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Vintage Superman TV and Movie Costumes Heading to Auction
A trio of vintage Superman television and movie costumes will be available at Heritage Auctions' upcoming 2021 Entertainment & Music Memorabilia Signature Auction which takes place November 4th - 7th, 2021.
The costumes available at auction consist of ones worn by actors Kirk Alyn in the 1948 & 1950 Superman movie serials, George Reeves in the 1950's "Adventures of Superman" television series, and Christopher Reeve in the 1987 film, "Superman: IV - The Quest for Peace".
Heritage Auctions offers the following detailed description of each costume:
Kirk Alyn "Superman" Costume Ensemble from Superman (Columbia, 1948/1950). Kirk Alyn made history by becoming the first actor to star as Superman in the first live-action appearance of the superhero on film. Vintage original (3) piece costume including (1) blue knit wool long sleeve bodysuit with creme and cocoa wool felt "S" applique patch affixed to chest with integral fabric knee-length cape affixed at the shoulders and featuring an "S" applique patch at central back of cape, (1) pair of cocoa knit, machine stitched wool high-briefs with wide belt loops at hips, (1) pair of gray knit wool tights with elastic stirrups. Worn in the early serial days of Kirk Alyn's "Superman." Accompanied by a LOA from previous owner Ed Kosinski who purchased the costume directly from Mr. Alyn in 1983. Also includes a signed photo of Kirk Alyn as "Superman" in a flying pose. Exhibiting expected age and production wear with some fading and pilling. With fading to some areas. In vintage Very Good Condition. Comes with a COA from Heritage Auctions.
George Reeves "Superman" Costume Ensemble from Adventures of Superman (Warner Bros. TV, 1952-58). George Reeves was the first actor to portray Superman on the small screen, becoming a staple in American households in the 1950s, forever etched into the minds of Baby Boomers. Vintage original, remarkable (2) piece "Superman" costume consisting of (1) blue knit wool, long sleeve bodysuit with yellow and red wool felt "S" applique patch affixed to chest and featuring an integral, plainweave, noil fabric, floor-length cape affixed at the shoulders and featuring "S" applique patch at central back of cape and (1) pair of red knit, machine stitched wool briefs with wide belt loops at hips and (1) yellow synthetic-coated leather belt with oval brass buckle that fastens with hook and eye in the back of the buckle, which has been identified by experts as seen in many of the later color episodes and the finest example existing. Body suit/cape retains the internal Western Costume bias label typed, "George Reeves." The costume is accompanied by an extensive professional summary of the textile examination. Costume pieces exhibit age, production wear and fading in areas, particularly to the cape and back of costume. The tunic bears a cluster of small holes in the vicinity of the chest emblem and proper left shoulder. Sensitive repairs to waist of bodysuit. The belt exhibits some delamination, damage and a .6" hole to the back portion. Includes copious supporting materials and LOAs from collectors (including renowned Hollywood prop and costume authority James Comisar, who states this Superman costume was donated by the show's producer to a Southern California university, presuming the executive to be Whitney Ellsworth due to "WE12" handwritten on the tunic's label), historians and other knowledgeable parties including, Thol Simonson, FX artist on the show. Comes with a COA from Heritage Auctions.
Christopher Reeve "Superman" Costume for Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (Warner Bros., 1987). Christopher Reeve is perhaps the generationally best-known actor associated with the role of Superman. Vintage original (4) piece superhero costume consisting of (1) a blue stretch-fabric body suit with "S" logo sewn and blocked inset panel at chest and integral red bikini briefs with belt loops and zipper back closure with internal "Berman & Nathan's" bias label marked "Christopher Reeve / Walking / Superman IV," (1) pair of matching blue leggings with internal "Berman & Nathan's" bias label marked "Christopher Reeve / Walking / Superman IV," (1) full-length red cape with yellow "S" logo applique patch on back, snaps at shoulders for affixing to costume, and internally marked "Christopher Reeve / Walking / Superman IV," and (1) pair of red leather knee-boots with hidden zippers in back and with both marked internally, "C4". Exhibiting minor age and production wear with right boot retaining gaffer's tape marks and some piling and pulling to suit front. Overall in vintage Very Fine condition. Provenance: Profiles in History Auction 18, March 31, 2004, Lot 320. Comes with a COA from Heritage Auctions.
Bidding for the Heritage Auctions Entertainment & Music Memorabilia Signature Auction officially opens on Friday, October 15th. For more information as well as additional Superman items available for auction, please visit Entertainment.HA.com.
