by Tiffany Turner

Created on: January 07, 2007   Last Updated: October 04, 2011

Ever wanted to own a piece of your favorite movie or T.V. show? Maybe you've seen a movie prop or costume on display in places like Planet Hollywood or the Hard Rock Cafe. Wouldn't it be incredible to own your own piece of Hollywood? But where do you start?

Buying TV/Movie Memorabilia On eBay

One of the first places to start is eBay. eBay is an on-line auction community where people all over the world can buy and sell items. It's like a giant garage sale. People collect items from all sorts of productions such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Charmed, Star Trek, and many other TV shows and movies. Many of the people have bought items from wardrobe/props studio auctions or wardrobe whole sellers in Hollywood. Tips to look for are whether a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) is available and the history of the item.

Many of the items are legitimate, but asking questions to the seller, checking if the item is pictured in an episode, or just finding out the original purchase origin will help validate the item as a real prop. Many people are lucky enough to purchase from end-of-production auctions and from collectors. Some sellers were involved in the production support as a stunt person, props manufacturer, or even special effects. So often just questioning the seller and reading the ad will confirm whether it is a real item used in the production of your favorite movie or T.V. show.

Prop/Wardrobe Auctions and Whole Sellers

Many businesses deal with purchasing items at the end of production for a show or movie. They often have websites with items available for different stars. The key to this source is the show/movie has ended production and the props/wardrobe have been sold and auctioned off by the studio. Stores like "It's a Wrap", "Reel Clothes" and "Piece of Hollywood" specialize in used clothing wardrobe. Both have websites with auctions on-line.

The stores are located in the LA area and often create a unique opportunity to purchase a piece of Hollywood illusion to take home from a vacation. The clothes and items in the stores are often tagged with a code telling what movie/studio/or T.V. show it was purchased from. Research may be needed to find the actual episode or character that wore it. Some items may have a wardrobe or prop tag. But sometimes, the hunt through the episodes to find the item is the ultimate thrill.

These tips should help you start a journey to own your own piece of Hollywood magic. Remember, Hollywood was built from illusion, and some of it is still for sell.

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