Film memorabilia

Fans have always coveted memorabilia, but in recent years, what was once a hobby has mushroomed into big business, with millions of dollars changing hands in auctions held by such firms as Christie's and Sotheby's.

Collectors had to rely on a handful of news magazines that were full of various sellers offering mail order catalogues or asking to buy bulk lots, or particular items of interest.

Movie studios were slow to recognize the value of their property,[3] "generally viewing the material as junk taking up precious backlot real estate.

[5] In the course of his work, Warner found several pairs of the ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz (it is common practice to make multiple copies of important props).

In 1995, popular on-line email group MoPo was formed, creating a central place for people to keep in touch about things and events important to the community.

Professional sellers took notice, causing many to close their bricks-and-mortar businesses and focus their attention completely on internet sites and the future of the on-line marketplace.

While one can see a rare film poster go for large amounts, it is far more common to find that items are priced either at or near market value, or are bid up to that point.

The Internet has clearly been an important influence on the business of memorabilia, but just as it has given large access to the purchase of legitimate goods, this has also given the opportunity for fakes be them replicas being sold as originals or even fraudulent signatures.

[19] As such the internet has also given access to places that assure you legitimacy with known auction houses and even something as small as certifications of authenticity like the JSA, and the PSA that grant acquired items some proof as reassurance for buyers.