Comic Books

That Next Major Superman Purchase Is Not a Comic Book!

True comic book collectors know that the DC Action Comics #1 is the first ever appearance of Superman. They also know that the comic can be priced well over $1 million. But what about the ultimate movie prop from Superman? Up for grabs is a Superman costume ensemble that was worn by actor George Reeves, who played the original Superman in the television series Adventures of Superman from 1952 through 1958).

As the first actor to portray Superman on television back in the 1950s, George Reeves was known in almost every single American household throughout the 1950s. With the conclusion of Heritage Auctions October 15 through November 4 to 7 new prices for Superman’s original film worn costumes have been realized.

This vintage costume up for auction is represented by Heritage as original and as a two-piece costume. It is a blue knit wool bodysuit with long sleeves and a yellow and red wool felt “S” patch on the chest. It also features the noil fabric and floor-length cape affixed to the bodysuit which also features the signature “S” patch on the back of cape. This costume sold for $350,000.00 on November 7, 2021 after 4 bids.

The last Superman mega-sale of an DC Action Comics #1 was a dud, but that may have been due to restoration.

The $350,000.00 costume also had a pair of red knit stitched wool briefs with wide belt loops at the hips and a yellow synthetic-coated leather belt. Heritage further noted that the details of the belt have been identified by experts as seen in many of the later color episodes and that this is the finest example known to exist. (Image below by Heritage Auctions)

George Reeves Superman set costume

George Reeves Superman set costume

For further provenance, on top of a certificate of authenticity (COA) from Heritage, the bodysuit/cape has an internal Western Costume bias label with “George Reeves” printed inside. The costume is also said to be accompanied by an extensive professional summary of the textile examination. According to Heritage:

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.

Two more Superman costumes were sold in the November 7, 2021 auction are listed here:

  • Christopher Reeve “Superman” Costume for Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (Warner Bros., 1987) sold for $187,500.00 on November 7, 2021 after 7 bids.
  • Kirk Alyn “Superman” Costume Ensemble from Superman (Columbia, 1948/1950) sold for $81,250.00 on November 7, 2021 after 4 bids.

Here are the two other sales of Superman Costumes provided by Heritage Auctions:

  • A full-bodied Superman suit worn by George Reeves with fx “flying pan” sold on September 29, 2015 for $216,000.00.
  • Another George Reeves “Superman” belt buckle, cape, and muscle under-suit sold on June 26, 2017 for $19,200.00.

Superman was king of the mountain when it came to action comics, but his comic was just unseated by the record-breaking comic book sale of Spider-Man in Amazing Fantasy #15. A $350,000.00 high price sale of an original Superman costume is proof he is alive and that kryptonite has not claimed this superhero.

Categories: Comic Books, Misc., Movies

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