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August 27, 2015: Original George Reeves Superman Costume Heads to Auction
Posted by Neil Cole
An original Superman costume worn by the late George Reeves during the second season of "The Adventures of Superman" will be featured in the upcoming "Hollywood Auction 74" by Profiles in History.
The gray knit wool suit (with Berman's Hollywood label) consists of tunic with under-strap, leggings, dark brown trunks, tan leather belt with oval brass buckle, brown cape and brown leather suede boots with rear zipper closure. Stitched on both the chest of the tunic and back face of the cape is the signature stylized "S" insignia in dark brown on a field of crème. The muscle under-suit is constructed of a durable synthetic satin-like fabric with sculpted rubber torso, suggesting muscular pectoral, abdominal and bicep muscles.
Included with the costume is an original 35 x 16 inch fiberglass and steel flying pan rig which was created by special effects specialist Thol Simonson along with others on his team. Reeves would lay on the pan with his costume over it to conceal it from view and a hydraulic system would move him up and down and side to side while a blue-screen projection was running in the background to simulate flight.
Both the costume and the flying pan come with a letter of authenticity from Simonson who kept the costumes following the production of the groundbreaking show. The costume is in unrestored condition exhibiting small areas of surface abrasion and minor tears and staining from production use. The muscle torso under-suit exhibits numerous stains and applied patching (during production) under the arms, yet the rubber still remains supple.
The sequences of Superman in flight were the highlights of "The Adventures of Superman" legacy, and this vintage Superman costume with special effects flying rig represents the finest, most complete and historic costume in the history of television to be sold at auction.
"Hollywood Auction 74" takes place September 30th - Octobber 1st, 2015 in Calabasas, CA. Each days auction is scheduled to begin at 11:00AM (PST).
