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Collecting Vintage Posters

July 31, 2012 | view archive

These colorful finds inspire and appeal to a very diverse audience of collectors. Whether you’re attracted to the large scale lithos or screen prints and stylized imaging that are hallmarks from this age of advertising, or you’re drawn to them for their subject matter, product or message, the attraction is universal.

Taking the inspiration for a spin on our very first Pinterest board. Click here to view the full Pinterest board!

There are some images that are so popular for their imagery and design that they have been reproduced as modern day decorative items, but to a serious collector, there is nothing better than finding the real deal.

Collecting posters
While there are plenty of folks who may gravitate toward certain posters based on their visual appeal alone, there are many more factors to consider when it comes to serious collection.

As with any genre, the collectibility of a poster is determined by several factors:

• Rarity
• Originality
• Popularity of the artist and artistic achievement
• Subject Matter
• Condition
• Conservation

In addition to the selection of vintage advertising and travel posters featured in our August 11 Art & Antiques Auction, you’re also going to find vintage movie posters and lobby cards, including examples dating back to the early silent film era.  You'll also find some appealing furniture that will give the right touch of drama to your newly inspired interior.

Here’s a quick guide to understanding the terminology and various sizes for American movie posters:

• One Sheets:
27" x 41" poster that is the most sought after by collectors.

• Three Sheet
41" x 81" sized poster (three 27" side by side}

• Lobby Cards  
Set of eight cards, 11" x 14" each with one title card, the rest are scenes from the movie, made until the 1980s

• Window Card
14" x 22" posters were used around town to promote a current movie. These would be put in store windows and typically had the name of the local theater at the top of the poster.

• Insert Posters:
14" x 36" posters that were used on a sandwich board on the outside of the movie theater.

• Half Sheet:
22" x 28" posters that were usually displayed behind the concession counter.

Whether you're a seasoned collector or just testing the waters, this is an auction you don't want to miss.

Browse the auction preview catalog