A 1935 poster for Universal's Werewolf of London was the clear winner at Heritage Auctions' July Movie Poster sale.
The 14" by 36" insert sold for $47,800 at the Dallas, Texas auction on July 16.
Starring Henry Hull, Warner Oland and Valerie Hobson, the film was a flop at the box office but, importantly for collectors, is now regarded as a classic of its genre.
The unrestored poster, which features small pinholes in the corners and slight tears, is in fine+ condition, and almost surpassed its $50,000 high estimate.
Posters from the film have always proved popular at auction but rarely reach these heights. A fine+ one sheet made $17,925 at Heritage in 2007.
 This poster for the box office flop made $47,800 |
The second highest lot was a one sheet for Paramount's 1942 flick This Gun for Hire, which made $20,315, comfortably within its estimate.
Meanwhile, a 1941 RKO 27" by 41" one sheet for Orson Welles' Citizen Kane sold for $9,560.
Importantly for high-net worth individuals looking to acquire potentially valuable collectibles, classic film posters have historically retained their value due to their rarity and the popularity of the films in question.
Award winning collectibles writer Toby Walne explains:
"Although prices have already gone stratospheric in the movie poster market, I can't help thinking those fabulous originals will always hold strong value as there is such a limited supply and we all love great movies," he says.
Classic music posters too can command large sums at auction, and there are always fascinating items to be unearthed on the private market.
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