Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions
How can you tell if a poster is vintage?
1 Answer
To tell if a poster is vintage, first consider the paper. Due to their age, most vintage posters will show at least minor signs of wear around the edges. A poster that appears brand new could be a reproduction. Also, familiarize yourself with the type of paper used for poster printing during the time when you believe your piece may have been produced. For example, you'd expect an original poster from the early 20th century to feel like newsprint, so a glossy finish on a piece would likely indicate that it's a later reprint. Next, grab a magnifying glass and examine the image. If you can see small dots or pixels, your poster was likely produced with printers that emerged during the late 1960s. Vintage posters from the 1970s, 80s and 90s may still be authentic originals if you observe pixelation, but you wouldn't expect to see it on a piece that purported to be older. If you still feel unsure about the age of your poster, consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable art dealer. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of vintage posters.
1stDibs ExpertOctober 15, 2024
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Shop for Posters on 1stDibs
1979 Adolphe Mouron Cassandre Normandie Vintage Poster. Print Made in Paris
Located in Turku, Finland
Adolphe Mouron (Cassandre) Normandie lithograph poster print made in Paris, France in 1979. The print shop used Cassandre's original design printed in 1935. The poster promoted the i...
Category
Late 20th Century French Art Deco Posters
Materials
Plexiglass, Paper
$1,140 Sale Price
20% Off
The Godfather / Il Padrino
Located in London, GB
Original Italian film poster for Francis Ford Coppola's gangster masterpiece starring Marlon Brando, Al Pacino and Robert Duvall.
This poster is in excellent condition with the colo...
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Posters
Materials
Paper
The Pink Panther 1964 French Moyenne Film Poster, Clement Hurel
Located in Bath, Somerset
This original 1964 French moyenne poster for The Pink Panther showcases the distinctive artwork of Clément Hurel (1927–2008), a prolific and respected figure in French cinema and adv...
Category
20th Century French Posters
Materials
Linen, Paper
King Kong 1933 French Grande Style A Film Poster, Roland Coudon
Located in Bath, Somerset
One of the stand-out items of our new collection. The 1933 French Grande Style A King Kong film poster by Roland Coudon is an exceptionally rare and highly sought-after vintage collectible. Created for the movie’s first release in France, it is one of only two poster styles produced for the Grande format for that debut. What truly sets this poster apart is its unique design: instead of depicting the more familiar Empire State Building scene, Coudon’s artwork captures the dramatic sacrifice moment on Skull Island, with Kong illuminated by torches as he is introduced to the audience.
Produced as a stone lithograph, this poster is widely regarded as one of the finest images created for King Kong, skilfully conveying the intense emotions of fear and awe central to the film. Measuring approximately 46 x 62 1/2 inches, the French Grande format gives the poster a commanding visual presence that draws the eye and demands attention. Due to its extreme rarity, with very few surviving examples known to exist, this poster is an invaluable treasure for serious collectors and film historians alike.
More than just a promotional item, the French Grande Style A King Kong poster...
Category
20th Century French Posters
Materials
Linen, Paper
The Man With a Golden Gun 1973 Japanese B2 Film Poster, Robert McGinnis
Located in Bath, Somerset
Fab first-year-of-release Japanese film poster for James Bond's 1964 film Goldfinger, arguably one of his finest outings. A rare and highly collectible item.
This original vintage m...
Category
20th Century Japanese Posters
Materials
Paper
Pisces Baby Zodiac Sign Poster by Leticia Gagetti - Size A1
By OWO Ceramics
Located in Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, AR
Zodiac sign poster by Leticia Gagetti, printed on 260g high-quality paper with a matte finish that ensures vivid and saturated colors.
Crafted through giclée printing on museum-qual...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Posters
Materials
Paper
