Profiles In History Brings Iconic Props and Costumes to San Diego Comic Con

Article by Suzanne Philips

Photo copyright Profiles in History

 

 

Ever wonder how you would size up to Christopher Reeves’ Superman or Halle Berry’s Storm? You’re invited to come and visit the Profiles in History booth at this year’s Comic Con and interview Joe Maddalena, CEO of Profiles and star of Hollywood Treasure on Syfy. This year the Profiles in History booth, number 1605, will be a Comic Con attendees dream.

They will have Christopher Reeves’ screen used Superman costume and Marlon Brando’s Jor-El costume from Superman: The Movie. From X-Men they will have Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine claws and black leather battle suit, Professor X’s wheel chair and Halle Berry’s Storm battle suit. You’re welcome to ask but we doubt you’ll be able to try them on. Props include, the motorcycle from Ghost Rider as well as their significant collection of items from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory including a Golden Egg, a Golden Ticket and an Everlasting Gobstopper. There will also be plenty of surprises not listed here.

All of these items will be at Profiles in History’s four day Treasures from the Hollywood Vaults auction, July 28-31 in Los Angeles.

Joe Maddalena, born into a family of antique dealers, is now the world’s foremost authenticator of Hollywood memorabilia. From his first baseball card show at 12 to his first big buy, a handwritten letter of Abraham Lincoln dated January 8, 1863 regarding his issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation for $749,000, Profiles in History has become the world’s leading dealer in guaranteed authentic original Hollywood memorabilia, historical autographs, letters, documents, vintage signed photographs and manuscripts. Most recently Profiles in History auctioned off the record setting Debbie Reynold’s Collection. The Marilyn Monroe “Subway” dress from The Seven Year Itch went for $5.52M, the Marilyn Monroe signature red-sequined showgirl gown from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes went for $1.44M and the Audrey Hepburn Ascot Dress from My Fair Ladywent for $4.44M. He also auctioned off the screen used Captain America suit fromCaptain America: The First Avenger for $ 2228,000.

Founded in 1985 by Joseph Maddalena, Profiles in History is the nation’s leading dealer in guaranteed-authentic original historical autographs, letters, documents, vintage signed photographs and manuscripts.  Born into a family of antiques dealers in Rhode Island, Joseph “Joe” Maddalena learned early on how to turn his passion of collecting historical autographs into a career. Needing to support himself, Joe turned to his hobby of buying and selling historical documents as a potential way to earn revenue. On weekends he scoured old Hollywood bookstores for letters and rare books. Upon graduation from Pepperdine, Joe pursued his passion to become a full-time dealer of historical documents, and opened his first office in 1985. A lifetime member of the Manuscript Society, Joe is widely recognized as the nation’s leading authority on entertainment memorabilia and historical documents. Profiles in History has established itself as the world’s largest auctioneer of original Hollywood memorabilia, having held some of the most prestigious and successful auctions of Hollywood memorabilia and owning virtually every Guinness Book record prices for original screen-used memorabilia. With an extensive network of dealers, collectors, and institutions, Profiles in History is proud to play an important role in the preservation of motion picture history. Prior Profiles in History Hollywood auctions highlights include the “Cowardly Lion” costume from  The Wizard of Oz ($805,000); Steve McQueen’s “Michael Delaney” racing suit fromLe Mans  ($960,000); a Panavision motion picture camera used by George Lucas to filmStar Wars  ($624,000); a full-scale model T-800 Endoskeleton from Terminator 2: Judgment Day  ($488,750); Marilyn Monroe’s platinum & diamond wedding band from her marriage to Joe DiMaggio ($504,000); Marilyn Monroe’s “Diamonds” dress fromGentlemen Prefer Blondes  ($356,500); a King Kong 1933 six-sheet movie poster ($345,000); Luke Skywalker’s light saber from Star Wars  ($240,000); Margaret Hamilton’s “Wicked Witch” hat from The Wizard Of Oz ($230,000); and The Invisible Man1933 one-sheet movie poster ($230,000). From the history-making Debbie Reynolds Auction in June 2011, Profiles in History sold the Marilyn Monroe “Subway” Dress fromThe Seven Year Itch for $5.52M, the Marilyn Monroe signature red-sequined showgirl gown from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes for $1.44M and the Audrey Hepburn Ascot Dress from My Fair Lady for $4.44M. In February 2012, Profiles in History arranged the sale of a pair of Judy Garland screen-used Ruby Slippers from The Wizard of Oz  to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences. In addition, Joe Maddalena is the star of  Hollywood Treasure, which just ended its second season on Syfy.  Hollywood Treasure  takes viewers into the fascinating world of showbiz and pop culture memorabilia.  For more info on Profiles in History, visit www.profilesinhistory.com.
Author: Suzanne Philips
Film, TV, Theatre reviewer. Mad Dance Skillz, Crazy in a good way.

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