Do you remember an outfit from your favorite TV Show or movie? What would you give to own the actual costume?
A lot of people are willing to pay big bucks for any original item related to TV shows or movies.
As TV developed in the 1950’s and 60’s people began to see there were a collectible advantage to holding on to set costumes. At that time, some were given away, but some actors or people on the set held on to some as remembrances.
Today, auctions are held that sell nothing but celebrity outfits or related items like guns, play money, jewelry and license plates.
I began collecting a few items in the 1990s and have some original items from the TV series Xena: Warrior Princess and the movie “Charlie’s Angels”.
I found them on eBay. They came from the studio themselves with a certificate of authenticity. I have them on my walls.
I would love to own more movie prop items, but there is one problem. Most are very expensive. And the older ones are out of reach for many of.
Original costumes like Batman and Robin go for $20,000-$30,000 apiece. Even Batgirl and the Joker have sold for over $10,000.
A Wonder Woman outfit sold for $25,000 in 2004 and is estimated at close to $50,000 today.
In 1994 Indiana Jones bomber jacket and hat sold for $18,400. Today it is valued at close to $30,000.
Can you imagine wearing an outfit from Rhett Butler? In 1993, one sold for nearly $10,000. It is not known what it may be worth today if were to go up for sale.
If you are really interested in original outfits or props, the best place to look is online. Various times throughout the year movie studios will sell props from their movies. Some may be benefits. Some may be to promote their movie. Whatever the reason is, people seem to jump all over it.
Original movie items are by far the hottest and fastest growing collector items on the market. Even in a bad economy people crave these items.
There are several reality TV shows that often sell movie star items for those who want to start collecting right away. You can try to contact one of those auction houses for more information.
If you have something that you think is original, find a good reputable auction house. Most really good auction houses know someone who can authenticate it. If you plan to keep the item, you probably will have to pay for the authentication. But, it will well be worth it.
If you plan to sell the item, the auction house will not charge you and will only charge you on the price the item sells for.
If you live near Hollywood, you have a big advantage. If you know someone in the business, let them know you are interested in obtaining outfits.
Many items from New York plays are just as valuable as movies. Or at least they will be in time. If you live near a theater that has some people who are up and coming actors, watch for what is available. You never know who can turn into the next superstar. Wouldn’t it be great to have a valuable piece of nostalgia? And, even if they don’t turn out to be the next Tom Cruise or Meryl Streep, it will still become quite a collection.
