Looking Back – The First BSG Live Auction

Now that the auctions are over, we thought we would take a look back with fond memories at the last year–the year we had all the pieces of BSG at our fingertips. So let’s go back to the moment it all began. The following is an account of the first live auction–as told through the eyes of one of our friends and favorite BSG fans, Shelley Littleton:

BSG Auction #1: Creating the Legend

The Final Episodes. The Final Five. The Propworx Battlestar Galactica Live Auction Event. The three day event January 16th, 17th and 18th 2009 in Pasadena, California and online at AuctionNetwork.com drew participants from all over the world bidding on props, costumes and set pieces from what critics and fans alike consider the greatest Science Fiction TV series ever made. Sponsored by NBC/Universal, this live auction marked the debut of Propworx, the entertainment industry’s premier auction house for production assets. Propworx has set the standard for event auctions, allowing fans and collectors to meet the creators and cast of their favorite series or movie and acquire iconic relics from these properties. The first live Battlestar Galactica auction was truly a milestone event, and capped what was a remarkable TV series with an auction that paid homage to the show and the people who created it.

Fans were eager to pick up a piece of the magic and drove prices to astronomical heights, often hundreds, if not thousands, above estimates. Online bidders, eager to beat fans that had made the trip to Pasadena, kept the bidding intense, and online live auction provider Auction Network managed to combine outstanding technology with top-notch auctioneers and production teams to ensure a smooth operation.

In conjunction with the live auction in Pasadena, 200 BSG items were up for sale on eBay, ending the Monday after the auction. This was followed by 34 weeks of eBay auctions over the next year!

Sin Qua Non

The title of one of Battlestar Galactica’s most famous episodes was “Sine Qua Non,” Latin for “without which not” or “without which it could not be” perfectly describes the Propworx-produced collectible auction catalog. A spectacular visual reference, the catalog featured sections with costumes from every major character, beautiful costume sketches and watercolors – works of art in their own right, production art and detailed plans, set decoration items, props and full-sized ser pieces. In addition to photos and detailed descriptions, the book includes behind the scenes interviews and insights from the series creators and crew.

With a bow to the Battlestar Galactica universe, the 319-page catalog featured cut corners, authentic typefaces, emblems, and a cover inspired by the Galactica’s log books used by Adama. The auction catalog is the perfect addition to any BSG collection.

The Fleet

Supplementing Propworx’s dedicated auction staff was The Colonial Fleet, the premier Batllestar Galactica fan club dedicated to all things BSG. Lovely red-dressed, blond-wigged Sixes mingled with officers in their Duty Blue Uniforms and flight deck crew members in fan-created costumes so authentic looking that fans in attendance wanted to know why they were wearing such valuable screen used costumes! The Fleet members assisted prospective buyers with questions about the auction items and added an authentic flair to the festivities. Many fans just wanted pictures next to their favorite fleet member (with a little spaceship in the background ).

Preview Day

Preview Day was a fantastic event where all the items to be auctioned were on display. Almost a thousand fans and collectors came on preview day to see the goods! Plus, Propworx and NBC/Universal flew down the department heads from BSG who each gave a one-hour chat on what it was like to work on the show and to give some behind-the-scenes tales of what it took to create the items that were being auctioned. Tricia Helfer, Michael Trucco, Michael Hogan and Richard Hatch all made appearences at Preview day, as did series creator Ronald Moore.

Day 1: Off With A Bang

The very first item, a set of production drawings and set plans valued at $500, sold for $1,200! That set the tone for the day, as drawings and concept art fetched hundreds, above estimates. Some of the original concept art that was used to sell Battlestar Galactica to SyFy channel went to some lucky winners. Much of the art were concept sketches in pencil by BSG concept artist Ken Rabehl, while many of the technical schematics of the sets were by Ivana Vassik.

Playing Dress Up

After the artwork and set drawings and a brief break, the first of the costumes went up on the block, and the first item was a doozie. Adama’s Duty Blues complete with rank pins and insignia, sold for and amazing $12,500. What a way to start off the costume group! A few items later, Starbuck’s Flight Suit blew the roof off with an outstanding $16,800 confirming the notion that someone would love to wear a sweaty, used leather suit, as long as Kara Thrace/Katee Sackhoff provided the sweat. Starbuck’s wardrobe raised almost $45,000, and not to be outdone, Apollo’s wardrobe was up next. Fan favorites, Lee Adama’s duty blue uniforms (both regular and “Fat Lee” size) drew the most interest, but Lee’s flight suit was also popular and reached $6,000. I guess more fans were interested in Katee’s than Jamie Bamber’s sweaty leather togs. $36,000 later, Colonel Tigh and Gaius Baltar’s clothing held the bidder’s attention, but it was Helo’s Dress Grays that wowed the crowd, hitting the $6,000 mark and confirming the old adage that we all love a man in uniform. Dee, Tyrol and Gaeta were up next, and they did not fail to impress. Uniforms, flight deck jumpsuits, BDUs and civilian wear all sold well. More big numbers came from Athena/Boomer, where only 8 lots totted up over $26,000. Another fan favorite, Crewman Specialist Cally Henderson, had a combination of military and civilian lots and provided the first petite crew jumpsuit for sale. Pilots Racetrack, Hotdog and Seelix along with Lieutenant Hoshi’s costumes also sold well. Hard living, smoke ‘em if you got ‘em Doc Cottle’s medical outfits followed along with many other characters dress uniforms, BDUs, jumpsuits, and flightsuits.

All Hail to the Chief

She may have only had a small bag on her original flight to Galactica aboard a Colonial Heavy Transport from Caprica in the original miniseries, but Laura Roslin always looked the part of President and classy lady. Her outfits up for auction included multiple pantsuits and skirts perfect for the politician on the go.

A Nod to the Past

The only actor to have roles in both the original and re-imagined BSG, as Apollo and Tom Zarek, Richard Hatch’s costumes drew a lot of interest from the bidders, with prisoner jumpsuits, politician-appropriate herringbone and his iconic black leather jacket up for sale.

A round of other civilian wear followed, including cougar Cylon Mom Ellen Tigh, kleptomaniac lawyer Romo Lampkin, high-priestess Elosha, in preparation for another round of military garb featuring razor-sharp Admiral Cain, haunted XO Kendra Shaw and Cain’s successor Commander Jack Fisk.

Devil with the Red Dress On

Things seemed rather calm and tranquil until Lot #260 appeared. The Red Dress. Slinky. Sexy. Over the top. Most of the ladies (and the men) wondered if they could buy the dress and the body to go with it. Men loved her and women wanted to be her (or, in some cases, the reverse). Tricia Helfer designated four favorite charities for the proceeds to go to and the bidders did not disappoint. $15,600 later, a lucky bidder took home one of the most desired red dresses in history. More Cylon Six dresses, cut out leather sets, opera-appropriate white, and even sackdress prisoner garb went for thousands, reinforcing the fact that fans love Six.

Cylons costumes continued to interest with Final Five and Presidential confidante Tory, Prophetic Two Leoben, Fanatic Five Doral, Boxed but Not Out Three D’anna, and Medic Four Simon along with Final Five white robes rounding out the group.

Ships Passing in the Night

As the costumes finished up, you could clearly hear the crowd’s excitement build for the largest items up for auction – the Raptor, Viper Mark VII and Cylon Raider. Many in the crowd dreamed of owning one of these fantastic ships, and a few even jotted down plans for the perfect storage building to protect their investment. When the bidding started, all the audience looked to each bidder, wondering who had the money (and the room) for an actual spaceship! Unfortunately, none of the ships reached their reserve, and now some of the ships are destined for a Battlestar Galactica exhibit to be held at the SciFi museum in Seattle this Fall!

Day Two: Props, Props, and More Props

Day two started the props section of the auction, and fan favorite Doc Cottle got in the game with his cigarette case and lighter. A few items later, the most important key on the Galactica, the FTL Key, sold for $3,600. Adama’s lighter, a symbolic prop for both father and son, also fetched a pretty penny, netting over $6,000. Personal photos, books, Galactica crew documents, equipment, and a Cylon Transponder were next leading up to the intricate and elaborate Elosha’s Scroll, one example of the Sacred Scrolls so often referred to in the series.

The Iconic Arrow

There were some iconic props in this auction, and Lots 482 and 483, the Arrow of Apollo Hero and Stunt version, were two of the finest. The Arrow starred in Season One’s two-part season finale,” Kobol’s Last Gleaming” and part of Season Two, the Arrow of Apollo was the focal point of the story arc where Starbuck steals the captured Cylon Raider and goes back to Caprica to find the Arrow, which President Roslin believes will guide the fleet to Earth. These two key pops brought top dollar, totaling over $13,000.

Notebooks, log books, crew paperwork, reference books,and radiation badges followed with essentials like Baltar’s nuclear bomb in custom carry case, the Blackbird signed hullplate, and Galactica “Top Gun” Beer Stein exciting the bidders. Tactical models of Galactica, Vipers, Cylon Baseships, Cylon Fighters and other ships were used in the “War Room” in various episodes, and interested hopeful buyers looking to plan their next mission. Helmets, guns, patches and military insignia featured prominently in the next grouping of items, and hard core fans drove the bidding up in order to acquire authentic items to complete their costumes.

No collection would be complete without a translight or two. Maps, plans and navigation routes were all planned on Galactica’s light tables, and these translights document the journey of Galactica and the humans to Earth. Popular translights for bidders included a large map of Kobol, the Cylon Baseship plans, and Galactica Schematic.

Equipment Anyone?

Phones of every shape and size, squadron shields, wall lights, Colonial One recliners and Pilot Ready Room Chairs were snapped up by bidders eager to redecorate their “Battlestar” dens. Bidders buzzed for Colony Flags, displayed at every BSG official function from swearing-ins to funeral masses. Furniture and set pieces from Laura Roslin’s office and Adama’s quarters were also popular with bidders as these items were constantly seen on screen and associated with the characters. The iconic oil painting “The Cylon War” which resided front and center in Adama’s quarters, demanded a staggering $21,000, shocking both bidders and auctioneers alike. The excitement continued to build for the larger set items, from Dee’s FTL console, Dradis displays, Officer’s Bunk Beds, large Galactica doors, the Cylon Resurrection Tub and the Cylon Centurion.

“The auction was certainly one of the most impressive Hollywood memorabilia auctions of all time,” said Propworx CEO Alec Peters after the event. “Certainly, no other auction has been put together with so much love and attention, and that is because my staff and I are all huge Battlestar fans, and NBC/Universal really wanted an event that would honor the show, not just sell the assets. I think we accomplished that.”

Of course what Alec didn’t realize he was doing, when he created such a spectacular event, was setting the bar even higher for the second live auction!

For a fantastic video of this auction, please visit the following link:

BATTLESTAR GALACTICA HIGHLIGHTS-First Propworx Auction

The Hard Six

Season after season we have watched our “Six” grow from a very tall, beautiful, earnest Cylon into a very tall, beautiful…uh, well we watched her remain the same and we love her for it. We count on her predictability. We know her so well. Almost to the point where we could go shopping for her–if ever asked to do such a job. And if we did, we would definitively head straight for the skimpy, tight, backless, red dress section and start grabbing. Then we would obviously make our way to the halter tops. And finally, if time permits, a quick stop in the pointy boots area. That should about do it.

I cannot tell you how many days I have said to myself, “Can’t I just for ONCE see ‘Six’ in something a little different? Sleazier? With chains? Perhaps with longer hair?! Or darker even? I know, why not feather it?! And while we’re changing the hair, let’s change her man! Let’s give her someone else to sleep with. Enough of this Baltar business!” Now, I know I am not alone in thinking these things. You too? Knew it.

Well, someone must’ve heard us when creating “The Plan”. The solution came in the form of “Tough SIx”. (Who the folks around here refer to as “Hard Six”. Because of our affinity for Craps…and double entendre.) She is still our Tricia Helfer, with the same knockout face and body. The difference is this time, we don’t have to see her in bed with the suave and handsome Baltar. We get to see her in a torrid love affair with, um, a more distinguished partner. A wiser lover. Enjoying the company of a seasoned gentleman. Oh alright, she is having an affair with Cavil and it is borderline disturbing. But different and exciting nonetheless. And her hair is indeed, darker, longer and more feathered, just like we wanted. The woman even wears a leather bra and chains, what a difference!

Last week, we had the first of Tough Six’s outfits up in our auction. The outfit consisted of a sleeveless black button-down vest, leather black bra with silver studded cups, burgundy jeans with black acid wash, a leather choker-style collar with silver chains and stiletto-heeled ankle boots with straps. The item had 13 bidders, and ended up going for $1,055.50. I know the rest of you with your eye on that auction were greatly disappointed to miss out on owning it. I myself was eyeing that chain choker with envy and am sad to see it go. Well, because seeing you disappointed is the last thing I would ever want, I thought I would give you a preview of the two, that’s right TWO “Tough Six” outfits we have coming up in the next round of auctions. So you will still have your chance to get a piece of this unique side of “Six”.

The first is a black sheer mesh and lace strapless negligee with matching sheer lace panties. As if this skimpy ensemble wasn’t exciting enough already, included as an accessory is a black lace choker with three silver chains. There is no size information available, but judging from the looks of it, I would call it “teeny tiny”.

The second outfit is a shirt and leather jacket ensemble. A long-sleeved brick red sheer cotton shirt by Hugo Boss with button-down front. Size 36. The jacket is by Kenneth Cole Reaction with four front flap-style pockets. It is a size medium.

Keep watching the countdown clock.  Your day to own these items is rapidly approaching.

Happy bidding!

Let the Countdown Begin! And Catalogs available on eBay.

Well, week 1 of 4 of the “33″ auctions featuring items from “The Plan” is over and you now have less than 33 days to go before auction # 2.  Keep track of this with the 33 countdown clock on our home page.

Also, we have listed the first and second auction catalogs on eBay for a Buy It Now of $ 35 each, or get $ 10 off when you buy a set!.  So if you never got them, please go to eBay and check them out.

Note that we pack catalogs very well and ship UPS.  We had a lot of problems early on with a fulfillment provider shipping using USPS Medial Mail, or Priority Mail and so we ship these ourselves, wrapped in bubble wrap.  These are collectors items and as you all well know, we take our collectibles seriously!

Alec

Five Cylons for the price of one!

This week in the “33″ auctions” we have a special lot that we have not done before:  one of each of the five Cylon gunnery range targets that the fleet used to get their anger and aggression out on.    These targets have been sold separately before (just check out the Battlestar Galactica auction archive), but never as a set.   This may be your chance to get a great deal, or go in with your friends and split them up.

We saw Starbuck shooting out the Leoben target, and Kat took some shots at the Sharon target after the gyro thing that was meant to cause you to lose your equilibrium.  There were a few scenes where the Cylon Target was in the background as well.

When sold individually, the prices have ranged based on which character’s image was on the target.  The Cylon Centurion is the most popular and has sold for a low of $ 260, to a high of just over $ 1,000!  Simon is the least popular, but maybe more so now that his character is a lot more likable in “The Plan”.  Opps!  Did I just give a spoiler?

I think this lot could go in the $ 4-500 range and be a steal!  So chat with your buddies and pass around the hat.  This will be a great deal I am sure.

Also, there are one of each target available separately in case you just want one.  But be careful!  We have seen a lot of people moving to snipe programs over the last 6 months and that means prices are deceptively low till the last 10 seconds!  So bid early and bid your maximum.  You don’t want to get snipped for a few dollars and regret it!

Good hunting!

Alec

T-Minus 2 Days Until the “33 Auctions”

It’s almost the time for the launch of the “33 Auctions”, 4 monthly auctions, separated by 33 days each, that will be the last of the Battlestar auctions.  Each auction will include items from the Battlestar movie “The Plan,” out on DVD today, as well as items from the entire series.  Propworx latest BSG auction on eBay will kick off 2 days from now (tick tick).  So close!  So set your schedules accordingly and get ready for your last chance to purchase original props and costumes from the greatest Sci Fi series of all time.

In an attempt to make your mouse-clicking fingers tingle in anticipation, we thought we would give you a preview of a couple items that could be yours!

Of course, there are secrets we must keep for now.  We hardly want to be known as the “bearers of spoilers”.  “The Plan” tells the story of the Miniseries through Season Two of BSG from the Cylons‘ point of view.  It resolves many unanswered questions that have no doubt given BSG fans sleepless nights since the series ended.  Get ready to sleep like a baby again–”The Plan” is being released today on Blu-Ray and DVD!  Many of the items up for bid in this first week of auctions are directly related to the new twists that unfold in “The Plan.”  Keep an eye out, they are among the 200 items that will be launching Thursday.

In the meantime (without giving anything away), here are two items we are proud to be offering:

BATHROOM DOOR FROM GALACTICA

Bid on one of the doors from Galactica’s unisex bathroom!  It was used in the Miniseries and throughout all four seasons of the series, as well as being a prominent element in a very important scene in “The Plan.”  The door itself is a sheet metal covered wooden door with a sliding latch.  It is one of only four remaining.  Why not try for the whole set?!!  This piece is not only iconic and a great conversation piece, but impressive in its size and design.

COACH’S CLIPBOARD AND GAME PLANS

The C-Bucs and their coach were involved in “high altitude training” at the exact moment of the Cylon attack on Caprica, and thus, survived.  How fortunate for them…or was it?!!!  “The Plan” gives a detailed account of this pyramid team turned resistance fighters in the weeks following the Cylon occupation.  This prop, used specifically in “The Plan,” is Coach’s plastic clipboard featuring a Buccaneers logo on the back.  It includes one full-color page of eight plans for plays.  Since the C-Bucs play such a prominent role in “The Plan,” there are many new items used by the team that will be offered in the auctions.  This happens to be one of our favorites–very striking and in excellent condition.  Also, to the delight of our “nerd sides”, the game plans themselves appear to be an homage to the classic Nintendo game, “Tecmo Bowl”.

Stay tuned to this site for more information on each week’s auction, and join the conversations on our forum!

“The 33 Auctions”

Propworx is proud to announce the last of the Battlestar Galactica eBay auctions, “The 33 Auctions”. These auctions will feature items from the new Battlestar Galactia DVD movie, The Plan, as well as items from the Battlestar Galactica series.

The Plan tells the story of the Cylons, the Fleet and the resistance fighters on Caprica from the Cylon point of view. It spans the time from the mini-series through Season 2 and explains and expands on many of the Cylon story lines.

“The 33 Auctions” will launch every 33 days, featuring a wide variety of sought after props, costumes and set pieces—the last Battlestar Galactica items EVER to be offered for auction by Propworx. In addition to the iconic props from the series, Propworx is pleased to include props and costume specifically from The Plan, which will be released on DVD and Blu-Ray October 27th.

The first of “The 33 Auctions” will follow The Plan’s DVD release, and will start on Thursday, October 29th. It will continue until Thursday, November 5th. From there, the auctions will take place every 33 days for a total of 4 weeks.

The dates of “The 33 Auctions” are as follows:

eBay Auction Week One:      October 29, 2009 – November 5, 2009

eBay Auction Week Two:      December 8, 2009 – December 15, 2009

eBay Auction Week Three:    January 17, 2010 – January 24, 2010

eBay Auction Week Four:      February 26, 2010 – March 5, 2010

BSG Auction # 2

Battlestar Galactica is near and dear to many of our hearts.  Certainly, it launched a new career for me.  It also ranks second behind Star Trek as the biggest prop & costume category in the hobby.  No other show, other than Star Trek, has as many items in circulation as does BSG thanks to 2 live auctions and 26 weeks of eBay auictions.

The two live auctions were hailed by many as the best prop & costume auctions ever held.  That was due to the attention to detail and creating a fun environment that NBC/Universal and Propworx strived for.  One area this was very evident in was the auction space itself.  Every item was available for preview and we tried to create a museum like feel to the space.

Here are two of my favorite photos from the second BSG auction.  The first is a photo we took of the preview area, which was made to represent the Galactica hanger deck.  It included custom made struts that mimicked the look of the Galactica hanger deck.  Becky Casey spearheaded the effort to get these built, and they really made the space look amazing!

And of course the photo of The Colonial Fleet, the biggest and best BSG fan group. They came in costume to each of the live auctions and added a great sense of community and passion to the events.

Good Hunting!

Alec

Thanks to everyone and stay tuned for more!

First of all, thank you to everyone who has purchased an item from us over the past 7 months!  I know I speak for NBC/Universal as well as all of us at Propworx, when I say it has been both a pleasure to help you all, and a real honor to get the chance to preserve these assets in a fashion befitting the greatest Sci Fi show of all time!  The people at NBC/Universal, Kurt Ford, Becky Casey and Todd Sharp, are all appreciative of you fans for wanting to take home a part of the show and helping to make these the best prop & costume auctions ever. And your support means that it is quite likely that Kurt Ford will get approval to do a limited number of auctions of assets that we have saved from “The Plan”, the Battlestar Galactica movie that will be released on DVD and Blu Ray this October, and be on Sci Fi channel in November. The Plan will be an awesome event, and we hope you will all be part of the auctions. Just keep reading the Propworx site for news.

In the mean time, please become part of the Battlestarprops.com forums! There are hundreds of BSG prop & costume collectors who are trading stories and photos of their collections and even selling items between them on our Black Market! Just click on the link on our home page.

Thanks to you all, Propworx is now a major force in the industry, and our dedication to the integrity of the assets, serving you in the best way possible, and producing a fun event, not just selling stuff, has helped raise the expectations of what is acceptable in the Hollywood memorabilia auction industry. We have other properties in the works, and a new Propworx web site will be launching shortly, so you can catch all the news of our upcoming projects. In the mean time, follow us on Twitter, where we are Propworx (I know, a big surprise there).

Thanks again!

Alec Peters

CEO

Propworx

The final BSG auctions end tonight!

Today is your last chance to get your hands on Battlestar Galactica props, costumes & set decoration!  The auctions start closing at 3:00pm PST and auctions end every minute till they are all gone.  And with almost 400 items, that means a lot of auctions and many great chances to get great items at a good price.

We are all sad to see the auctions ending, but we hope to bring you items in October from the new BSG movie “The Plan”.  We are working with the good people at NBC/Universal to bring that to you.  Todd Sharp, the executive in charge of production of BSG for NBC was in our warehouse this past week and got to see our operation and that was the first step.  We had detailed discussions for The Plan auction, and I think we are closer to getting an approval now.  Kurt Ford, the auction czar and guy who made this all possible, will be making the final decision with Becky Casey, his right hand and the genius behind the flight deck struts that made the Second Live Auction look so amazing, and the aforementioned Todd Sharp (as passionate a BSG fan as there is).  The are all very committed to making these auctions a great experience for you all.

The BSG auction forums are buzzing about these auctions and it isn’t too late to join the conversation.  Just go to www.battlestarprops.com and click on the forum link.

Good luck to you all today and thank you for all your patronage and support the past 8 months!  We have had a blast and value the input and feedback we have gotten to make our process better.  We will keep improving so our next auctions are even better!

Alec Peters

CEO

Propworx

Week 25 auctions launching!

We had wanted to get the auctions launched for Week 25 earlier than usual, since we will have approximately 300 items up this time, but some unforeseen circumstances have delayed us a bit.  This includes our key technology person being without Internet access and the increased number of auctions causing some unanticipated problems for the new duo of Damien and Thomas (who have been working their butts off for the past 3 weeks to get this all done).  Harry assures me that the auctions will begin launching shortly, and I hope you find them worth waiting for.

One of the first things Damien did for the final two weeks of auctions was go through all the costumes and set up the very best for the final two weeks.  That means we have some great hero costumes, and some never before seen costumes.  We even have a flight suit or two that we just returned to us by the BSG VFX department that they had used for computer modeling!

With only two weeks of auctions to go, we think you will find some cool stuff that you haven’t seen before, as well as the final bits of items that you have seen for a while (yes, more Pegasus books…….).

We are keeping everyone updated on our forum if you need up to the minute notes!

Thanks for your patience!

Alec

Next Page »