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George Reeves Event-Used Superman Costume Available at Auction
Posted on May 15, 2023 by Neil Cole
A Superman costume worn by the "Adventures of Superman" star George Reeves during personal appearance events and tours from 1954-58 is currently available at auction through Goldin Auctions.
There are superhero costumes, but this is the Holy Grail of them all: Superman's event-worn costume, worn by the imitable George Reeves circa 1954-58 during his run as the Man of Steel. Imagine it's 1954, and a young child just finished watching The Adventures of Superman; the opening theme, dubbed "Superman's March," still playing in their head as they head out to meet their hero, the Man of Steel, at one of the many personal appearances he made at parades, fundraisers, exhibitions, charity events, personal appearances, through 1954-58.
This very suit - as per the comprehensive, educational, and entertaining book from MEARS that accompanies the costume - was manufactured and tailored to be worn by Reeves during the 1954-58 era, with conclusive proof that the suit was only worn by the actor during the period as mentioned above during a myriad of events and tours.
The costume was originally saved from the scrap heap by legendary DC Comics editor Whitney Ellsworth who worked extensively on the "Adventures of Superman" and liberated the costume from the set after the conclusion of production. Without his quick thinking, this relic of Superman's history would never be with us today.
As per the ironclad documentation that comes with this treasure, Steve Terman purchased the suit from Jim Hambrick, noted Superman expert and owner/curator of the Supermusuem located in Metropolis, Illinois. Terman first purchased the iconic cape, then tasked Hambrick with assembling the remaining costume pieces, with the pants the most challenging piece to acquire, as per Hambrick. Upon completion of the costume, Terman received two letters from Hambrick detailing the costume, which are included with this item.
Included is a copy of a letter discussing Superman costumes signed by Western Costume Co. Vice President Robert Niewoehner. The original remains in Hambrick's collection, with the letter personally initialed by Hambrick. Copies of this letter have circulated around the hobby for years, but this is the only copy found by MEARS to have Hambrick's initials with supporting financial documentation, with Hambrick's letter serving as the authenticity for the George Reeves Superman cape.
The costume consists of a long-sleeved blue pull-over top/tunic made of wool with red and yellow flannel "S" emblem sewn on and attached to the left and right shoulder of the top/tunic; crimson red trunks of 100% wool with four belt loops sewn on; and blue full-length tights with stirrups attached made of 100% wool. Please note that the boots and the belt are reproductions. Included in the costume are unused and unopened undergarments consisting of a top and bottom that were on set and ready on standby for use, accompanied by a letter from Thol Sampson who worked as the special effects person on the show.
Reeves wore this costume at 47 different events identified and supported via documentation of surviving photos, period newspaper accounts, and research. Reeves often appeared in more than one performance a day, raising the instances of his documented appearances in this costume to over 50 events from 1954-58. Some of these events were jam-packed with action, as Superman would confront and dispatch a villain onstage, much to the delight of excited attendees.
Make no mistake; this is the most important costume to come to auction due to its rarity and the history connected to Superman, as he's served as the inspiration for every superhero since his debut in 1938. Considering copies of "Action Comics No. 1" sell for well over $1-million, this costume is even scarcer than the comic from which it originated. Superman, who stands for "Truth, Justice, and the American Way," is woven into the very fabric of the United States, making this unique item a piece of American history tied to an era of American ascendence post World War II.
For more information on the George Reeves event-used Superman costume or to place a bid, please visit Goldin.co.
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