This has Tom Spina's name written all over it....

[GeorgeL]

I wish i had some spare cash (that isnt saved for something soon to be released). :lol

I'd be all over this and it would go directly to Tom to work his magic. In poor shape but we all know what he could do with it...

Clutch: edited to remove auction link

 

[Clutch]

Sorry, but links to live auctions are not permitted in the prop forum.

 

[franz bolo]

I think a lot of the Profiles stuff is very suspect.

They claim to have the original Chewbacca Head. I think it's not true.

We all know the Gary Kurtz lightsabers that were sold were not authentic to the film.

I don't know how some of these prop brokers get away with it!!

FB

 

[adamata]

If its the one I think it is, then the chewbacca head is legit. I held it at C4 and I know the owner.

 

[bigbaddaddyvader]

The chewbacca head is partially screenused.The cowl and forehead are original screenused but the hair and some other bits are production-made but not screenused.Still a very,very nice piece.Strangely most of the SW items in this PIH seem to be above-board.Still not sure how much I trust any prequel stunt sabers any more although I am told the ones in this PIH auction are legit.

 

[Clutch]

BTW, GeorgeL was referring to the yoda that's in pretty bad shape.
I'm surprised that they didn't do the Chewie bust with eyes open. Who can forget those baby blues?

 

[bigbaddaddyvader]

That Yoda really is in a disgraceful state.Something should have been done to stabilise that piece long ago.Like the title says it does have Tom's name ALL over it!

 

[franz bolo]

The chewbacca head is partially screenused.The cowl and forehead are original screenused but the hair and some other bits are production-made but not screenused.Still a very,very nice piece.Strangely most of the SW items in this PIH seem to be above-board.Still not sure how much I trust any prequel stunt sabers any more although I am told the ones in this PIH auction are legit.

The nose looked like it was new. I knew from the condition that it wasn't the exact one in the first movie. It looks nice though!

THIS Flintstones Prop is obviously not real. It's not even close to the screencap.

FB

 

[Cenobyte]

Profiles had a "Screen used" ANAKIN saber at San Diego Comic con.

It was easily recognized as an Obi wan saber :/

They did not even want to hear that the saber was visually an obi wan and even the picture with it was with a anakin saber that looked nothing like the one they were displaying.

Also they sold a proven fan made Ghostbusters proton pack and claiming it was screen used.

I have no faith in all with Profiles. They have proven to not be honest and when confronted with undeniable proof of an object's authenticity, they refuse to listen.

 

[GeorgeL]

I was just looking at their items listed and would question many before bidding.

Good to know. I guess you would really need to do your homework if you're thinking about bidding on one of their auctions.

They are using Howards Freddy 1:1 head on the dummy they are opening up at 10k. I think the Jason as well. Didnt bother clicking on the auction as I would never think about spend 10k on either screen used outfit. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think this is like the 5th or 6th time I've seen these outfits auctioned off claiming they are the screen used Hero costumes. Not by profiles but by several different auctioneers. SKETCHY!

The only auction I really thought was awesome was the full size Johnny5 robot from short circuit. But at 100k I think I'll pass. They said it cost 175k to make back in the 80's. Have they ever heard of depreciation? :lol

Jesse James could probably slap one of those together nowadays for 5k. :lol

Seriously though, its nice and I'd love to own it but its waaaay outta my reach.

 

[ReturningSon]

Yeah, PIH is fishy. I rember when they listed Scott Brodeen's 48 nautilus for $48,000. They said it cost "$30,000 to make" which was a flat out lie. They also claimed that is was simply the "most accurate version ever made" which, coming from Scott Brodeen himself, was also not true. The whole three paragraphs seemed to be either lies, half truths, or eloquent language...and not to mention their items seem to be priced out of proportion!

 

[GeorgeL]

:thumbsdownThey are obviously a consignment shop. The seller drops off the item with a description and they simply list it under their seller name. I'm sure they have a bunch of low paid clueless employees who dont even know a thing about movies or the props that go along with them. Sad indeed.

 

[OldKen]

BTW, GeorgeL was referring to the yoda that's in pretty bad shape.
I'm surprised that they didn't do the Chewie bust with eyes open. Who can forget those baby blues?

What did you want? to have Peters head in there? You sat 1 table away from him at Jons reception, you know those were HIS eyes... not contacts or somethin! LOL!

Hopefully this Yoda will find its way to Tom one way or another!

 

[Apollo]

Imo any old latex mask or Prothstetic should have one of Tom's business cards included with it!

 

[lonepigeon]

Profiles had a "Screen used" ANAKIN saber at San Diego Comic con.

It was easily recognized as an Obi wan saber :/

They did not even want to hear that the saber was visually an obi wan and even the picture with it was with a anakin saber that looked nothing like the one they were displaying.

IIRC they just mixed up the signs between the two resin sabers they had on display. The Obi-wan sign was next to the Anakin saber (Ki Adi Mundi style from Ep2).

 

[PHArchivist]

I'm sure they have a bunch of low paid clueless employees who dont even know a thing about movies or the props that go along with them. Sad indeed.

That's a little harsh... Objectively criticizing their claims is one thing (and within our rights). Publicly denigrating their employees is tactless and inappropriate.

 

[Sluis Van Shipyards]

What did you want? to have Peters head in there?

:lol I don't know, I don't think I could afford that...


I saw that Yoda head pic in one of the con threads. I don't know who would actually buy that. It's way to far gone.

 

[GeorgeL]

"That's a little harsh... Objectively criticizing their claims is one thing (and within our rights). Publicly denigrating their employees is tactless and inappropriate."



It might be a little harsh but it’s more than likely the truth. Haven’t you noticed that retail in the USA has resorted to this method? Low paid employees = crap service. It’s been going on since the mid 1990's. If this company had anyone working for them that knew anything about movie props you wouldn’t hear half the complaints you are hearing in this thread. I work hard for my money and provide superior customer service, so when I see half @ss businesses making (or trying) to make money off people like us it annoys me. I apologize for speaking my mind out loud. If I offended you then I am sorry.

Whenever I auction any of my collectibles/props I am 100% honest with my descriptions. If I am unsure then I indicate that in the description so the seller knows to ask questions. In some of those auctions they appear to be just "winging it".

 

[jdebord]

I thought I'd post a few links to my blog about Profiles in History, in an effort to share some information and opinions...

Here is a link to an article I posted about today's auction: LINK

Here is a link to an interview I conducted with Joe Maddalena, owner of Profiles in History, back in June: LINK

Here's a link to the Ghostbusters Proton Pack mentioned in this topic - it did make it to the catalog, but was pulled once it became known to be a replica with a real COA - LINK

As far as authenticity goes, I don't think it's accurate to make blanket statements one way or another. Given that it is all resale, from a variety of sources, there is always risk. Most all are consignment pieces, so in a way, it is as though Profiles is akin to eBay, only in most cases, you can't know who the sellers (consignors) are. In short, you can't know the "Feedback" of the consignors, in that it is confidential in many/most instances.

The upside is, many consignors are industry people with direct ties to the productions - crew, actors, and other principals.

The downside is, some consignors are merely collectors/dealers that buy on eBay and flip the items in the next auction.

Best advice is to research any piece you might be interested in fully - always assume something is inauthentic until proven otherwise (as opposed to assuming it is good unless proven bad). Also to be aware of the Terms & Conditions, which usually comes down to "buyer beware" and "all sales final".

If you have interest in original props, I highly recommend checking out the Movie Prop Forum - a wealth of information from experienced hobbyists.

Jason

 

[PHArchivist]

Excellent post -- an example of a researched and supported reflection of the company, opposed to unfounded, cavalier opinion.