list something without vetting it. But if you feel uncomfortable, I know they have their phone lines open 24/7/365 to answer any questions and concerns. Maybe give them a call to find out more lineage of the item?

 

[DB537]

It's a production-made backup. Not the exact matchbook used on screen, but definitely real.

I make replicas of the matchbooks which are probably the most screen-accurate ones available. But there are certain details about the way that Earl Hays Press made the originals that would be difficult for most people (including myself) to re-create precisely.

 

[jacktothefuture]

I have production used matchbooks that came directly from Tom Wilson, from the Prop Store photos I can't see any difference between what they have and what I have.

 

[MattgomeryBurns]

I'd go with DB537's opinion here - he's the expert. But this is why I stay away from any BTTF paper props in auctions. I'd rather bid on something more tangible that you can immediately identify.

 

[DB537]

It's a little easier to identify the matchbooks and props on uncommon paper types, but I'd never bid on the flyers or most props printed on regular paper. I have the exact same vintage paper that they used for the Biff money and the 'Marty's letter to Doc' stationery, and those would be super easy to fake with a decent laser printer.

4 of the Clock Tower flyers (3 blue, 1 yellow) just sold in that auction for $6,000 + fees. I can print 4 identical 100% screen accurate flyers for less than a dollar.



I have a flyer file that's even more accurate than the one in this photo.

 

[Roland]

... and the 'Marty's letter to Doc' stationery, and those would be super easy to fake with a decent laser printer. ...

View attachment 1341433

If you would try to sell me Marty's letter to Doc (as shown on your picture) as a screen used prop, I would show you this picture (can you see the difference? ):

 

[DB537]

If you would try to sell me Marty's letter to Doc as shown on your picture as a screen used prop, I would show you this picture (can you see the difference? ):

View attachment 1341486

Yeah, the 'D' is not the same. It was originally put together by someone here from screencaps.
But I prefer to keep it that way since I use the same kind of paper, and it's an easy tell that 95% of people won't catch.

 

[Roland]

Yeah, the 'D' is not the same. It was originally put together by someone here from screencaps.
But I prefer to keep it that way since I use the same kind of paper, and it's an easy tell that 95% of people won't catch.

Yes, the "D" and the space between the letterhead and the "Dear Dr. Brown" line, which is much bigger on the original letter.

 

[DB537]

I also print the back of the Biff money. They were all one sided in the movie, but it's a modification of a stock EHP bill that did have a back.