Condition
The criterion under which posters, especially very old pieces, are evaluated, is
different from that of printed graphic art. For this reason, the quality of a poster can
still be classified as “very good”, although slight creases, stains or tears may
exist on the exterior. Unless otherwise described, the conditions of the posters are very
good or good. The ratings describe the condition of a poster after it has been
professionally restored. The following ratings have been applied: (A)
Designates a poster in very good condition. The colors
are fresh; no paper loss. There may be some slight blemish or tears. (A-) indicates there
may be some slight dirt, fold, tears or bubble or other minor restoration, but most
unobtrusive. A poster that was folded but is otherwise flawless is rated as an (A-).
(B) Designates a poster in good
condition. There may be some slight paper loss. The paper may have yellowed
(light-stained). |
(B-) designates a poster in fairly
good condition, possibly with heavier than normal light-staining or noticeable repairs
(even in the design area). (C) Designates
a poster in fair condition. The light-staining may be more pronounced; restoration, folds,
or flaking are clearly visible.
(D) Designates a poster in bad
condition. A good part of such poster may be missing. Colors have faded.
Printing technique
Usually, the posters are printed in lithograph printing technique. Since
determining printing techniques even presents difficulties to experts, all of these are
described here as lithographs (L). Only the posters which we can completely affirm as
offset printing (O) are described as such.
Size
The size is indicated in inches and centimeters, height preceding width.
Literature (catalogues only)
If a reference to literature is made, the respective poster is illustrated and/or
further described there. |
Abbreviations
C = color
emv = estimated market value
L = lithography
LP = letterpress printing
O = offset printing
oJ = on Japan paper
oL = on linen
P = country of production (of a film)
S = silk screen printing
T = photogravure printing
wf = was foldedIMPORTANT!
Some posters in our auctions have been
marked with a plastic stripe (PS) for archival purposes. As a result, the poster edges
show in various degrees browning from the adhesive. Based on our personal
inspection, we have set the following guidelines:
PS = slight / no browning or browning is not very
problematic
PS+ = the browning distracts from the overall image. |
