FURTHER 7th Doctor items on eBay

A few more original costume pieces from the Seventh Doctor era have popped up on eBay.
Here’s what I found.

Seventh Doctor
Brown Hankie

SOLD FOR £650

Here we have an incredibly rare opportunity to aquire a screen used Hankie/hat band from Sylvester McCoy's final Season 26 costume, almost nothing exists privatly of his final season costume as very little multiples were made due to the program being axed at the end of the season.

During the 2010 Bonhams Dr Who auction of all the 100's of lots only one included a Dr's costume piece such is their rarity, I know of only 3 season 26 Hankies.

The Curse of Fenric
Haemovore Boots

This is a pair of boots worn by a Haemovore in the 1989 Doctor Who story The Curse of Fenric.

They were purchased as part of an almost complete costume several years ago. Having sold the bulk of the costume on, I’ve since found these at the back of a cupboard! They’re a fun item if nothing else!

Is Peter Jackson a mystery auction buyer?

A news story doing the rounds this week, emanating from the Entertainment Weekly website, concerns Lord Of The Rings director Peter Jackson.

It’s been long known that Peter is a Doctor Who fan - especially of the Sylvester McCoy era.

In August 2011 I reported the news that Peter Jackson showed off his original Doctor Who costumes to Sylvester himself when he was auditioning for his role in The Hobbit.

The current story centres on a quote from Peter where he expresses his desire to direct a future episode of Doctor Who, stating he’d do it and only ask for a Dalek in exchange for his fee!

But the part of the article that caught my attention more than anything was the photo of Peter surrounded by part of his collection of Who props.

Firstly he is wear a (not so good) Tom Baker scarf. “So?” you might ask - but if you look carefully you’ll see it is part of a lot that sold at Bonhams in 2007.

The sale was of particular note as and ORIGINAL Tom Baker velvet frock coat sold for £8,400 - but a poorly matched ensemble costume sold for a staggering £24,600!

The scarf he is wearing is part of that costume.

It would now appear the buyer was none other than Peter Jackson!

Furthermore the Cyberman lurking at the back looks to be one of those sold at the 2010 Bonhams Doctor Who Auction.

It might appear that this A-list director has been a secret auction stalker for quite some time...

EVEN MORE 7th Doctor item on eBay!

We’re a couple of months into 2013 and some original Seventh Doctor items have started to appear on eBay. Here’s what I’ve found.

Silver Nemesis
Cyberman helmet - rear section

SOLD FOR £875

Here we have an extremely rare opportunity to aquire and original screen used Silver Nemesis Cyberman helmet rear section.

Original Cyberman items are amongst the rarest of Doctor Who props and Silver Nemesis pieces even more so. For the 25th anniversery story the Cyberman were revamped and had chrome plated helmets and chest panels, almost as soon as they started filming these started to react to the sun light and turn gold this can be made out in the on set image. After filming the costumes went back to the BBC to be used in various exhibitions at which point they were spray painted silver so almost nothing survives in its original un touched chrome plated finish.

This helmet rear section survives in its original chrome finish as it was gifted on set by Sylvester McCoy and Sophie Aldred to a crew member at which point it was signed by them.

Time And The Rani
Urak Tetrap Hand

SOLD FOR £450

A Tetrap paw inscribed "Urak", moulded and painted latex, with faux fur.  Purchased at the Bonhams 2010 Doctor Who auction lot 87.

MORE original 7th Doctor items on eBay!

I’ve been keeping an eye out on eBay, and I’ve come across some more original Seventh Doctor items for you.

Here’s what I found.

The Curse Of Fenric
Haemovore Costume

SOLD FOR £85

THIS PROP IS FULLY WEARABLE, AND HAS HISTORY I BOUGHT THE HEAD AT THE DOCTOR WHO EXHIBION DAPOL AUCTION MANY YEARS AGE. I AM INCLUDING THE JACKET AND TROUSERS ALSO. THIS IS A VERY REAR AND COLECTABLE ITEM AND IS DOING GREAT FOR ITS AGE. A MUST HAVE FOR COLLECTORS AND WOULD MAKE A GREAT GIFT!

And if you can’t afford a WHOLE Haemovore, you can always buy a bit of one!

Curse Of Fenric
framed piece of Haemavoure mask

SOLD FOR £35

Original screen used Haemavoure costume piece from Curse of Fenric (1989)

This is an unbelievable piece for all Dr Who fans.

Any props from the original series of Dr Who are rare, those from actual creatures are even rarer.

This is a piece from the 1989 story starring Sylvester McCoy - Curse of Fenric. These fantastic creatures are iconic and this is fondly remembered as one of the highlights of the Mcooy years, in one of the best stories of the era.

This costume was purchased in a Bonham’s auction. Like all foam latex masks, these deteriorate greatly with time. Whilst some haemavoures do survive, they are not doing well. This piece is from one of these original screen used creatures that is no more and are extremely rare. I only have one left!

This highly detailed piece was from the neck and has survived wit hthe intricate detail clear to see.

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and is brought to you with no reserve.

This piece is presented in a 3D display frame and come with a certifcate of authenticity from the doctor who prop experts from whom I bought the costume, who got them from the Bonhams BBC auction.

Bonhams auction - 12th December 2012

It’s nearly December, and that means yet another Bonhams Entertainment Memorabilia sale.

As usual Doctor Who gets a look in, with a range of eras represented, including a stunningly colourful poster for the second Peter Cushing Dalek film, Daleks Invasion Earth 2150AD.

But the main items on offer cover the now finished spin-off series, Torchwood and Sarah Jane Adventures. Since both these series had the bulk of their runs alongside the Tennant era, I have listed them in my Coat blog.

Here is the only two items from the McCoy era.

Bonhams sale 1793
(12th December 2012)
Entertainment Memorabilia

Lot 143
Third Doctor (1970-1974)

Lot 144
Fourth Doctor (1975-1980)

Lot 145
Sixth Doctor (1984-1986)

Lots 148 & 161
Eleventh Doctor (2010-date)

Lots 150 - 163
Torchwood and The Sarah Jane Adventures

Lot 118
Daleks Invasion Earth 2150, British Lion Films, 1966, British ABC Cinema quad poster, with overlaid snipe for 'Indian Paint', 30 x 40 inches (76x102cm)
Estimate: £500 - 700
Sold for £625

Lot 146
Doctor Who - Remembrance Of The Daleks: An autographed Outside Broadcasting Schedule for 4th-13th April 1988, front cover signed by Sylvester McCoy and Sophie Aldred, with 38 numbered pages detailing locations, cast and crew instructions
Estimate: £250 - 300
Sold for £187

Footnotes
A statement with this lot confirms it was bought from an auction on 4th September 1993 at the Panopticon 'Doctor Who Convention'. Sylvester McCoy signed it at 'Collectormania', June 2012 and Sophie Aldred at a 10th Planet signing.

Lot 147
Doctor Who: A 'Tardis' panel, in blue-painted wood with white lettering Police Telephone Free For Use Of Public Advice And Assistance Obtainable Immediately Officers And Cars Respond To Urgent Calls Pull To Open, 11½ x 14½ inches (29x36.5cm)
Estimate: £400 - 500
Withdrawn from sale

Footnotes
According to information from the vendor, this was supplied by the BBC to CAL, the company that animated the 'Doctor Who' title sequence for the 24th Series in 1987. Oliver Elms, the BBC graphics designer who story-boarded the sequence, sent the Tardis panel to CAL to be used as part of the design process. From the livery and typeface, this is a 1980s-style door sign.

Costume Station Zero - The Real McCoys

My good friend Bob Mitsch in the US has released the latest episode of his Costume Station Zero podcast!

EPISODE 10

24th October 2012

This time Bob is joined by Chris Pocock and John Walker, the webmasters of classicdoctorwhoprops.com to talk about their impressive collection of original costumes and props.

They own the complete screen-worn Colin Baker costume I have used to create The Ultimate Six Frock Coat.

They also discuss meeting Colin Baker and Sylvester McCoy!

Ep 10 - The Real McCoys (part 1)

Ep 10 - The Real McCoys (part 2)

Original 7th Doctor items - on eBay!

Over the past couple of weeks there has been a small flurry of original Seventh Doctor Props and costumes for sale on eBay. It’s been like a mini Bonhams auction!

Here’s what’s been on offer.

Seventh Doctor
TARDIS Key

SOLD FOR £1,650

Original Tardis key used by Sylvester McCoy as the seventh Doctor during the 1988 season of Doctor Who.

Originally constructed in plastic board, moulded in silicon and finally cast in grey-coloured resin, with central symbol of the Pydonian seal, with chain,

Provenance : comes with a statement of authenticity from Mike Tucker "Miniature Effects Supervisor", confirming he made this original prop during the 1988 season of Doctor Who, was one of several made all were used at different times by the production.

Lot 112 Bonhams Entertainment Memorabilia (Wednesday 29 June 2011).

key 6.5cm (2½in) long.

Seventh Doctor
Red Hatband Hanky

SOLD FOR £256.38

This is one of the hatbands worn by Seventh Doctor, Syvlester McCoy during his tenure as the Time Lord.

It was obtained at a Longleat auction hosted by John Nathan Turner on Sunday 1st August (I’d love to tell you which year but the accompanying sheet doesn’t say it!) where it was item number 4 to be sold.

Time And The Rani
Tetrap Prop

SOLD FOR £819

Here we have an original screen used prop from the 1987 Doctor Who story Time and the Rani, the 1st story to feature Sylvester McCoy as the Doctor. This particular prop is a miniature Tetrap, the bat-like creatures seen throughout the story. This Tetrap was used in the scenes where Tetraps were seen hanging from the ceiling of the Tetrap cave, and can also be seen on the cover of the novel of Time and the Rani. This prop is in absolutely fantastic condition, and is now over 25 years old. The Tetrap Is made from sturdy foam latex, and is covered in faux fur. The latex is in absolutely superb condition with no cracks whatsoever.
The Tetrap is about 20 inches tall, and is a perfect size for a display prop. I bought the prop directly from the owner of www.doctorwhoprops.com, the best buyer and seller of original Doctor Who props known to man, who will confirm that this prop is 100% original and 100% screen used. This is an absolutely excellent example of a typical 1980's Doctor Who prop. The Tetrap also comes with its own professionally made custom display case. I had the case made shortly after purchasing the prop, by a company called Widdowsons, and cost over £100 on its own. The case measures roughly 22 inches tall, 8 inches wide and 7 inches deep. It is made of ultra-violet resistant perspex which protects the contents of the case, and the base is wooden with a soft finish on the inside.

Costume Station Zero - go for immediate launch!

My good friend Bob Mitsch in the US has announced Costume Station Zero - a free podcast dedicated to all things cosplay - launching today,  thirteen years to the day since the moon was torn out of Earth orbit in the classic 1960s series Space: 1999!

Although not strictly limited to Doctor Who, with Bob’s fascination for the series it will inevitably have a heavy Who orientation.

Already a couple of episodes have been posted, and the current download has some Doctor Who content.

EPISODE 2

13th September 2012

This is a chat with Seventh Doctor mega-fan Andy Teal, founder of www.prydoacademy.com and organizer for the Doctor Who Cosplayers at Dragon Con. He and Bob talk about the Dragon Con event and get into the details of the 7th Doctor’s costume.

Episode 2 - Dragon Con and the 7th Doctor (part 1 of 2)

Episode 2 - Dragon Con andthe 7th Doctor (part 2 of 2)

Imperial Dalek – SEEK! LOCATION! DISPLAY!

Over the past few years there have been a number of auctions at Bonhams where items from Doctor Who have been sold, some for very high prices.
I have done my best to cover as many of these as possible and bring you news of what has been on offer and the final sale prices they sold for.

But what happens to all the items once the sale is over? Where do they go? And can we ever get to see them again?

Well today I found the answer to one lot sold at the 2010 Doctor Who auction.

An Imperial Dalek, which was built for the 1988 adventure Remembrance Of The Daleks, was lot number 80 in the infamous Bonhams auction.

Like many Daleks from around that time, it was in a pretty sorry state, with part of its neck structure missing; the exterminator gun lacking some struts, and what remained were bent; the skirt missing at least one bump; and its cream paintwork looking a bit tatty and scuffed around the edges.

Despite this it sold for £15,600. (A vastly altered identical Dalek sold for £20,400 in the same sale.)

I went along to the viewing for the sale and got to see the dale for myself, and it almost looked worse in real life, compared to the photograph.

The neck was particularly sorry to see, with several pieces of the gold mesh missing, revealing the fibreglass structure underneath.

Anyway, fast forward to this month, and a new exhibition has opened at the EMP museum in Seattle.

And Who was on the ticket for the opening launch party? (see what I did there?) None other than the Imperial Dalek himself!

Many other films and tv are represented at the exhibition, from Kirk’s command chair in Star Trek; Neo’s coat from the Matrix films; a Terminator head; and Superman’s space capsule.

I do not know the story behind his travel from the UK to Seattle, but from the museum’s Facebook page, there has been some level of restoration involved, but this appears to have been limited to cleaning the paintwork and patching over the structural losses around the neck.

The museum have then created an iconic image of the Dalek looking pristine and bright as a button. You would be forgiven for thinking it had been lovely restored to its former glory.

Photo by Jessica Trimble

This, however, is a little misleading as the Dalek on display still shows signs of its age, with that skirt bump still missing and the neck half lost.

Me thinks a Photoshop wizard had a hand in the publicity photo above . . ..

If you want to go and see the Imperial Dalek at the EMP Museum, you can read details below

empmuseum.org
Icons of Science Fiction

Bonhams: 1991 - Doctor Who The Auction

Over the past couple of years, as well as keeping up to date with the latest costume auctions, I’ve done my best to track back over the various sales held at Bonhams over the years.

Their online records only go back seven years, but one sale I’ve been wanting to find out about was a dedicated Doctor Who sale from 1991.

This week I managed to pick up a copy of the sale catalogue on eBay, and it makes interesting reading.

The catalogue is a very different beast to what we see now.
There are no photographs of the items on sale, and no estimates are indicated.

It is divided into roughly one episode per page, on which all the lots relating to it are listed. One or two publicity stills from the episode are included, which may or may not show the items being listed!

Here are the Seventh Doctor related items.

Happy Christmas to all my readers!

Wow - another year has flown past - and what a year it’s been!

Photo by Scott Sebring

It started back in January with a once in a lifetime opportunity when I made the Ultimate Tennant Suit. To have the chance to put into practice the actual way the suit was made was an amazing experience. The timing was perfect, as I had a couple of months before started learning traditional hand-tailoring techniques, which I put to great use in making the suit.

Photo by Scott Sebring

I had to follow the suit, and with three days notice ended up going to Gallifrey One in LA!
There I met up with a number of my online friends and many of my readers who had no idea I was going. I also had the privilege of arranging a group photograph with four of my Tennant Coat clients, which was the highlight of the trip.

By the end of April news broke that THE Series Six Shetland Tweed fabric had been found, as well as the Series Five Donegal.

It was like the Tennant Suit all over again: making an iconic jacket in the exact fabric. I was lucky to find the correct buttons and elbow patches to finish it off.

In August the culmination of many month work came to fruition when I took delivery of  my rewoven Tennant Coat lining. I had been searching for years to find a suitable alternative, but finally took the plunge and commissioned my own recreation of it.

The past few months of the year have been taken up with making a popular new garment in my repertoire - the Green Greatcoat.

I spent a while carefully researching the pattern, fabric and construction until I got it just right.

Then in late November I attended Chicago TARDIS, where I entered the masquerade competition wearing a test version of the Colin Baker Six Frock Coat. I won Best In Show: Workmanship for my tailoring – for which I am very proud.

This was one of three coats I had made, the other two were for the wedding of some close friends which is due to take place just before Christmas.

Looking back it has been an exciting year, with more projects than I could have thought to have taken on.

And as the year comes to a close, an even more exciting development is breaking.

More on that in the New Year, but trust me, it’s gonna be worth the wait . . .