The Importance of Understanding Terminology

Due to the overwhelming amount of attention The Prop Blog’s coverage of the Profiles in History Lost Auction has received, I’ve decided it might be best to explain some terminology to some of the newer collectors.

One of the most common questions I’ve received over the last two days has been “What difference does it make if the prop wasn’t screen-used?”

This is a valid question, and monetary differences aside, it’s best explained using a baseball analogy.

Right now the entire sports world is fixated on Alex Rodriguez’s chase of 600 homeruns. Currently sitting 599, Major League Baseball has decided to substitute special baseballs for each of his at bats to verify the authenticity of the one he ultimately hits into the stands.

How does this relate to movie props and costumes? Simple really…pretend they are the substitute baseballs. During one at bat, A-Rod hits two foul balls and then his 600^th homerun. Three different fans now have three different baseballs, each of them exactly the same as the next. Although each fan may be content and happy with the one they caught, the real prize would be the 600^th homerun ball.

This is exactly why it’s important for collectors and news outlets to be particular about props and costumes. With many new potential collectors entering the hobby in an effort to walk away with an iconic piece from ABC’s hit television show Lost, it’s imperative that they all know the difference.

So for all of you new collectors, here are the terms you want to pay attention to.

Screen-used: A screen-used prop or costume is a piece clearly seen on screen. In some cases, verification will come directly from the auction house selling the piece or a production company supplying/consigning the piece. It is also possible for a collector to verify a piece as screen-used by screen-matching (see below) it. Props and costumes that meet this standard are typically the most valuable.

Production-made: This is a prop specifically made for production, likely used in production and may or may not have been used on-screen. Almost every non-replica falls into this category. While still valuable, production-made props are generally much less expensive than screen-used props.

Screen-matched: As I noted above, a screen-matched piece takes a very keen eye. It’s the ability and means of a collector or auction house to match specific details of a prop or costume to one clearly seen on screen. Very few props and costumes fall into this category.

Hero: A hero prop is a piece that is scene-specific. They are typically of the best quality and the most valuable. Similar to screen-used or screen-matched, a hero prop can be identified by comparing specific details seen on screen. In most cases, a hero prop is marked via the prop-master of a television show or movie.

Back-up: A back-up is a production made piece that never makes its way on screen. In most cases, several versions of these are made.

Stunt: A stunt prop is also production made with the purposes of filling in for a hero prop. It’s typically of lower quality, but is often screen-used and able to be screen-matched.

Double: A double is another production made piece and could also be screen-used, but is rarely used by the main actor. In most cases a double prop is used in close-up shots not involving key actors/actresses or possibly even stunt scenes.

Replica: A replica prop is not production made and is either made by a licensed company or fan/collector. Some of the more experienced collectors look down upon the creation and collection of replicas, but they offer a much more cost-effect means of collecting for those new to the hobby. They are rarely, if ever, sold or auctioned off by a reputable auction house or prop store.

Every single category of prop also represents a different price range. If you also take into consideration the amount of fakes in circulation, you can see why it’s very important to do your research.