Vintage Poster Sales That Caught Everyone Off Guard

Every once in a while, an auction delivers a surprise that leaves even seasoned collectors speechless — and this weekend, it happened with not one, but two vintage posters from the same classic movie.

Take a look at the image above.  Two original vintage half sheet movie posters used in 1949 to promote the same film, "Abbott and Costello Meet the Killer, Boris Karloff".   At first glance they look almost identical with the images just positioned slightly different.   Style B is actually in better condition as Style A has a bit of condition issues.   

Both posters came from the same film, both highly sought-after... yet when the final hammer fell, the results couldn’t have been more different — and more thrilling.

So at yesterday's auction, which one soldl for more?

Style B sold for about $350.  While Style A sold for about $1400,   FOUR times what B sold for

So what made the difference?

Condition? Rarity? A fierce bidding war?

Ok, here is my personal breakdown analysis.

1. Beginning with the most obvious Style A is more rare than style B.
2. However, IMO what really stood out is the artwork.   Take a look again and see which artwork and graphics you find more appealing.  Which poster grabs your attention more than the other?     For me the answer is instantaneous.  Style B with the characters in a circular design looking down and Bud and Lou is just brilliant!    Hence, a choice vintage poster to own and proudly showcase in your home.
   
   What triggered the bidding war may have been rarity, but spectacular artwork trump'd all.
   
   

It wasnt the most valuable and/or highest selling poster yesterday, that went to an "Attack of the 50 Foot Woman" one sheet which sold for $24,000.   But the Abbott & Costello comparative was a fascinating example of consumer behavior.