A Caution about buying “Props” claimed to be from I Love Lucy

The focus of this blog is on items that match screen used props and set decorations on I Love lucy.  Authentic original props that were screen used on I Love lucy rarely come to auction and when they do I expect to see convincing evidence and documented providence tracing the item to the show. It is disheartening to see an item claimed to be an original prop used on I Love Lucy only to discover  after viewing countless screen captures that it fails to match any of the items used on the show.

From time to time such items turn up at auction.  See the following link for an example of fraudulent I Love Lucy “props” that were offered for sale in the past:  http://www.originalprop.com/blog/2008/04/30/i-love-lucy-global-antiques-and-auction-depot-la-metal-tea-pot/

Because several  fradulent items were sold in the past  it is reasonable to assume there are collectors out there who mistakenly believe they have an original prop and may offer it for sale as such. The onus is on the buyer to do their own due dilligence.

Recently I noticed a collection of figurines offered for sale described as I Love Lucy props. An experienced collector would observe in the wording of the description that the seller did not explicitly state that the items were used on screen, and note the lack of convincing providence.  A novice buyer, on the other hand,  may fail in their due dilligence or buy on impulse.

Caveat Emptor – the buyer is responsible for checking the quality and suitability of goods before a purchase is made.