Screen-Used Prop Value/Worth

[PHArchivist]

How do you guys value (not necessarily in dollars and cents) your screen-used props?

I've always held to a personal scale I came up with a while back, where as there are 100 total possible points.

-Screen time/visibility (20 points possible)
-Importance/quality of film (20 points possible)
-Handled by a principal character (20 points possible)
-Relevance to plot (20 points possible)
-Duplicates made (20 points possible)

Most of these criteria are fairly self-explanatory. On the last one, consider the burgandy shirt worn by Patrick Swayze in Ghost - same shirt entire movie. They must have had 30 - 40 of them, devaluing each individual shirt. Contrast that to the original Enterprise model from TOS - only ONE made. Ever. So the shirt would be less than 5 points since there are multiple copies. The Big E would be 20, since there is only one.

Here are some examples of how I've rated props I own, plus what is to me the ultimate of all props...

The Death Star - 100:
-Screen time/visibility (20 possible) - 20
-Importance/quality of film (20 possible) - 20
-Handled by a principal character (20 possible) - 20 (techicnally NA since its a SPFX model, but in concept all characters "touched it"! )
-Relevance to plot (20 possible) - 20
-Duplicates made (20 possible) - 20

Chingachook's war club - 88
-Screen time/visibility (20 possible) - 20
-Importance/quality of film (20 possible) - 15 (subjective, but consider those involved in the production)
-Handled by a principal character (20 possible) -15 (one of the top three protagonists, and the titular character at that -the "last" mohican)
-Relevance to plot (20 possible) -20 (used in the final conflict resolution to dispatch the primary antagonist)
-Duplicates made (20 possible) - 18 (only two hero clubs were made)

The baby from The Rock - 73
-Screen time/visibility (20 possible) - 20
-Importance/quality of film (20 possible) - 15
-Handled by a principal character (20 possible) - 18 (primarily by the other guy, but cage does grope for it)
-Relevance to plot (20 possible) - 5 (has nothing to do with the Alcatraz seige, but is a primary tool in establishing Cage's character)
-Duplicates made (20 possible) - 15 (Clearly screen-used, but ther MAY have been a back-up made; I don't know for sure)

 

[Guardian Devil]

I think it's great to have a personal valuing system for screen used costumes and props.
I have more of an emotional system than a numerical one, some items I just feel a real connection to and value them much more than some of the high priced items in my collection.
Occasionally I watch a film and get that "I have to have it!" feeling, even if the item or the film is comparitively insignificant.
For example I have Craig Beirko's leather jacket from his War of The Worlds spoof character Tom Ryan in Scary Movie 4 and I love it. It's probably one of my favourite items, I paid very little for it and I would never consider letting it go, but I value it higher than most of the things I own for some reason :lol

 

[justanuthercap]

Wow! That is a well thought out system. And I can see that I use some of the same criteria when deciding on picking up something from a favorite movie.

I personally also have more of an emotional value system. While I primarily collect things from our favorite movies (as do most i'm sure) this could also apply to say, a crappy movie that my wife and I had one of our first couple of dates to for example.

One of the things I would never get rid of is a futuristic military helmet/gas mask combo worn by a guard in the Ray Liotta flick "No Escape". I'm sure we can all agree this is NOT a classic in any sense and is worth practically nothing. But as the wife and I laughed together at the crappiness of this flick throughout the entire movie and often used it as a personal in-joke for quite a few years after. The helmet now brings back those things which means much more to me.

 

[Guardian Devil]

I personally also have more of an emotional value system. While I primarily collect things from our favorite movies (as do most i'm sure) this could also apply to say, a crappy movie that my wife and I had one of our first couple of dates to for example.

One of the things I would never get rid of is a futuristic military helmet/gas mask combo worn by a guard in the Ray Liotta flick "No Escape". I'm sure we can all agree this is NOT a classic in any sense and is worth practically nothing. But as the wife and I laughed together at the crappiness of this flick throughout the entire movie and often used it as a personal in-joke for quite a few years after. The helmet now brings back those things which means much more to me.

That's exactly what I was trying to get across - just worded much better :lol

Scary movie 4 isnt exactly an oscar winner, but I saw it with my girlfriend when we first started going out and we were both in exactly the right frame of mind for it and that's what made me want a keepsake

 

[PHArchivist]

I'm totally in there with you guys on the emotional value issue, too. But can't really "score" it since its totally subjective... :unsure Otherwise The Rock and Last Of The Mohicans would be 20's on the "-Importance/quality of film" criterion, at least for me!

 

[niennumb1]

Do screen-used props ever drop in value over time? Like say if an actor was lesser appreciated than he used to be? Didn't know if there was ever any factors into making a prop worth less someday. Seems like screen used stuff naturally goes up over time and haven't heard of any that plummet.

They seem to be an almost sure investment, though I collect because I have 100% intent to hold on to the stuff forever.

 

[justanuthercap]

Do screen-used props ever drop in value over time? Like say if an actor was lesser appreciated than he used to be? Didn't know if there was ever any factors into making a prop worth less someday. Seems like screen used stuff naturally goes up over time and haven't heard of any that plummet.

They seem to be an almost sure investment, though I collect because I have 100% intent to hold on to the stuff forever.

I think it has more to do with the movies popularity than any actor or actress. Some props I've seen resold definately drop in value after the initial rabid fan base loses interest.

I'm definately NOT talking about Star Wars or Raiders or something along those lines. They are in a whole other catergory.

 

[Guardian Devil]

If you purchase from any of the dealers or resellers, then it will always decrease in value. There's no good investment in most of it, if it could be worth more in ten years - then the dealers would have held on to it untill then.
I buy because I love the items or because I just can't say no to something, but if I was looking to sell any of my screen used costumes or props, I'd no doubt have to take a hit on some of the prices. Things like this are only worth what someone is looking to pay at the time - assuming that someone is currently looking for what you have, very rarely does somebody impulse buy something screen used and in a position to buy it at the time you decide it's time to let it go unfortunately.

 

[TomSpinaDesigns]

I noticed that scale in the other thread and almost quoted it to start a new one! Good stuff Rob. Brandon and I brought up a similar list of elements during out Prop Collecting Panel at last year's Monsterpalooza.

I agree that the emotional element is important for a PURCHASE but for the sake of "market value" (not "personal value") I would say Rob's scale is OK w/o that element.

There are a lot of factors to consider when finding a $ value and I almost feel this scale is probably best for assigning "importance" to a prop more than a concrete value.

I think if you were looking for $ value, you might want to weigh the popularity of the film and/or actor (which could sub in for "character" as well) more heavily. Also, "duplicates made" can be very different from "duplicates available". Often the phrase "the only one in private hands" comes up, making a piece essentially one-of-a-kind where the market value is concerned.

Nit picks to be sure, but it's never easy setting a $ amount on our cherished bits of film history, is it?

If you purchase from any of the dealers or resellers, then it will always decrease in value.

Actually, I've purchased a few things from dealers that increased in value over time and I don't think that's a unique experience by far. Heck, most of the Indy stuff out there came from one dealer and the values shot up relatively shortly after. It seems to depend most on the film/property and how the public perceives it over time (and of course, on the "importance" of the piece itself within that film").

Tom

 

[Guardian Devil]

Actually, I've purchased a few things from dealers that increased in value over time and I don't think that's a unique experience by far. Heck, most of the Indy stuff out there came from one dealer and the values shot up relatively shortly after. It seems to depend most on the film/property and how the public perceives it over time (and of course, on the "importance" of the piece itself within that film").

Tom

I was continuing on from my earlier post and what Justanuthercap said really, things from Back to the Future, Indiana Jones, Star Wars - big things like that, are never going to be in the same ballpark as anything else, using the same kind of scale would throw things out a bit!
For example I believe Propstore had one of Ron Perlmans incomplete outfits from hellboy not too long ago at something like £11,995 ($19,546.17-ish) the missing parts had been filled in with licenced replicas to complete the display and the little leather glove for his left hand was made available seperately for £995 ($1621.43-ish)
Don't get me wrong - if I had the money and a big enough love for the character, you couldn't have kept me away, but that's the kind of things I was reffering to, the items as I mentioned before that you may have a personal emotional attachment to, that others wouldn't always be able to share, which doesn't mean there wouldnt be plenty of people out there who would want to buy it from you, but wouldn't neccesarily be able or prepared to pay the same kind of premium that the die hard fan originally paid, since there's such big business in these nowadays!

...definately NOT talking about Star Wars or Raiders or something along those lines. They are in a whole other catergory.

 

[TomSpinaDesigns]

I should've noted the Indy exception... sorry bout that!

I do think, however, that even if you disregard the "big name" properties (like Indy, SW, etc) that "If you purchase from any of the dealers or resellers, then it will always decrease in value." just isn't a hard and fast rule.

I've seen quite a few collectors sell non "big name" pieces for more than they paid a dealer. I've seen the reverse as well, of course! I think it all depends on far too many factors to set a firm rule.

Moving away from the dealers, there is also what some folks call "the hype premium" theory about the higher prices at event-auctions dedicated to a new film being difficult to recover.

Not sure if you were lumping those auctions/auction houses/companies in as "dealers" in your statement, but that theory does seem to fit your statement, even though I'm sure there are exceptions there as well.

best,
Tom

 

[McGruff]

Chingachook's war club - 88
-Screen time/visibility (20 possible) - 20
-Importance/quality of film (20 possible) - 15 (subjective, but consider those involved in the production)
-Handled by a principal character (20 possible) -15 (one of the top three protagonists, and the titular character at that -the "last" mohican)
-Relevance to plot (20 possible) -20 (used in the final conflict resolution to dispatch the primary antagonist)
-Duplicates made (20 possible) - 18 (only two hero clubs were made)

Hi, just noticed you post and I'm hoping you might be able to help me with your knowledge. I've got a production used foam rubber stunt version of Chingachgook's war club. It has seen better days (missing the blade and leather sling) but it's still a really cool item. I'm hoping of course that it's the actual one which kills Magua in the final scene. Any idea how many of them were made and used in the film, or any other relevant info? Thanks!

 

[PHArchivist]

I honestly do not know.

I'd read in one or two places on-line that there were only two hero clubs made (mine too is missing the blade).

I do also know that PropStore has sold various stunt clubs.

IIRC they have had at least two (if not three) separate listings for stunts clubs, and have featured clubs with different characteristics for different on-screen dynamics. For example, I believe one had a retractable blade, while another was rigged to pump blood.

Then I'm pretty sure they would have made a good handfull of simply basic, non-functional foam clubs for Russel Means to carry on his back while running around all the time.

Does yours have any unique (or functional) features? Would be interested in seeing pics.

 

[McGruff]

Mine was originally one of the Propstore items which I received as a gift a couple years ago. There are no special features, just a hole where the sling was once attached and the scar where the blade snapped off.

Since the time I got it and found out about the Propstore site, I've been watching to see if any more turn up. There has only been one, which was very different and had a large flat plastic plate in place of the blade which could be strapped to an actor's body under the clothing to make it look as if the club was sticking into him as he fell away. There's a quick scene about midway through the movie where this one seems to be used.

As far as the two produced hero clubs, some info I found online says that these were 'real' wood and metal versions. One is on display in a museum and the other is privately owned by someone.

I'll put up some pictures when I get a chance. Do you have pictures of yours you can post?

 

[Linnear]

For buying, I really think the key determining factor in buying a prop is the emotional appeal of that prop.

On the sell side it is about supply and demand really.

But the scale is interesting. My concern is that it would take the passion out of the decision. I think many of us always sell, buy what you LOVE and not what you think will appreciate in value.

I think the scale is useful in determining if the price an item is offered at is appropriate relative to other items that have been sold in teh marketplace.

But again, never buy something unless you love it!

Alec

 

[PHArchivist]

As far as the two produced hero clubs, some info I found online says that these were 'real' wood and metal versions. One is on display in a museum and the other is privately owned by someone.

I'll put up some pictures when I get a chance. Do you have pictures of yours you can post?

Wow... I'm honored that this prop seems important enough to be in a museum.

Unless there were actually more than two hero props, then the "privately owned by someone" would be me.

Where did you find this information? Its been so long since I've researched the club, I don't recall where I found what info.

 

[BIKERFETT]

I have been buying screen used pieces now for about 7 years. In my experience Propstore is way overpriced and I would think it very difficult to buy from them and recoup your cost let alone make money, but I am sure there are exceptions. I buy items I like and items that I know others will like to resell to buy more items I like whew. I started buying a bill from the punisher movie. I framed it and resold it on ebay and used that money to spring board from there. My initial investment was 5$ plus frame. I havent spent any more of my money since then and I have Star Wars and Indy props in my collection as well as sold items via Profiles.

It is understandable that most people only have a few avenues to purchase Profiles, Premiere Props, and Propstore as well as others like myself on ebay and smaller sites.

Most props I aquire I consider the resale for the price I pay because I get bored with them after a while and then I sell them and replace them. That is true of 90% of my collection. The more you deal in props buying and selling if you like you will get a feel for values. I havent evey lost money on a piece and have made up to 300 times what I paid. Be patient and choose your items wisely.

Biker

 

[McGruff]

Wow... I'm honored that this prop seems iportant enough to be in a museum.

Unless there were actually more than two hero props, then the "privately owned by someone" would be me.

Where did you find this information? Its been so long since I've researched the club, I don't recall where I found what into.

Here's some of the info I found at the bottom of this page. http://www.mohicanpress.com/mo06008.html

Says one of them is displayed at the park where the movie was filmed and the other is/was owned by one of the propmakers named Randall King. Most of the posts on this site are about ten years old, so the information may be dated.

I put up some photos of my foam one in the other thread.

 

[Mr_Finch]

Nice value system.

For me, prop value is defined by where the movie ranks on my list of personal favorites. Of course, some of my favorite movies I can never afford a screen used piece from, but I did score a piece of the Flying Wing from Raiders...that's about the only way I could afford a screen used prop from the original Indy films.

I also believe that overall props are not a good investment, unless you have ones from an extremely popular movie that will most likely go up in value and hold a good fan base. If the movie is not all that popular or well known, you may have very difficult time finding a dedicated fan willing to shell out what you did for a prop. Imo, you have to buy with the intent to always keep. Hence, all my props are either from popular movies I love or ones that I never intend to sale anyway.

 

[lulu]

Interesting system, but to me at least, seems much more subjective than advertised, especially when dealing with anything other than the the top (and bottom) 10% of collectible titles.

For example, I own John Travolta's costume from Battlefield Earth. Even I think it's a terrible movie, but I laughed myself silly and consider it one of the great unintentional comedies of all time. Here's how that costume rates with this system:

-Screen time/visibility (20 possible) - 20
-Importance/quality of film (20 possible) - let's leave this out for now
-Handled by a principal character (20 possible) - 20
-Relevance to plot (20 possible) - 20
-Duplicates made (20 possible) - 20 (to my knowledge the only one in private hands)

Total: 80

So without rating the film, which most people consider god-awful, my piece beats the baby from The Rock by 7 points, and is only 8 points behind Chingachgook's club!

Now if I say Battlefield Earth is a 9 in my book on your 20 point scale, I can have bragging rights to a piece that's more popular than either of the examples given, and just 10 points of shy of the Deathstar!

Ron