Glossary
Glossary of Terms
These are the meanings ThePropArchive.com uses. Auction houses, sellers, and studios often use the same words differently; where an entry repeats a source's classification, it is labeled as that source's usage, not ours.
How an item was used
Listed from strongest to weakest claim.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Screen-matched | A specific item identified in specific footage or production photography by unique features such as wear, damage, paint, or construction details. A match shows the item appears in that footage; on its own it does not establish who handled or wore it. |
| Screen-used | Some sources use this loosely for anything used during filming; we endeavor to not do so. In fact, we don't really care for the term, and so eschew its use. This hackneyed term will appear throughout the site as it is a cliche used by all sellers. |
| Production-used | Used during filming, whether or not it appears in the released version. Includes items in deleted scenes, rehearsal, and camera tests. |
| Production-made | Made by or for the production, with no confirmation that it was used during filming. |
| Attributed | A source states the item was used in a scene or by a performer, but the claim has not been matched to footage or documentation. |
Versions of a prop
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Hero | The most detailed version of a prop, typically made for close-ups and for handling by principal cast. |
| Stunt | A version made from lighter or safer materials, such as rubber, foam, or resin, for action and physical scenes. |
| Background | A lower-detail version made for use at a distance or by extras. |
| Insert | A version made for close-up insert shots, sometimes more detailed than the hero. |
| Practical | A functioning version, such as one that lights up, moves, or fires blanks. |
| Prototype / test | An early or development version made before the final design was settled. |
| Repurposed | An item originally made for another production, then reused or redressed. Entries note both productions where known. |
Origin and copies
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Production pull / Cast from Original | A casting from an original production mold made after filming, outside the production. Shares the original's shape but was not used in production. |
| Display / promotional | Made for publicity, premieres, exhibitions, or marketing rather than filming. |
| Crew item | Made for or given to production crew, such as crew jackets, gifts, and wrap items. |
| Licensed replica | A reproduction made after production under license from the rights holder. |
| Replica | A reproduction not made by or for the production, licensed or not. |
| Provenance | The documented history of an item's ownership and origin. Provenance we report is as stated by the source unless noted. |
| Certificate of authenticity (COA) / Letter of authenticity (LOA) | A document issued by a seller or third party asserting authenticity. A COA reflects its issuer's opinion; we report it but do not endorse it. |
Costumes
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Worn by | The source states a named performer wore the costume. Unless screen-matched, this is an attribution. |
| Stunt double / photo double | Worn by a double for the performer, not the performer themselves. |
| Multiple | One of several identical costumes made for a role. Which one appeared in a given scene is often unknown. |
| Costume components | Individual pieces of a costume offered or documented separately. |
Sales and prices
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Estimate | The selling party's expected price range before sale. Not a valuation by us. |
| Hammer price | The winning bid at auction, before buyer's premium and taxes. |
| Buyer's premium | A percentage added to the hammer price and paid by the buyer. Rates vary by auction house and sale. |
| Total price | Hammer price plus buyer's premium, as published by the selling party. Entries state which figure is shown. |
| Unsold / passed | Offered at auction without selling, often because bidding did not reach the reserve.<br><br>It should be noted that such things may be sold at a later date in other venues. Sometimes that information is available, sometimes it is not. |
| Reserve | The confidential minimum price a consignor will accept. |
| Private sale | A sale outside a public auction. Prices are reported only when published by a party to the sale, and when sufficient evidence of a sale is made available for independent review. |
Terms not listed here carry their ordinary meaning or the meaning used by the cited source.
Last updated 25 October 2026