Remembering Stewart Berkowitz: Inside the Collection
The brand-new season opened with an unforgettable collection of screen-used costumes and props.
Apr. 7, 2024
Stewart Berkowitz not only had one of the largest private collections in the country, but he held his collection close to his heart. He was able to turn his love for classic TV into a passion for collecting many screen-used costumes and props.
His collection spanned many decades but focused on some of the most popular and influential TV shows from the '50s, '60s and '70s.
He had everything from a screen-used Barney Fife costume from The Andy Griffith Show (1960), iconic costumes from Star Trek: The Original Series (1966) and a whole Holy! collection of Batman '66 costumes featuring his favorite heroes and villains.
Stewart was a return collector for Collector's Call and could be previously seen in season three. Not only was his collection special to him, it became special for anyone watching.
Let's get connected to his collection. Bring on the childhood memories!
1. Barney Fife's screen-used costume
You could tell us that this was the real Barney Fife, and we'd probably believe you! Stewart's attention to detail was something to pay attention to.
The mannequins, which are incredibly realistic, increased the value of his screen-used costume collection by a couple thousand dollars.
This costume took Stewart a long time to complete. He would frequent many auctions, searching for the parts he needed to complete the classic Barney Fife get-up.
The Andy Griffith Show was an iconic sitcom from the '60s. This costume was important to Stewart because he grew up watching the show.
Our expert valued this screen-used costume at $5,000. We can just hear the theme song whistle now!
2. Wonder Woman screen-used costume
This costume is one of a kind! Or, three of a kind, to be exact.
This is one of three screen-used Wonder Woman costumes which date back to the 1975 series. The other two costumes are owned by Lynda Carter and another collector.
The costume is made from a mix of silk and leather and included the famous lasso seen in the series.
This piece was important to Stewart because he felt it was important to have a female superhero as part of his collection. He paid a super price for this iconic costume, but his love for Wonder Woman was priceless.
Which superhero costume would be your dream to own?
3. The Love Boat screen-used costume
Fun fact: Lisa Whelchel was a guest star on two (two-part) episodes of The Love Boat. She can be seen in "Isaac's Aegean/The Captain and the Kid" and "The German Cruise: The Villa/The Racer's Edge/Love or Money/The Accident."
Stewart's collection featured two iconic items from The Love Boat series: Captain Stubing's (Gavin MacLeod) screen-used suit and part of the boat rail as seen in many shots with some of the most iconic celebrities (including Lisa Whelchel!)
He found The Love Boat rail and screen-used costume at the same auction. At the time, the costume was only $900.
Our expert valued this piece at $3,000. You don't need a boat to feel the love that came through Stewart's collection.
4. Star Trek: The Original Series screen-used costumes
You can't think of '60s TV without thinking of this iconic duo: Captain Kirk and Spock. Bonus points if you know about the Vulcan salute!
These screen-used costumes are iconic, recognizable and as authentic as it can get. The pants are even made from a material that had only been used in the '60s, making them impossible to duplicate.
This would be every Trekkie's dream to own. According to our expert, Star Trek is highly sought-after by collectors and is an easily collectible item. However, these screen-used costumes soar beyond our world as far as value and rarity.
Our expert valued this piece at $200,000. That's an out of this world price for a priceless piece.
5. Batman screen-used costumes
This part of Stewart's collection showed his passion for completion. It also highlighted his dedication and commitment to the Batman '66 series.
Batman was one of his favorite shows in childhood. He loved the characters, costumes and the idea of superheroes.
It took Stewart around 20 years to acquire all of these iconic costumes. One of the hardest pieces for him to find was the classic Batman utility belt as seen on the '66 series.
Our expert valued these screen-used costumes at $1,150,000. Holy costume collection, Batman!
6. The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson set
Heeere's Johnny Carson's set! This was Stewart's "holy grail" item. For many, this would be as close to Johnny Carson as one could get.
The couch, chair, desk and curtains were all original and came straight from the set. This piece was important to Stewart because he watched the show. The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson set was one of the most recognizable parts of the TV talk show.
Although the curtains were a separate purchase, the desk and chair alone were valued around $100,000.
Our expert valued the whole Johnny Carson collection at $200,000. Think of all those celebrities who sat on that couch... now including Lisa Whelchel.
7. The total value of Stewart Berkowitz' collection:
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