Nelson Deedle has been buying and selling genuine celebrity autographs and movie industry memorabilia since 1989. Recognized for his extensive knowledge, Mr. Deedle has been a consultant to collectors who seek his authentication and appraisal services for their possessions. He is knowledgeable about popular Hollywood collectibles, including movie props.

1. Sources for Collecting
Original Movie Props
By Nelson Deedle

2. Nelson Deedle has been buying and
selling genuine celebrity autographs and
movie industry memorabilia since 1989.
Recognized for his extensive knowledge,
Mr. Deedle has been a consultant to
collectors who seek his authentication and
appraisal services for their possessions.
He is knowledgeable about popular
Hollywood collectibles, including movie
props.
Sources for Collecting Original
Movie Props

3. Original movie props are theatrical property
used on the set to enhance the realism of the
film’s story. Props include items handled
directly by actors or used as screen
decorations on the set. Depending on the
nature of the film, the movie studios may
contract with vendors to custom-make props,
or they may purchase used items,
particularly those commonly found during the
historical period reflected in the story.
Sources for Collecting Original
Movie Props

4. The parties who decide the fate of movie props after
a film is completed will vary with each movie. As part
of their contract, some film directors may choose to
keep their theatrical props in storage or give them
away. On the other hand, the movie studios may
have sole ownership and may sell these items with
the assistance of an auction company. In some cases,
the prop-makers have an agreement with the movie
studios to have theatrical props returned to them
after filming, in which case they take responsibility
for the sale of these objects.
Sources for Collecting Original
Movie Props

5. Collectors purchase original movie props through various
venues, including movie studio auctions, move-related
events, or at the stores of authorized vendors. Additional
movie prop sources include online auction services and
private sellers who have advertised their possessions.
Collectors seeking original movie props will want to
authenticate their purchases to ensure that they are not
buying a replica. To avoid unnecessary risk, a buyer should
purchase movie props from dealers or private parties who
will accept a return. Experts advise collectors to seek a
certificate of authenticity (COA), although the buyer should
be aware that these might be replicated or forged. The
most reliable COAs are those that originate directly from
the movie studios. Another verifiable source is sales
documentation that can be traced back to the movie
studio.
Sources for Collecting Original
Movie Props